General Dental Health Research Articles

Plants as Regular Phytochemical Sources of Dentistry - Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Tooth Paste

Different plant components have been used in medicinal preparations in indigenous systems of medicine to clean teeth or treat oral diseases such as periodontal disease. Herbal toothpaste is equally as good at controlling plaque and gingivitis as dentifrices made according to standard formulas. Streptococcus mutants, out of all the examined bacteria, were shown towards the most susceptible to the created dentifrice, as evidenced by a zone inhibition (7-8 mm), followed by Escherichia coli (7 mm), as well as oral micro-biota (8mm). The created Poly-herbal dentifrice was successfully tested using a variety of industry-recognized standards to verify its high quality and physio-chemical qualities. According to the findings, the created Poly-herbal dentifrice shows promise for having antibacterial properties on both gramme-positive and gramme-negative organisms. Compared to completely synthetic dentifrice, it must be safer. For the development of Poly-herbal dentifrice to be proven safe and effective, more research is required. According to the study’s findings, herbal toothpaste is safer and has fewer side effects than synthetic preparations. It is also more commonly used in dentistry research. The toothpaste that is designed for oral hygiene and teeth shows antimicrobial activity against pathogens. The market preparation was contrasted with the formulation. Therefore, it demonstrates an equal amount of patronizing and engrossing passion for the promoted formulations. The development of herbal toothpaste has a promising future in the research of natural cures and general dental health.

Penilaian Hasil Penyuluhan Kesehatan Gigi dan Mulut Pada Komunitas Alumni Abang None Jakarta Selatan

It is important for everyone, regardless of age, to take into account their dental and oral health to enhance their overall well-being. Dentists have the responsibility of educating the public on proper dental and oral care in order to attain the best possible dental and oral health. Nevertheless, there are still numerous individuals who do not prioritize their dental and oral health. With the aim of fulfilling the Tridharma mission in Community Service, the Faculty of Dentistry at Trisakti University has implemented Public Health Services tha provide counseling on oral and dental health for families, staring with the elderly, general dental health, childrens dental health, and safe medications for families. Through the use of a questionnaire, an increase in knowledge was observed among individuals of different age groups regarding oral health care.

Preparation a Novel Poly Herbal Antibacterial Formulation, Characterization and Evaluation of Mouth Wash Protecting and Tackling Oral Cavity against Oral Pathogens

The oral cavity is the home of various bacterial species. All through some of the oral bacteria are harmless and there are certain species that are harmful which may causes oral plaque, bad breath and mouth disease. Medicinal plant or herbs are considered to rich source of ingredients which can be used in drug development. They can prevent and cure disease because of their antimicrobial and antibacterial property against microorganisms. The importance of mouth and teeth cleanliness has been recognized from the earliest days of civilization. Patients and oral health practitioners are faced with a multitude of mouthwash products containing many different active and inactive ingredients. Natural mouthwashes may offer significant advantages over the chemical ones. If such mouthwashes can be formulated which can be easily prepared and used safely by people at home using natural products, it may leads to improvement in the general dental health of the population. In this study the various natural ingredients and materials are used like Leaves of Azadiracta indica (neem), Mentha Piperita (peppermint), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) bud of Eugenia caryophyllus (clove), and bark of Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Although many popular herbal products have helped to control dental plaque and gingivitis, they have been used for a short time and only as an adjunct to other oral hygiene measures such as brushing and flossing. By this study it was concluded that the developed herbal mouthwash possess significant, therapeutically efficacious, suitable vehicle for drug delivery in low cost but definitely with high potential. Hence there is need for increased usage of herbal preparation to avoid the adverse effects

Oral care practices and dental status among children in Arkhangelsk

Relevance. Proper and regular oral care is an integral part of dental disease prevention. The Arctic zone of Russia requires a separate study of caries prevalence and intensity as well as factors contributing to its development due to the Arctic climate and other features. Aim: To study oral hygiene practices among children in Arkhangelsk and evaluate their associations with dental health. Materials and methods. The study examined 125 patients aged 3-14 years and analyzed their oral hygiene practices by their parents’ survey. The patients were enrolled consecutively upon their presentation to the Northern State Medical University dental clinic. The study assessed caries intensity using the df, df+DMF and DMF indices. Bivariate analysis of hygiene factors and outcomes association was performed using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The correlation analysis assessed sign association, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated. Results. Caries intensity was lower in children whose parents started oral care as the first tooth erupted (p = 0.006). The OHI-S score was worse in children who did not floss their teeth (p = 0.002), brushed their teeth with horizontal movements (p = 0.036), visited a dentist only when needed (p = 0.003), whose parents did not supervise and help with toothbrushing (p = 0.036). The OHI-S scores were better in children who brushed their teeth twice daily (p = 0.027). Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant association between the OHI-S and df, df+DMF, DMF scores (r = 0.494, p < 0.001). Conclusions. The study revealed that it is necessary to improve health promotion among parents. Individual dental education of patients and their parents requires more time at a dental appointment. And general dental health awareness among parents needs improvement.

