EFFECTIVENESS OF SPIRULINA MOUTHWASH ON REDUCTION OF DENTAL PLAQUE AND GINGIVITIS: A CLINICAL STUDY

Objective: The present study evaluated the effectiveness of Spirulina mouthwash on the reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis.Methods: A single-blind clinical trial was conducted among thirty patient's aged 18-40 y visiting dental college and hospital in Bangalore city. Mouthwash was prepared using 0.5% Spirulina. Intervention protocol consisted of instructing the patients to rinse with 10 ml of mouthwash for 1 minute twice daily for 7 d. Plaque index and Gingival index were used to assess the variables at the baseline and after the intervention. The perception of the individual subjects with regard to the use of mouthwash was assessed using 10 cm long visual analog scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was carried out using Wilcoxon signed rank test for mean pre and post plaque and gingival scores respectively. Descriptive statistics was performed for VAS questionnaireResults: The results showed a highly significant difference (p<0.001) between the mean plaque scores at the baseline (2.16±0.34) and at the follow up (1.27±0.46). The mean gingival scores at the baseline (1.86±0.38) and at the follow-up (1.05±0.43) also showed a highly significant difference (p<0.001). Regarding the Visual Analog Scale, the mean values of 5 or greater than suggested the responses to be favourable as the values were reflectedConclusion: The study showed that Spirulina mouthwash resulted in significant reduction in dental plaque and gingivitis. Also, the mouthwash was convenient to use without any adverse effects. Hence, the use of herbal mouth rinses such as Spirulina should be supported

Knowledge and attitude towards dental insurance and utilization of dental services among insured and uninsured patients: A cross-sectional study

Aim: To assess the awareness and attitude towards dental insurance, and trends in utilization of dental services among insured and uninsured patients visiting a dental hospital in Bengaluru city. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 patients visiting Dental College in Bengaluru; of which, 100 patients were insured under Employees' State Insurance Scheme and 100 were uninsured. A face-to-face interview was carried out to collect information on sociodemographic data, knowledge, and attitude toward dental insurance and utilization of dental services among insured and uninsured groups. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results: Among the insured group, only 29% had the knowledge about the total dental services covered in their insurance plan. Among the uninsured, only 4% were aware of the dental insurance integrated with health insurance plan. Dental treatment was perceived costly by 30% among insured and 81% among uninsured group. Among insured, 84% reported that dental insurance has benefitted them by reducing the financial burden and making the treatment easily available. Among uninsured, 74% believed that dental insurance can be beneficial to them. Statistical significant difference was obtained when overall attitudes among insured and uninsured groups were compared (P < 0.05). About 70.6% among insured and 49.3% among uninsured utilized dental services in the past 6–12 months. Conclusion: Knowledge regarding dental insurance was poor in both groups, while the insured group showed a more positive attitude toward benefits of dental insurance. Utilization of dental services was seen more among insured group