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Abstract Introduction Anaemia is a disease of public health importance with multi-causal pathways. Previous literature suggests the role of indoor air pollution (IAP) on haemoglobin levels, but this has been studied less due to logistic constraints. A high proportion of the population in developing countries, including India, still depends on unclean fuel, which exacerbates IAP. The objective was to study the association between anaemia and IAP among the older Indian adult population (≥ 45 years) as per gender. Methods Our study analysed the nationally representative dataset of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI 2017–18, Wave-1). We have documented the association of anaemia (outcome variable) with IAP (explanatory variable). To reduce the confounding effects of demographic and socioeconomic; health related and behavioural covariates; propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted. Nested multilevel regression modelling was conducted. States and union territories were categorised cross tabulated as low, middle and high as per anaemia and IAP exposure. P value female (51.63%)). The odds of having anaemia was significantly 1.19 times higher (AOR 1.19 (1.09–1.31)) among participants using unclean/ solid fuel. The adjusted odds were significantly higher among participants exposed to pollution-generating sources (AOR 1.30; 1.18–1.43), and household indoor smoking (AOR 1.17 (1.07–1.29). The odds of having anaemia were significantly higher (AOR 1.26; 1.15–1.38) among participants exposed to IAP, which was higher in males (AOR 1.36; 1.15–1.61) than females (AOR 1.21; 1.08–1.35). Empowered Action Group (EAG) states like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar had both high anaemia and IAP exposure. Conclusion This study established the positive association of anaemia with indoor air pollution among older Indian adults through a nationally representative large dataset. The association was higher among men. Further research is recommended to understand detailed causation and to establish temporality. It is a high time to implement positive intervention nationally to decrease solid/ unclean fuel usage, vulnerable ventilation, indoor smoking, IAP and health hazards associated with these with more focused actions towards EAG states.

Background: Toothbrushes that are used regularly can accumulate a high amount of microorganisms, which have the potential to cause infections or reinfections. There is a need for toothbrush disinfection methods which are effective and can be easily implemented. The present study assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of different disinfectants on contaminated toothbrushes in healthy and chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients were taken who were divided into two Groups A and B: Group A consisted of 30 healthy patients who were further subgrouped as Group A1 (control group), Group A2 (1% sodium hypochlorite), Group A3 (1% vinegar), and Group A4 (ultraviolet [UV] sanitizer) and Group B consisted of 30 patients with mild-to-moderate generalized chronic periodontitis who were further subgrouped as B1, B2, B3, and B4 based on the different disinfection processes. Microbial counts were assessed and compared. A paired sample t-test was used for statistical analysis, and the level of significance was set at P < 0.001. Results: All disinfectants showed a statistically significant reduction in microbial load on contaminated toothbrushes in both the groups (P < 0.001). There was no statistical difference between the efficacies of vinegar and sodium hypochlorite when compared with UV sanitizer in both the groups (P = 0.115 and P = 0.205). Conclusion: The study concluded that UV sanitizer can be used as a preferable toothbrush disinfection method.

Introduction: Variations in sex steroid hormones, noticeable through the menstrual cycle of women, may impact periodontal health. A relationship between female sex hormone levels and periodontal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause has been reported. Little research on gingival status at different periods of menstrual cycle, but very less work has been done to observe the effect of scaling on gingival status during different periods of menstrual cycle. Materials and Methods: Thirty female subjects, aged 18-25 years were selected for a three month study. In Stage 1, clinical parameters {Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Modified Sulcular Bleeding Index (mSBI) and Probing depth (PD)} were recorded at three different time intervals {OV (Ovulation), PM (Premenstruation), M (Menstruation)} of their menstrual cycle, without scaling and polishing. In Stage 2, all clinical parameters were recorded at their subsequent menstrual cycle after scaling and polishing. Results: In interstage analysis, OV 1 > OV 2, PM 1 > PM 2 and M 1> M 2. In intrastage analysis, for PI, mean difference between all values was not statistically significant. For mSBI, PM 1 > OV 1 > M 1, also PM 2 > OV 2 > M 2. For GI, PM 1 > OV 1 > M 1, also PM 2 > OV 2 > M 2. For PD, mean difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Ovarian hormones influence gingival status of females, with an increase observed primarily during PM and OV phases of menstrual cycle. Scaling leads to a subsequent decrease in gingival inflammation.