Search

Undergraduate dental training is demanding and rigorous, unaware students face a lot of challenges after entering the course. Thus, the study aims to find out from a dental sophomore the challenges they face during the first year of dental school.An e-questionnaire study was conducted on 932 second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery students of India. The questions help us gauge problems and hurdles faced by a dental sophomore like information related to difficulty levels, laborious nature and so on. Chi-square test is to find out relativity and association between the variables.Pre-clinical prosthodontics was found the most laborious and a gender-wise significant difference (P0.01) was noted amongst females (437, 71.06%) and males (157, 49.53%).This study highlighted that students are usually unaware about the course, the type of content reading, learning, laborious nature of practical work and so on.

Introduction: Dental fluorosis is a major endemic oral disease characterized by hypo mineralization of enamel caused due to consumption of water containing high concentration of fluoride during developmental stages of teeth. Aim: To assess the prevalence of dental fluorosis among 11-14 years old school children in endemic fluoride areas of Haryana and to find their treatment needs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2200 school children in endemic fluoride areas of Haryana (India) for a period of six months. Dental fluorosis was recorded by the Thylstrup-Fejerskov index (TF index) given by Thylstrup A, Fejerskov O. Statistical Analysis: Data entry and analysis were performed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 18.0. Chi square test was used to find association between TFI scores and gender, age categories. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: Prevalence of dental fluorosis (TFI) reached 96.6% with most children falling in TFI score 2, 3, 4 and 5 categories. Mean TFI score of study population was found to be 3.19 ± 1.551. There was significant difference found between gender and prevalence of dental fluorosis (P = 0.00). Conclusion: Our findings showed the increased prevalence of dental fluorosis in endemic fluoride areas with mild to moderate level of dental fluorosis.

Background: As dynamics of caries is changing, there is a need to understand the impact of sociodemographic factors on dental caries to broaden the horizon of dental caries etiology. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of sociodemographic factors on dental caries experience among 11–14-year-old schoolchildren in India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 11–14-year-old schoolchildren in 2015 at Rohtak, India, after approval from the Institution's Ethics Committee. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed for selecting a school randomly from every cluster. Every odd-numbered child from selected class was included in the study through systematic random sampling. Demographic factors were recorded such as education, occupation, income, and socioeconomic status (SES) were assessed using modified Kuppuswamy classification (Oberoi SS 2015). Dental caries was recorded using Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment index. Data were analyzed using SPPS 18, Kruskal–Wallis, and Chi-square tests were used with P value fixed at 0.05. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 28.6% with mean decayed, missing, or filled teeth of 0.60 ± 1.13. Age, gender, position of child, number of siblings, type of family, father's and mother's education, and father's occupation had no significant relationship with dental caries (P > 0.05), whereas mother's occupation, family income, and SES were significantly related to dental caries (P < 0.05). Conclusions: High socioeconomic status of parents had a significant role on increased dental caries experience among children.

Background: Empathy is just as relevant within dentistry, although research is limited in this field and very less is available in the current literature. The demonstration of empathy by dentists has been correlated with decreased dental fear. The authors systematically reviewed the literature to investigate empathy levels among dental students. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken concerning dental students' empathy, published from November 2016 to June 2018, using manual methods and the PubMed, PMC, PsycINFO, and other databases. Articles not in English and not concerned with dentistry were excluded, and intervention studies intended to enhance empathy, opinion articles, and reviews or reports of nonoriginal research were excluded. Eligible studies were those published from January 1, 2005, to May 31, 2017, in English language. A total of 34 full-text articles were obtained and assessed. Of these 34 papers, only seven publications were considered to have met the inclusion criteria and were directly related to the aim of literature search. Results: Only seven articles that provided data and evidence describing empathy among dental students were included. Four studies reported that the difference in mean empathy level across the year of study was statistically significant (P < 0.05), and one reported that there was no significant difference in empathy scores between the year levels of study. Three articles reported that males had higher mean empathy score than females, whereas vice versa was found in the remaining four articles. Conclusion: This article demonstrates that there is only a limited evidence to provide the understanding of empathy among dental students. The results indicated that as patient exposure increases, the empathy level decreases among dental students. Furthermore, it is observed that education in behavioral sciences may be effective in increasing self-reported empathy, and further training may be necessary to maintain high levels.