Patient-reported outcomes for dental health, shoulder-neck dysfunction, and overall quality of life after treatment with radiation for head and neck cancer.

e23064 Background: The current exploratory cross-sectional study was designed to better characterize survivorship issues among patients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer with regard to dental health, shoulder-neck dysfunction, and overall quality of life. Methods: Patients (n = 58) being seen for follow-up at a radiation oncology clinic at least one year beyond the end of treatment completed three survey questionnaires: the EORTC Core Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), the EORTC Head and Neck module (EORTC QLQ-H&N35), and an original 18-item Dental Health and Shoulder Function questionnaire. The questionnaires were scored and univariate analyses were performed using the variables of age, radiation dosage, definitive radiation + neck dissection vs. definitive surgery + postoperative radiation, and chemotherapy. Results: Median follow-up was 2.5 years. Of patients surveyed, 35% reported having more problems with their general dental health as compared to before treatment and 38% reported having pain at night in the neck and shoulder; 79% of patients reported being counseled about their dental health prior to treatment while 31% reported being counseled about possible shoulder-neck dysfunction. Patients younger than 65, patients receiving higher doses of radiation, and patients undergoing definitive surgery + postoperative radiation reported a higher burden of functional and symptomatic issues. Conclusions: Patients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer face a number of survivorship issues, including problems with dental health and shoulder-neck dysfunction, and many do not feel that they are adequately counseled about these issues prior to treatment. Subsets of patients who may experience a higher burden of functional and symptomatic issues include patients younger than 65, patients receiving higher doses of radiation, and patients undergoing definitive surgery + postoperative radiation. Increasing pre-treatment counseling for all patients and placing a particular emphasis on supportive care for these subsets of patients may allow us to better support this growing population of cancer survivors.

Patient-reported outcomes for dental health, shoulder-neck dysfunction, and overall quality of life after treatment with radiation for head and neck cancer.

ObjectivesThe current exploratory cross‐sectional study was designed to examine and characterize survivorship issues among patients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer with regard to dental health, shoulder‐neck dysfunction, and overall quality of life (QOL).MethodsPatients (N = 58) being seen for follow‐up at a radiation oncology clinic at least 1 year beyond the end of treatment completed three survey questionnaires regarding general QOL as well as dental health issues and shoulder‐neck dysfunction. The questionnaires were scored and univariate analyses were performed using the variables of age, radiation dosage, definitive radiation + neck dissection versus definitive surgery + postoperative radiation, and chemotherapy.ResultsMedian follow‐up was 2.5 years. Of 58 patients, 35% reported having more problems with their general dental health as compared to before treatment and 38% reported having pain at night in the neck/shoulder after treatment. With regard to pretreatment counseling, 79% of patients reported being counseled about their dental health prior to treatment, while 31% reported being counseled about possible shoulder‐neck dysfunction. Patients younger than 65, patients receiving higher doses of radiation, and patients undergoing definitive surgery + postoperative radiation reported more functional and symptomatic issues.ConclusionPatients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer face a number of survivorship issues, including problems with dental health and shoulder‐neck dysfunction, and are not necessarily thoroughly counseled about these issues prior to treatment. Patients younger than 65, patients receiving higher doses of radiation, and patients undergoing definitive surgery + postoperative radiation may experience more survivorship issues.Level of EvidenceIV

Профілактика карієсу зубів у дітей – запорука збереження стоматологічного здоров’я населення

Профілактика карієсу зубів у дітей – запорука збереження стоматологічного здоров’я населення

Parental views on fluoride tooth brushing and its impact on oral health: A cross-sectional study.

Objective:This study aimed to describe the current use and knowledge about fluoride toothpaste and children's oral hygiene habits among parents of Saudi children.Materials and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, the parents of children aged 7–12 years who visited the undergraduate pediatric dental clinics at the College of Dentistry in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were interviewed. The interview included questions to assess the parents’ level of fluoride knowledge, the dental appearance of their children, and any general dental health concerns and practices.Results:A total of 463 parents (women 55.5%, men 44.5%) were included. Over half (60.3%) of the participants reported that they were unhappy with the appearance of their child's teeth. Only 11.5% received high fluoride knowledge scores. The additive index for the level of fluoride knowledge was significantly lower among mothers than among fathers. The majority of the parents were not able to correctly report whether the toothpaste their children used contained fluoride. Furthermore, the majority of the respondents were unaware of the benefits of fluoride in preventing dental caries.Conclusions:There is a need to enhance parental knowledge regarding high fluoride intake and its harmful consequences on children's health. Both mothers and fathers should have higher levels of awareness regarding oral health promotion to maintain optimal oral health in their children.

