Comparison of chewing ability, oral health related quality of life and nutritional status before and after insertion of complete denture amongst edentulous patients in a Dental College of Pune

BACKGROUND: The relationship between tooth loss and nutritional intake is important. As people age, their diminished physical capacity and  decreased income adversely affect their ability to maintain their teeth. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the chewing ability, oral health related quality of life and nutritional status before and after  fabrication and insertion of complete denture amongst edentulous participants in a dental college.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Non Randomized Intervention study. The study population consisted of 42 participants (16 females and 26 males), aged 50 years and above. Prior to commencement of the study, informed consent was obtained and validation and reliability test of the  questionnaire were done. The data for chewing ability, GOHAI and  nutritional status assessment was recorded at baseline, 3rd, 6th and12th month after denture fabrication and insertion. The statistical  comparisons were performed by repeated measure ANOVA and Chi-square test. P value<0.05 was considered as statistically significant.RESULTS: Chewing ability, GOHAI, BMI (Body Mass Index) and data from Food-intake questionnaire showed statistically significant improvement from baseline to 6th month but no statistically significant improvement was observed from 6th month to 12th month. Nutritive value of food (protein, energy and fat) showed no significant difference over a period of 12 months (p<0.05).Conclusion: Thus, it was concluded that the intervention (denture insertion) was effective in increasing the chewing ability, body weight, food-intake, and oral health related quality of life.KEYWORDS: nutrition, edentulousness, OHQoL, GOHAI, chewing abilit

Antibiotics for Periodontal Infections:Biological and Clinical Perspectives

AIM: The review is to highlight the use of antibiotics in periodontal infections and prevent indiscriminate use of antibiotics. BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is the most common disease of the periodontal attachment apparatus, and its etiological factor can be related to the existence of virulent microorganisms in the dental plaque biofilm which harbors millions of microorganisms. In addition, the pathogenesis of this disease is greatly influenced by the host immune response that leads to the cyclic destruction and healing pattern. REVIEW RESULTS: Periodontitis is mostly treated through mechanical debridement using surgical and nonsurgical therapy. However, many times, this treatment does not render desired results due to poor patient compliance, altered immune response, or other host-related factors. This leads to the administration of antibiotics as an adjunct to mechanical debridement. Antibiotics are useful in eliminating periodontopathic microbes, but these agents should be cautiously used and prescribed only if indicated. CONCLUSION: Indiscriminate use of antibiotics can lead to unforeseen adverse effects as well as the development of resistant strains of microorganisms. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Hence, it is crucial for the dentists to know the indications, contraindications, undesirable effects, correct choice, and dosage of the antimicrobial agent before prescribing it to their patients thereby ensuring the success of periodontal therapy. Thus, the clinician should keep in mind that the antibiotics are merely adjuncts to mechanical therapy and not its replacement