Introduction The quantification of dental caries is usually done by DMFT index but efforts are being made to find an alternative. Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) is a recent, innovative caries assessment tool which can be used in epidemiological surveys. Aim To assess dental caries using CAST index among 11-14-year-old school children in Rohtak city, Haryana, India. Materials and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out among 11-14-year-old children in schools of Rohtak City using multi stage cluster sampling technique. Rohtak city was divided in to nine clusters. In the 2nd stage, one school was randomly selected from each cluster with lottery method. Finally from each selected school, every odd roll number child between age group 11-14 years, were enrolled to reach a sample of 586. Caries was recorded using the CAST index. Each child was clinically examined by a trained examiner using CAST index. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done and Chi-square test was used to find association between caries prevalence and gender. Mann-Whitney U test was used to find any difference of mean DMFT between different age groups. Results A total of 586 children were examined. Prevalence of dental caries was 28.6%. Highest caries was observed in lower right first molar and lower left first molar (13.8% and 11.6%) respectively. Pulpal involvement in lower molars was found more than the upper molars. Conclusion CAST index presents a simple hierarchical structure of caries spectrum and is a promising index for epidemiological studies with complex quantifiability.

Objectives: The objective of the following study is to assess the knowledge of patients about the consequences of smoking on the general and oral health, to analyze the patient's perceptions about the role of dentists in smoking prevention, counseling and cessation and to analyze the willingness of smokers to quit smoking following dentist's advice. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in a sample of 486 dental patients visiting Vokkaligara Sangha Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluruin the month of August 2011 using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was performed to analyze data. Results: The patients had good knowledge about the effects of smoking on general and oral health. Statistically significant difference was observed in the knowledge of smokers and non-smokers about the effects of smoking on ageing (P = 0.008) and oral cancer (P = 0.0012). Patients had a positive perception about the role of dentists in smoking cessation activities. Smokers exhibited a willingness to quit if suggested by the dentist. Conclusion: Patients perceive that dentists can play an important part in smoking cessation activities. Hence, dentists should not hesitate to give smoking cessation advice to their patients and grasp this opportunity to improve the general and oral health of the community.

Objectives To assess the knowledge of patients about the consequences of smoking on the general and oral health, to analyze the patient's perceptions about the role of dentists in smoking prevention, counseling and cessation and to analyze the willingness of smokers to quit smoking following dentist's advice. Materials and methods A descriptive study was conducted among a convenient sample of four eighty-six dental patients visiting Dental College and Hospital, in the month of August 2011 using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and chi square analysis were performed to analyze data. Results The patients had good knowledge about the effects of smoking on general and oral health. However its effect on hair loss, aging and wound healing can be reinforced. Statistically significant difference was observed in the knowledge of smokers and non-smokers about the effects of smoking on aging (P = 0.008) and oral cancer (P = 0.0012). Patients had positive perception about the role of dentist in smoking cessation activities. Smokers exhibited willingness to quit if suggested by the dentist. Conclusion Patients perceive that dentists can play an important part in smoking cessation activities.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the caries experience and its relationship with parent's education, occupation and socio economic status of the family among 3-6 years old preschool children of Sri Ganganagar city, India. Material and methods: A sample of 512 preschool going children were selected. The socioeconomic status was elicited using modified B.G.L. Prasad's classification for the year 2010. Parent's education, occupation and income were recorded. Dental caries experience was recorded using Dentition status and treatment needs (WHO Basic Oral Health Survey 1997). Association between Socioeconomic status and caries experience was obtained using chi square test. Results: The prevalence of nursing caries was 33.01%.Nursing caries was significantly associated with lower parents education, occupation and socioeconomic status of the family (p

