Determinants of good oral hygiene among pregnant women in Ibadan, south-western Nigeria.

Background and objectives: The need to attain and maintain good oral hygiene among pregnant women cannot be over emphasized as periodontal diseases in pregnancy have been linked with poor pregnancy outcomes. This study assessed the variables that affect oral hygiene status among pregnant women in a south-western Nigerian locality. Methodology: Four hundred and five pregnant Nigerian women were assessed for their oral hygiene status using the Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified. Demographic and pregnancy statistics were also obtained and the relationships between these and oral hygiene status were determined. Results: The mean age was 25.35 ± 5.02 years. Most of the women (96.0%) had never visited a dentist or any other oral health care provider and only 12.5% of those who had been attended by dental care givers have ever had professional dental cleaning. The oral hygiene status appeared to worsen as parity increased (p=0.047) while the use of the toothbrush and paste was associated with good oral hygiene (p=0.007). Higher education was associated with use of the tooth brush and paste (p=0.046) and good oral hygiene (p=0.001). Conclusion: The positive effect of education on oral hygiene practices is highlighted in this study. However there is still need for proper health enlightenment in this population with regards to use of the available oral health care facilities.Keywords: Oral hygiene, Pregnancy, Nigeria

Non-syndromic multiple supernumerary teeth among patients seen in a Nigerian Teaching Hospital

Background: The global prevalence of multiple supernumerary teeth for permanent and primary dentition in various populations is between 0.05- 5.3% and 0.2-0.8%. A previous study in Nigeria reported a very low prevalence of multiple supernumeraries. Aim: To ascertain any variation in the prevalence and presentation of multiple supernumeraries in Ibadan, Nigeria.Methodology: Demographic data was obtained from the patients’ data extraction form. Panoramic radiographs of 100 patients seen in the orthodontic clinic of the University College Hospital were assessed for presence, site, side and clinical characteristics of multiple supernumeraries. Data was analysed using SPSS version 18 and Chi square test was used to determine any significant relationship between the assessed variables. Results: More than half of the study population were females. The age range of the Study population was 5-40 years  (mean age 13.58±6.5 years).  Seventy-one  percent had Angle’s  class I molar relationship, 17% had  Angle’s class II and 5% had Angle’s class III. The prevalence of supernumerary teeth was 9%. Most presented as a combination of supplemental (premolars) and conical/tuberculate teeth. Most (69.2%) of the supernumerary teeth were unerupted. There was no significant variation in the presence of multiple supernumeraries with respect to sex and molar relationship.Conclusion: This study showed a higher prevalence of multiple supernumeraries than previously reported. There is need for a national survey  to present a true population prevalence of multiple supernumeraries.Keywords: Non-syndromic, Multiple, Supernumerary teeth, Nigeri