Assessment of oral health among seafarers in Mundra Port, Kutch, Gujarat: a cross-sectional study

Background: Seafarer is a person who navigates waterborne vessels or assists as a crewmember in their operation and maintenance in all tough weather, but little research has been done to identify conditions that may lead to assess seafarer general health as well as oral health. Aim: To assess oral diseases including dental caries and periodontal conditions among seafarer’s population arrived in Mundra Port, Kutch, Gujarat, India. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess oral health condition of seafarer community of Mundra Taluka of Kutch District, Gujarat, India, from July 2014 to September 2014. Results: Total of 385 subjects participated in the survey. Adverse habits show the overall 72.3% prevalence among the study population. Occurrence rate of caries, periodontal disease and prosthetic status were 88%, 75.1% and 6.5%, respectively. The best predictors for Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT), Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and prosthetic status were oral hygiene practices, adverse habit and educational status. Conclusions: Findings of the present study suggest that oral health condition of seafarer community was relatively poor, with high caries prevalence and poor periodontal health. This epidemiological survey has provided baseline information to underpin the implementation of oral health programmes

Efficiency of Tulsi Mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans and Salivary pH: An In-vivo Study

Introduction: Salivary pH and Streptococcus mutans (S mutans) are the two main factors in causing dental caries and therefore targeting these may become an effective way to combat this worldwide disease. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is an Indian herb with antibacterial properties and is used to treat variety of illnesses. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Tulsi mouthwash on salivary pH and salivary S mutans. Methodology: A total of 40 patients in the age group of 20-45 years with decay-missing-filled teeth index score of 3-4 were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups. The study group was given 5 ml Tulsi mouthwash, to be used every day for ninety days. The control was given 5 ml saline for the same period. Salivary th th pH and S mutans were analysed on 14 and 90 day. Results: Tulsi mouthwash was able to reduce the S mutans colony and also raised the salivary pH towards normal. Conclusion: Tulsi mouthwash being herbal can be an effective and safe alternative to the conventional mode of treatment