Malocclusion in Elementary School Children in Beirut: Severity and Related Social/Behavioral Factors

Aim. To assess severity of malocclusion in Lebanese elementary school children and the relationship between components of malocclusion and sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Methods. Dental screening was performed on 655 school children aged 6–11 from 2 public (PB) and 5 private (PV) schools in Beirut. A calibrated examiner recorded occlusion, overjet, overbite, posterior crossbite, midline diastema, and crowding. Another examiner determined the DMFT (Decayed/Missing/Filled Teeth) score. A questionnaire filled by the parents provided data on sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Multinomial, binomial, and multiple linear regressions tested the association of these factors with occlusal indices. Results. Malocclusion was more severe in PB students. Age and sucking habit were associated with various components of malocclusion. Crowding was more prevalent among males and significantly associated with the DMFT score. Income and educational level were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in PV pupils and deleterious habits were more frequent in PB children. Conclusions. Children of lower socioeconomic background had more severe malocclusions and poorer general dental health. Compared to Western and WHO norms, the findings prompt health policy suggestions to improve dental care of particularly public school children through regular screenings in schools, prevention methods when applicable, and cost effective practices through public and private enabling agencies.

Risk determinants associated with early childhood caries in Uygur children: a preschool-based cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThe prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) varies with geographical region and population. The Uygur people, one of 55 officially recognized ethnic minorities in China, have a population of 10,069,346. We performed a preschool-based cross-sectional study of 670 Uygur children from the southern region of Xinjiang, China, to investigate the prevalence and severity of ECC and to identify factors related to the dental health condition of this population.MethodsThe study population of children ranging in age from 3 to 5 years was invited using a three-stage stratified sampling in Kashgar, the westernmost city in China. The “dmft” index was used to assess dental caries. The diagnosis of ECC or severe ECC was based on the oral health diagnostic criteria defined by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. A questionnaire was completed by the children’s caregivers. The survey included questions concerning the children’s sociodemographic background; feeding and eating habits, particularly frequency of sweet beverage and food consumption; dental hygiene-related behaviors; the general oral health knowledge of caregivers; and the dental healthcare experience of caregivers and their children.ResultsA total of 670 Uygur children underwent complete dental caries examination. Most of the children (74.2%) had ECC, with a mean dmft ± SD of 3.95 ± 3.84. The prevalence of severe ECC was 40.1% (N =269), with a mean dmft of 7.72 ± 3.14. More than 99% of caries were untreated. Statistically significant correlations were found between higher ECC prevalence and increased age and lower socioeconomic background, while greater dental health knowledge of the caregiver and positive oral hygiene behaviors were found to be protective. Our findings confirm the multi-factorial etiology of ECC.ConclusionsThe prevalence of ECC among preschool-aged Uygur children in Kashgar was high, particularly among those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Caries prevalence was associated with oral hygiene behaviors of children and the general oral health knowledge of caregivers. These factors could be modified through public health strategies, including effective publicity concerning general dental health and practical health advice.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1472-6831-14-136) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Supernumerary fourth molar and dental pathologies in a Chalcolithic individual from the El Mirador Cave site (Sierra de Atapuerca, Burgos, Spain)

We present a middle-aged Chalcolithic male with a supernumerary distomolar in the mandible. The prevalence of supernumerary teeth in present-day populations is low, ranging from 0.1% to 3.4%; most supernumerary teeth are documented in the anterior and molar regions of the maxilla in present populations. However, the prevalence of supernumerary molars in past populations is still unknown. Moreover, a complete pathological study has been done of this individual.Maxilla, mandible and teeth have been analyzed searching for dental pathologies. A cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis of mandibular and maxillary fragments was performed to check the evidence of hyperdontia. Dental wear and maxillary alveolar bone have been analyzed with environmental scanning electronmicroscope (ESEM) to improve the diagnosis of an abscess and evidence of tooth picking.This individual shows a left distomolar in the mandible without any evidence of other supernumerary teeth. The fourth molar is not associated with any congenital disease. However, this individual suffered severe dental wear and a variety of oral pathologies such as, dental decay, abscesses, pulpitis, periodontal disease, toothpicking marks in an upper molar, arthritis of the temporomandibular joint and malocclusion associated with high masticatory loads. To our knowledge, this individual from El Mirador Cave (Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain) shows the most ancient case of a fourth molar documented. The poor oral health of this individual corresponds to the general dental health of Chalcolithic populations.