Second most common oral disease next to dental caries is periodontal disease. It is considered to be inflammatory disorder that damages tissue through the complex interaction between periopathogens and the host defense systems. Researchers involved in periodontal disease diagnostics are currently investigating the possible use of oral fluids, such as saliva, for disease assessment. Secretions from the major salivary glands, which have a large number of proteins and peptides, are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the oral cavity. Also, because of its importance in oral biofilm formation and host defense, secreted saliva with its biomarkers may have a significant role in the establishment and progression of periodontal disease. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 03 July ’13 Page 244-249 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i3.15405

Aim The aim of the present study was to assess the socioeconomic status of the family and caries experience among 2–6 years old preschool children of Lucknow city, India. Material and methods A sample of 512 preschool going children were selected. The socioeconomic status was elicited using modified B.G.L. Prasad's classification for the year 2010. Parent's education, occupation and income were recorded. Dental caries experience was recorded using Dentition status and treatment needs (WHO Basic Oral Health Survey 1997). Association between socioeconomic status and caries experience was obtained using chi-square test. Results The prevalence of nursing caries was 33.01%. Nursing caries was significantly associated with lower parents education, occupation and socioeconomic status of the family ( p Conclusion Instilling the positive attitudes of the parents especially mothers toward the prevention of nursing caries would reduce the prevalence at this tender age of life.

Introduction: Sucrose is added as sweetening agent in liquid oral medication (LOM) to mask the acrid taste of medicines which may be potentially cariogenic. Many children under long term LOM therapy for treatment of epilepsy may be susceptible to dental caries. Aim: To assess and compare dental caries experience in children under long term liquid oral medication with those not under such medication among 2-12 years old children suffering from epilepsy. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken on a total of 84 children aged 2–12 years, who were suffering from epilepsy receiving liquid oral medication for more than 3 months were selected (study group) and for comparison 106 children of similar age group and disease but on other forms of medication were included as control group. Dental caries was assessed using DMFT/DMFS (Decayed, Missing, Fillled Teeth / Surfaces), dmft/dft and dmfs/dfs indices. One-way ANOVA and t-test were used with p-value fixed at 0.05. Univariate logistic regression was applied. Results: Children on LOM were at increased risk of dental caries than those with other forms of medications (OR: 2.55, 95% CI (2.37-4.15) p=0.000, HS). Caries prevalence was high in the study group (76.1%) when compared to control group (55.6%). Conclusion: Long term use of liquid medicines containing sucrose is a risk factor for dental caries among children with epilepsy.

Background: Urinary tract infection is the second most common bacterial infection seen during pregnancy and is due to the morphological and physiological changes that take place in the genitourinary tract. The pregnant women are two times more commonly affected than age matched non pregnant females and it may lead to less favorable pregnancy outcomes and complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, pyelonephritis, preeclampsia and anemia.Methods: This hospital based cross sectional study was conducted on 350 pregnant women, falling into the inclusion criteria of the study, who attended the antenatal clinic in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at PCMS and RC, Bhopal, irrespective of the gestational age of the cases. The cases found to have asymptomatic bacteriuria were followed till delivery and any adverse antenatal or perinatal outcome was noted.Results: The study was conducted with the aim to know the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and the obstetrical outcome in pregnant women. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 13% and it was common in the age group of 21-25 years, in primigravidas and with period of gestation less than 12 weeks. E. coli was found to be the commonest causative organism. Asymptomatic bacteriuria was found significantly associated with the presence of anemia. Maternal morbidity in terms of pre term labour was higher in cases with asymptomatic bacteriuria.Conclusions: Urine culture and sensitivity should be done as a routine investigation to screen the patients for asymptomatic bacteriuria and to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.

