Using smartphone video “selfies” to monitor change in toothbrushing behavior after a brief intervention: A pilot study

Background: Attempts to refine toothbrushing (TB) technique, an ingrained habit in adults, can meet with some challenges. Recently, the role of proactive interference as a barrier to improving the learning of proper brushing has been proposed. This pilot feasibility study was designed to investigate TB behavior and to see how it changes after training. Smartphone video “selfies” (SPVSs) are increasingly being used in the medical field to assess, monitor, and determine the progression of diseases. Materials and Methods: We used SPVS to study TB skills in a small sample of volunteers. Over a period of 14 days, after a one-time group training session, we observed TB behavior of volunteers using self-captured SPVS. Results: Following the brief intervention, we observed an 8% of improvement in TB skills. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report using SPVS to study TB behavior. We demonstrated initial feasibility of using SPVS in the dental setting. We observed modest improvements in toothbrushing accuracy and quality, and we generated important experiences about the use of Selfies for TB monitoring and intervention, and some interesting insights about where in the toothbrushing is more or less effective. Conclusion: Further investigation using a larger sample size is needed to thoroughly assess the effectiveness of this approach to improve TB skills and better understand the role of proactive interference

“Vaai Ganam” - a screening program for early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer among truck drivers in Chennai – a cross-sectional survey

Introduction: Truck drivers, though forming an integral part of a vital trade link for the Indian population, lack basic life insurance and health care benefits offered by other organized sectors in Indian Industries. This paper aims to present the initial findings of the “VaaiGanam” program which proposes to identify tobacco use and the prevalence of Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) among truck drivers who are stationed or passing via Chennai and provide cessation services by behavioral therapy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted by a dental screening team who were involved in data collection and screening of the 747 truck drivers who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria between Jan to Oct 2022. After data collection, oral examinations were done and suspicious lesions were sought for expert opinion. A standard punch biopsy was taken from those lesions requiring confirmation. Results: Among the 747 subjects who participated in this program, 704 (94.2%) were current users of various tobacco products, with 235 (31.4%) preferring smoking and the rest 469(62.8%) using smokeless tobacco products. Oral mucosal lesions were recorded in 49 (6.5%) of the study population, mostly among tobacco users. Punch/incisional biopsies were taken among 17 of the 49 subjects and oral dysplasia was histopathologically confirmed in 9 (mild epithelial dysplasia = 5; moderate epithelial dysplasia = 4) subjects.  Conclusion: Truck drivers with tobacco and substance abuse are at high risk of developing oral cancer and hence this study emphasizes the importance of periodic oral cancer screening programs for this vulnerable population to identify potentially malignant oral lesions at an early stage

Is cashew nut shell liquid a causative factor for oral submucous fibrosis?. A study among cashew nut industrial workers

Background: Cashew nut shell liquid contains 90% anacardic acid and 10% cardol. This liquid when comes in contact topically is said to have deleterious effects both orally and systemically. Aim: The present cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) among 600 cashew nut industrial workers in Kanyakumari district. Materials and Methods: Demographic data and tobacco habits were assessed using pretested questionnaire. Ranganathan K clinical grading system was used to examine OSMF. The data were assessed using SPSS version 11.5. Results: The overall prevalence of OSMF among the study population was 0.002%. Conclusion: The observation from this study clearly indicates that safe working environment prevents occupational hazards

Effectiveness of Vinegar, Lime, and Salt Water as Potential Household Decontaminants for Toothbrushes

Introduction: Toothbrushes play an essential role in oral hygiene. However, toothbrushes can become contaminated through contact with the environment, from the oral cavity, and by toothbrush storage containers. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of vinegar, lime, and salt water as potential household decontaminants for toothbrushes. Materials and Methods: In an in vitro study, 120 used toothbrushes were collected and divided into four groups comprising 30 samples each. Group I was treated with plain water alone after use. Group II was treated with salt water. Group III was treated with a solution which contained lime juice. Group IV was treated with vinegar. Treatment duration for the groups was set to be 12 h. After the treatment, the brush heads of the four groups were incubated in brain-heart infusion agar at 37°C for 24 h. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 software. One-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc analysis were performed for multiple comparisons. Results: Vinegar group showed statistically significant result for decontamination of toothbrushes when compared to other test and control agents. Conclusion: Commonly used household materials can be potential decontaminants for toothbrushes. The results of this study showed that vinegar was the most effective decontamination agent followed by lime and salt water

Content related to oral health informatics and promotion: A systematic review

Social media is a technology that supports the sharing of content, multimedia, and information through virtual networks and communities. The aim of this study was to determine the role of Twitter in oral health information and promotion. This systematic review was carried out using a transparent methodology in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. An extensive literature search was carried out in PubMed, Trip database, and Google Scholar database from the year 2006 to 2023. The search generated 1901 articles. Five articles were selected for this review. The majority of the articles in this review demonstrated a positive association between Twitter and the promotion of oral health by assessing oral health campaign tweets and emotional experiences shared regarding people's dental health