Caries Experience among Females aged 16–21 in Punjab, India and its Relationship with Lifestyle and Salivary HSP70 Levels

The objective of the current study was to assess the prevalence and means of dental caries experience and the prevalence of calculus among college students and their awareness of general dental health. The correlation between the experience of caries and extracellular levels of heat shock protein-70 (eHSP70) was studied in saliva samples of these students to ascertain whether eHSP level changes as a result of increased caries experience of these subjects. The current study was conducted among 147 female undergraduate students aged 16-21 in the state of Punjab, India. Dental examinations were performed to assess for the presence of calculus and DMFT, and subjects were asked to fill in a questionnaire. The data were recorded and analysed for the role of various factors in the prevalence of caries, including dietary habits. Saliva samples were collected for ELISA-based assay of eHSP70 levels. The prevalence of caries experience (DMFT>0) was 63.2%, with average DMFT of 2.91 in students aged 16-18 and 3.26 in those aged 19-21. Of those with caries, 68% also showed the presence of calculus, compared with 60.0% of subjects with DMFT=0. The level of eHSP was significantly higher (P<.05) in subjects with higher levels of caries (DMFT=4-8) compared with subjects having DMFT between 0 and 3. A significant relationship was observed between caries experience and oral hygiene habits, emphasizing the need to design and plan preventive strategies for persons at greatest risk. The correlation between mean DMFT and prevalence of eHSP was highly significant. This is the first study to report a correlation between caries experience and the saliva level of stress response protein HSP70.

Should dental treatment be considered for lowering inflammatory markers in hypertensive patients?

Background While dental treatment has been reported to lower inflammatory marker levels, such studies were small and did not involve subjects with cardiovascular diseases. The present prospective study examined the effect of interventional dental treatment on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen levels in patients with essential hypertension. Methods The study enrolled 50 subjects (age: 53.1 ± 7; 23 men and 27 women) diagnosed with moderate or severe essential hypertension. Patient clinical characteristics were as follows: 80% had hypercholesterolemia, 72% were obese/overweight, 6% had diabetes mellitus, 16% were current smokers, 40% had target organ damage, and the overall general dental health status was poor. CRP and fibrinogen levels were assessed prior to treatment and again after 6 months. Dental treatment was mainly for periodontal disease and dental caries and its complications, and consisted of extractions of hopeless teeth, supragingival scaling, subgingival curettage, anti-inflammatory rinses and metronidazole treatment. There was a mean 4 treatment sessions per patient over 11 weeks. Results Dental treatment resulted in improved sulcus bleeding index (51 ± 19 vs. 42 ± 17, p < 0.001) and approximal plaque index (50 ± 23 vs. 42 ± 13, p < 0.001) scores, but had no effect on CRP (1.66 vs. 1.2 mg/l, p = 0.44) or fibrinogen (3.27 vs. 3.22 g/l, p = 0.08) levels. Conclusions We suggest that the lack of effect of dental treatment on CRP and fibrinogen levels could have resulted from smaller impact of dental disease on the total inflammatory burden in the presence of hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Knights, Knaves and Gnashers: Professional Values and Private Dentistry

This article applies Le Grand's distinction between knightly and knavish motivations to the behaviour of dentists in choosing whether to treat patients on the NHS or privately. Using national quantitative and discursive surveys, it shows that dentists' notions of their own interests centre on independent small-business entrepreneurship and their professional culture defines patient interest in terms of access to clinically autonomous practice based on a restorative paradigm. Government attempts to promote preventive dentistry in the context of the weakening in dentists' bargaining position as general dental health improves and the determination of the profession to protect high remuneration have led to conflict. Both knavish and knightly motives (understood from the perspective of dentists' professional culture) lead dentists to exit from the NHS. Any analysis of ‘robust’ policies, designed to accommodate both motivations, must take into account social factors such as professional cultures which influence how practitioners understand their own interests and those of their clients.

Appropriate dental care for employees at the workplace.

The data from a dental health survey of an Australian employee group in Brisbane were used to test the value of dental health programmes at the workplace as a means of improving general dental health. The amount and complexity of treatment needs were investigated. Although both dental caries and periodontal disease were widespread, few of the employees had major treatment needs, most requiring minimal, simple dental care. Because of the minor treatment needs of a relatively static group of employees, the viability of a dental practice at work with emphasis on restorative dental care was questioned. Given the disease levels, the treatment needs indicated that a system based on prevention and maintenance care would be more appropriate.

Abnormalities noted on panoramic radiographs

An analysis was made of 5,556 panoramic radiographs of United States Air Force recruits. The results of the survey indicate that the panoramic radiographic screening examination provides a simple and rapid method of recording the general dental health of a large population and furnishes information concerning dental treatment requirements. The panoramic radiograph, used in conjunction with the Polaroid photograph of the dentition, is an excellent means of dental identification. Specific areas evaluated in this study include missing teeth, required extractions, deciduous and supernumerary teeth, retained roots, impactions, radiolucencies, radiopacities, and radiopacities/radiolucencies.