Non syndromic Oligodontia: case report

Oligodontia is a rare genetic disorder which represents the congenital absence of more than six teeth in primary, permanent or both dentitions. It is usually a part of a syndrome and seldom occurs as an isolated entity. Genes responsible for non syndromic oligodontia are found to be MSX1 and PAX9 genes. In this case report a 13 year old boy is presented who had absence of all four second permanent molars and permanent mandibular incisors. The maxillary central incisors presented with conical shape. During physical examination, there was no abnormality in either hairs or nails, perspiration was normal and no congenital clefts of lip or palate was seen. Hence in this case, Oligodontia is not associated with any syndrome which is a rare finding.Ethiopian Journal of Health Sciences vol 22 (3) 201

Papillon–Lefevre syndrome: Reporting consanguinity as a risk factor

AbstractPapillon–Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by palmoplantar hyperkeratosis associated with severe early-onset periodontitis and premature loss of primary and permanent teeth. This report describes two cases of PLS in 28-year-old female and 16-year-old male siblings with consanguineously married parents. The patients presented to the Department of Public Health Dentistry of a dental education and research institute in India with thickening, flaking, and scaling of the skin on the palms and soles of the feet. On oral examination, the female patient presented completely resorbed maxillary and mandibular alveolar ridges with retention of only the third molars. The male patient retained only teeth 18, 13, 28, 38, and 45. Based on complete histories and clinical examination findings, a final diagnosis of PLS was made and treatment was initiated using an interdisciplinary dental approach in both cases

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and associated habits in Kashmir, India

Background: A large number of factors may influence the conditions of oral-mucosa and regulate its thresholds against reactions to external irritations and insults. External damage to the tissues may be caused by infections and or other chemical, thermal and mechanical means or there may be some genetic factors involved. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of different oral habits and habit related oral lesions among the study population in Kashmir, India.Methods: The final study sample comprised of 7000 patients visiting 2 Government Hospitals in Srinagar and Pulwama district, Kashmir, India. All the selected subjects were examined for any oral mucosal lesions. The diagnosis of the lesion was made based on history, clinical features, according to standard guidelines and color atlas.Results: Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was found to be 8%. Smoker’s palate was the most frequently found oral lesion comprising of 33.89% followed by oral lichen planus and leukoplakia (13.55% each). Other lesions included chemical burns, erythroplakia, OSMF and lichenoid reactions. Subjects were indulged into various habits; the most prevalent being the cigarette smoking (56.46%), followed by hukka and bidi smoking and smokeless tobacco.Conclusions: The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was 8% among the study sample. Subjects were associated with various deleterious habits which were found more in males than females. This study helps in public awareness about the ill effects of oral habits and may motivate them in overcoming their indulgence.

An Overview of Management of Cancer Approach with Medical and Dental Considerations

This review emphasizes about making the members of the professional Colleges aware of some important aspects of oral cancer in particular & cancer of body in general and its impact on the Dental Surgeons to be a part of the weapon against fighting this devastating disease. Cancer is the major public health problem affecting developed and developing countries. Therefore this review focusses on cancer management by taking into mind dental and medical considerations

Door to Surpass Barriers: A Key for Better Utilisation of Dental Services

Oral health is an important component of a person's overall health. Oral health care services have long been a concern in underdeveloped nations like India since they are expensive, inaccessible, and underutilized   by the general public. Oral health treatment is costly in both the business and private sectors levels and are inexpensive in medical and dental schools, where they are offered by trainees under good supervision. Unawareness of the importance of oral health, a lack of recognized needs, financial restraints, cultural and psychological hurdles are only a few of the challenges that prevent the general public from taking advantage of these services. Oral health insurance, government implementation awareness initiatives, and the development of oral health policies could all help to overcome these obstacles. Every dental surgeon should make a contribution to the cause about this shift in the Indian population's behaviour

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Future Challenges and Recommendations for Dental Settings

The novel coronavirus outbreak is a contagious disease affecting the countries around the world. The quick advancing nature of pandemic has gripped the entire community making it a public health emergency. Infection control preventive measures are necessary to prevent it from further spreading. Medical practitioners, health care workers and Dentists are at high risk of acquiring and transmission of infection. The virus transmission occurs through respiratory tract, aerosols and droplets. Clinical manifestations of virus vary from mild to severe sickness. This review article mainly emphasizes on all the information collected to date on the virus, and future recommendations for dental settings to manage the further spread of this virus