Context: Oral health is a fundamental aspect of general health which significantly affects quality of life (QoL) of an individual. Oral health-related QoL is a multidimensional concept determined by race, education, culture, and experiences related to oral diseases. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the Hindi (Indian) version of the child perceptions questionnaire (CPQ11-14) among 11–14-year-old school children in Rohtak City, Haryana, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 586 children in Rohtak city, Haryana, India, to find out the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of CPQ11-14. The original version of CPQ11-14was translated to Hindi language, and the dental caries experience was measured by caries assessment spectrum and treatment index. Statistical Analysis: The data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS 18. Reliability was assessed in 2 ways: internal consistency reliability and test-retest reliability. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: Construct validity was confirmed demonstrating statistically significant associations between total CPQ11-14 score and global ratings of oral health (P = 0.00) and overall well-being (P = 0.00). Mean CPQ11-14scores (20.30 ± 10.91) including all the domain scores were higher among children without dental caries when compared to children with dental caries (19.79 ± 9.88) and the instrument was not able to discriminate between two clinical groups significantly (P = 0.08). Conclusion: The Hindi version of the CPQ11-14 questionnaire is a reliable instrument having good reliability, good construct, and convergent validity but lacks discriminant validity. Shorter forms of CPQ11-14may be more useful when compared to original construct.

Background: India has millions of tobacco users. It is the leading cause of deaths due to oral cancer and hence needs effective strategies to curb it. Hence the aim of present study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Oral Health Education (OHE) and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in tobacco cessation. Material and Methods: The clinical trial consisted of Manohar Lal Kapoor (MLK) factory workers (n= 40) giving history of tobacco consumption (smoking/smokeless) within past 30 days. They were randomized into OHE (n=20) and NRT (n=20) groups. Baseline evaluation (demographic, smoking/ smokeless behaviour) was done. Fagerstrom test was used for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and to assess nicotine addiction level. Follow up was done at an interval of 1week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months to assess the reduction in the mean FTND score. “Nano-CheckTM Rapid Nicotine test” was used for the qualitative detection of cotinine in human urine. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed (Paired and Unpaired t test). Results: In both OHE and NRT group there was a significant reduction ( p < 0.00001) in mean Fagerstrom score at every follow up but when both the groups were compared mean Fagerstrom score reduction was more in NRT than OHE at all time interval though it was not statistically significant ( p >0.05). Conclusions: NRT is better than OHE when both the groups were compared. However, it was found that any intervention given to tobacco users either NRT or OHE is helpful for the patients in the process of quitting tobacco

The concept of Unani medicine is based on balancing body humours, the imbalance of which causes diseases. The application of leech therapy in medical and dental science is well recognized. Although easy and non-invasive, complications also exist. The article aims to presents a brief review on the applications of leech therapy. The physiological effect, along with its therapeutic role in cancer, diabetes and dentistry have been underlined. Complications of leech therapy have also been dealt with.

Background: Postoperative wound gaping is a very traumatic event both for patient and treating doctor as it adds economical and psychological burden to the patient and the family. This study was conducted with the aim to find out the various factors affecting postoperative wound gaping and their outcome in obstetrical and gynecological abdominal surgeries.Methods: This Retrospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Peoples College of medical sciences and research Centre, Bhopal, India from 1st May 2014 to 31st October 2015.Results: A total of 1310 patients underwent major obstetrical and gynecological abdominal surgeries, out of which 29 cases developed postoperative wound gaping with the percentage being 2.2%. The rate was found to be higher among the emergency obstetric case (51.7%). Associated risk factors being anemia (72%), obesity (65%), hypoproteinemia (62%) and diabetes (52%) among gynecological surgeries and prolonged rupture of membranes (53%), emergency LSCS and previous LSCS (47%) among the obstetric cases. The common causative organism was found to be E. coli (28.5%) followed by acinetobacter and pseudomonas.Conclusions: Anemia, obesity, hypoproteinemia, diabetes, history of previous surgeries, emergency operations are the high risk factors for wound gaping in both obstetrics and gynecology surgeries. Correction of anemia, diabetes preoperatively, high protein diet and prevention of other risk factors like avoiding prolonged labor, use potent antibiotics in cases of rupture of membrane, timely intervention, provide well equipped wards with clean environment would be rewarding for better outcome of the surgery.

