Correlation between dental anxiety, sense of coherence (SOC) and dental caries in school children from Bangalore North: A cross-sectional study

Background: Very few publications report on the relationship between ′salutogenesis′, as measured by the concept of Sense of Coherence (SOC), and generally speaking an individual′s overall oral health- related quality of life (OHRQL). To add to this, there is even lesser information regarding the behavioral aspect of dental anxiety. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between dental anxiety, SOC and dental caries in school children from Bangalore North. Materials and Methods: The study had a sample of 529 children from various schools, age between 12-16 in Bangalore north. The study comprised of 17 questions which were handed over to them; and upon receival of the questionnaire the respective decayed, missing, filled tooth surfaces index (DMFS) score was checked which was then compared with dental anxiety and SOC. Statistical Analysis Used: One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) F-test and multiple comparison procedures (MCPs). Result: High dental anxiety predicted high dental caries index and low SOC predicted high dental caries index in association with advancing children′s age from 12-16 years. Conclusion: Dental anxiety had a direct relationship with dental caries and SOC had an inverse relationship with dental caries

Parental and family influences on dental treatment need among school children from north Bengaluru: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Very few studies have documented the relative significant factors that assess the parents and their family status that can have some impact towards dental treatment needs. Aim: To assess the burden of dental caries among children aged 8-14 years in relation to parental influence and family characteristics from North Bengaluru. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was carried out on 1216 school children aged 8 years to 14 years. Children were examined in schools and data comprised information about dental caries status. Structured questionnaires were given to parents to collect information regarding their socioenvironmental and family characteristics. Student′s t-test on metric parameters and Chi-square/Fisher for study parameters between two or more groups were used. Results: In families where the average monthly income <6000/-, decayed, missing, and filled teeth was proportionately lower in comparison to decayed, missing, and filled surfaces which were higher. Conclusions: The socioeconomic status, which is primarily influenced by parental factors and family structure, have a definite role in dental needs of children from underprivileged background. Dental health program should aim to reduce the gross inequalities in the oral health status of these children and their families

Pentraxins and immunity

Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is a multifactorial protein involved in immunity and inflammation, which is rapidly produced and released by several cell types in response to inflammatory signals. It may be suggested that PTX3 is related to periodontal tissue inflammation. Its salivary concentrations may have a diagnostic potential. Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) is an ancient family of multifactorial proteins involved in immunity and inflammation. They are rapidly produced and released by various types of cells when there are indications of inflammation. PTX3 is related to inflammation in the periodontal tissue and it can be suggested that salivary concentrations may be used for diagnosing the same