Assessment of periodontal health among the rural population of Moradabad, India

Introduction: Oral health is an integral component of general health and is essential for well-being. India is one of the most populated countries in the world and majority of them resides in rural areas. Moradabad is one of the oldest cities of Uttar Pradesh with diverse culture and beliefs. Aim: The aim was to evaluate the periodontal health status of the rural Moradabad population. Materials and Methods: A representative transversal study on 550 adults aged 20-49 years of rural Moradabad was conducted from February 2011 to June 2011. The survey was carried out using a self-designed questionnaire. Periodontal health was assessed using WHO criteria (1997). Results: Overall the prevalence of periodontal diseases among study subjects was overall 91.6%. Males had a higher prevalence of periodontal disease (93.8%) as compared to females (89.5%). Out of total subjects 37.8% had Community Periodontal Index (CPI) score 4 and 32.5% had score 3. About 7.3% of subjects had loss of attachment (LOA) with 20.2% of them having LOA score 1. Statistically, there was a significant difference (P 35 years, smoking, tobacco chewing (independent risk factors) were significantly associated with CPI > 2 (dependent variable) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The current periodontal health status of rural adult population of Moradabad city can be attributed to low literacy along with socio economic status and oral habits. To improve the periodontal health status of the rural population of Moradabad, it is suggested that a community-based approach can be designed

The effect of sugar-free and sugar chewing gums on plaque deposition

Background: Chewing gum is a habit practiced regularly by a relatively high proportion of individuals in many countries including India, and its use has increased within the last decade. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sugar-free and sugar chewing gums on plaque deposition. Materials and Methods: The study is a double blind clinical trial involving 16 healthy volunteers (divided into 2 groups) in a 4-day plaque regrowth model. On day one, subjects received professional prophylaxis, suspended oral hygiene measures, and commenced chewing their allocated product. Gum chewing was one piece chewed for 30 minutes 3 times a day. On day 5, subjects were scored for plaque with the help of Silness and Loe Index. Results: Results show sugar-free group have a lesser mean plaque score of 0.98 as compare to sugar group (1.23), though this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The sugar-free gums can be used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene measures

Dental caries and oral health behavior in 12-year-old schoolchildren in Moradabad city, Uttar Pradesh, India

Introduction: Oral health is an essential component of health throughout life. It is important to organize community-oriented oral health promotion programs, so that information on oral health status and oral health behavior can be obtained. Aim: To investigate the caries experienced and oral health behavior in 12-year-old schoolchildren in Moradabad city, Uttar Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: Five hundred and twelve schoolchildren (256 private and 256 government) 12 year old schoolchildren were selected through multistage random sampling procedure. Dental caries was recorded using Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT)/Decayed, Missing, Filled Surface (DMFS) index. Data on oral health knowledge, attitude, and behavioral practices were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Results: The mean DMFT/DMFS among private schoolchildren (1.90 ± 1.46/3.24 ± 3.18) was significantly higher than the government schoolchildren (1.54 ± 1.34/2.22 ± 2.42). The survey found that 26.95% of the private and 19.53% of the government schoolchildren brushed their teeth regularly (twice a day) with toothbrush and toothpaste. The study participants also reported having hidden sugar at least once a day: Sweets (34.77% of the private schoolchildren and 25% of the government schoolchildren) and tea/coffee with sugar (61.33% of the private schoolchildren and 54.29% of the government schoolchildren). Dental visits of both private and government schoolchildren were poor. Conclusion: The difference in oral health behavior among the private and government schoolchildren may have influenced the DMFT/DMFS values and provided knowledge about the disease experience. In addition to preventing oral disease and promoting oral health, the local health authorities should give priority to school-based community-oriented oral healthcare services

Assessment of Stress Level among Dental School Students: An Indian Outlook

Background: Evaluating the factors influence student perception, might allow programmatic changes designed to enhance students′ psychosocial well-being and academic performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate perceived sources of stress on dental students and the role of parents in their career choice decisions. Methods : In a cross-sectional design, a modified dental environmental stress questionnaire was administered to all dental students. The responses to the questionnaire were based on a four-point Lickert scale, not stressful to severely stressful. Means and standard deviations were determined for stress scores of individuals for each item and were used to compare the classes, genders, and choices. Student′s t, one way ANOVA, and Newman Keuls multiple comparison post hoc tests were used to analysed the data at the significant level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 304 undergraduate students constituted the study population. Of the respondent, 60% were men and 40% were women. The final year students presented with higher stress scores. In gender comparison, men suffered more stress (62.9%) than women (60.1%). According to the career choice decision, students forced by parents had more perception of stress (69.0%) and the students staying in the hostel (62.7%) showed more perception of stress than day scholars (56.3%). Conclusion: The study indicates that the congenial environment needs to be created for dental education and the parents also need to be counselled against forcing their children to join an educational programme i.e. not of their choice