Background: Oral malodor affects a large section of population. Traditional Indian folk remedy, oil pulling not only reduces it but can also bring down the cost of treatment. Aims: To compare the efficacy of oil pulling and chlorhexidine in reducing oral malodor and microbes. Materials and Methods: Three week randomized controlled trial was conducted among 60 students of three hostels of Maharani College of science and arts and commerce and Smt V.H.D.College of Home Science. The hostels were randomized into two intervention groups namely chlorhexidine group, sesame oil and one control (placebo) group. Twenty girls were selected from each hostel based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Informed consent was obtained. The parameters recorded at the baseline (day 0) and post intervention on day 22 were plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), objective (ORG1) and subjective (ORG2) organoleptic scores and anaerobic bacterial colony (ABC) count. Intra and inter group comparisons were made using Kruskal Wallis test, Wilcoxan sign rank test, ANOVA and student t-test. Results: There was significant reduction (p

Background: Facial aesthetics affects how people are perceived by society and how they perceive themselves. Anterior malocclusion can have an impact on the overall facial appearance. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of malocclusion and its psycho-social impact among 12 to 15 yrs old school children in Lucknow city. Materials and Methods: The study consisted of collection of information for psychosocial assessment using a questionnaire and clinical examination of malocclusion. Data regarding psychosocial impact of dental aesthetics was collected using a Psychosocial Impact of Dental Aesthetics Questionnaire (PIDAQ) given by Klages et al., (2006). Results: 15.57% children belonged to the definite malocclusion category and 5.41% to the handicapped malocclusion category. The mean Dental self confidence score differed significantly among both male (p≤0.001) and female children (p≤0.001) across the age groups. The mean Social impact score did not differ significantly among both male (p≤0.31) and female children (p≤0.12) across the age groups. Conclusion: The results of the present study imply that dental aesthetics had a significant impact on the psychosocial aspects of human life irrespective of the gender.

Introduction: Tobacco is the greatest disease-producing product which is known to man and it is a primary cause of many oral diseases and adverse oral conditions. This study was conducted to bring the behavioural changes and to educate individuals about the harmful effects of tobacco. Method: Subjects reporting to the tobacco cessation centre of the Department of Public Health Dentistry and giving a history of tobacco consumption (smoking/smokeless) within past 30 day period were randomized into 2 groups: cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) group (study group) and Basic health education (BHE) group (control group). Baseline evaluation (of demographic parameters, smoking/ smokeless behaviour) was done and Fagerstrom’s test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was used to assess subjects’ nicotine addiction levels. Follow up was done at intervals of 2 weeks and 4 weeks to assess the reduction in the mean FTND score. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed (Paired and Unpaired t-test). Results: Of all the subjects who reported to the department, 40 subjects were recruited in the study. A majority of the subjects were males who belonged to rural areas, who had completed high school and most of them had consumed more than 10 sachets of pan masala daily, for an average of 10 years. In both CBT and BHE groups, significant reductions in mean Fagerstrom scores at 1st and 2nd follow ups from baseline and between 1st and 2nd follow ups were seen. But when both groups were compared, reductions in mean Fagerstrom scores were found to be more in CBT group than in BHE group at all time intervals, though it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Any intervention given to tobacco users from either CBT or BHE groups, helped the patients in quitting habit of tobacco.

In the New Era of Dentistry, with the upcoming resistance of treatment modalities, various herbal and natural products have come up as an upper hand in the field of dentistry. Aloe vera is one such product exhibiting multiple benefits. It has gained considerable importance in clinical research. We will highlight the importance, historical aspect, mechanism of action and dental applications of alovera in dentistry.

Research in the field of science and technology has shown that bacteria can communicate with each other. This communication is population-density dependent and involves signalling molecules that can diffuse between the bacterial cells. The process of communication is called ‘quorum sensing’. Different species of bacteria are important in the composition of dental plaque. Many Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria communicate using small diffusible signal molecules called auto inducers. The interference with these signalling systems, also known as Quorum Quenching, represents a promising strategy to tackle bacterial infections.

Past few decades have witnessed an increased interest in risk elements that enhance the occurrence of periodontal diseases. These have been appropriately used in various periodontal risk assessment models to predict not only the present and future disease activity but also risk susceptibility. These models include periodontal risk calculator (PRC), periodontal assessment tool (PAT), periodontal risk assessment (PRA) and its modifications, DentoRisk and self assessment tools. These are based on a certain algorithm which assigns weights to risk elements and predicts risk. The use of these models will improve risk assessment, treatment planning and reduce the cost of health care.

Evidence from epidemiologic studies suggests that periodontal infections are independently associated with subclinical and clinical atherosclerotic vascular disease (AVD). Although the strength of the reported associations is modest, the consistency of the data across diverse populations and a variety of exposure and outcome variables suggests that the findings are not spurious or attributable only to the effects of confounders.

Palatoscopy, or palatal rugoscopy, is the name given to the study of palatal rugae in order to establish a person's identity. Palatal rugae have been shown to be highly individual and consistent in shape throughout the life. It is well established fact that the palatal rugae pattern is unique to human, as his fingerprints. Rugae patterns have been studied for various purposes, mainly in the fields of anthropology, comparative anatomy, genetics, forensic odontology, prosthodontics and orthodontics.

Candidiasis, a common opportunistic fungal infection of the oral cavity, may be a cause of discomfort in dental patients. There are few local factors that make the oral tissues susceptible to Candida infection. These factors include acid saliva, xerostomia, night use of prosthetic dentures, tobacco, carbohydrate rich diets and patients that receive radiotherapy and chemotherapy in maxillofacial structures. Maintenance of oral hygiene and early diagnosis of this condition is very important.

Invasive cervical resorption is relatively uncommon, insidious and often aggressive form of external tooth resorption. Resorption of coronal dentin and enamel often creates a clinically obvious pinkish color in the tooth crown this is because high vascular resorptive tissue. Different approaches have been suggested for the treatment of invasive cervical resorption. This case report presents the surgical management of invasive cervical resorption.

Aim: To assess salivary levels of cariogenic bacteria namely Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus as well as caries experience in mothers (Group IM) and children with ECC (Group IC) in comparison to caries free children (Group IIC) and their corresponding mothers (Group IIM). Materials and method: Sixty pre-school children (3 - 5 years) and their mothers were included and matching was done. The study group consisted of 30 children with ECC and a control group comprising of 30 caries free children. Children together with their mothers were examined for their caries experience and microbiological assessment of their saliva was carried out. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using S.P.S.S version 15.0 software. Statistical tests used were Chi Square and t-test to determine the strength of association between the variables. Results: Streptococcus mutans was significantly higher in children of ECC (Group IC) than caries free children (Group IIC) Conclusion: Significant association was observed in the proportion of children in the ECC group and their mothers with respect to levels of Streptococcus mutans indicating vertical transmission.

Aim: To find the anterior teeth fractures among children of 12 and 15 year old of Lucknow. Material and Method: 1198 school going children were selected by multistage cluster random sampling technique. A total of 594 respondents from urban area and 604 from rural area were surveyed for the present study. Anterior teeth fractures were assessed using WHO Oral Health Assessment form 1997. Chi-square test was used to test the significance of the association between two factors. Results: Males were more affected in both sector, which was statistically significant at p

Since decades honey was not only used as a natural sweetener but also as a healing agent. Many health-promoting and curative properties attributed to it are the basis for some traditional folk medicine treatments throughout the world today. Honey has an effective antibacterial potential to combat oral pathogens and holds promise for the treatment of periodontal diseases, mouth ulcers, and other diseases of the oral cavity. As people are realizing that modern medicine is not the soul remedy for infections today. This review article throws a light on the evolution of Apitherapy and its clinical importance in dentistry.