Oral Health Issues Research Articles

Evaluating the effectiveness of topical olive leaf extract emulgel in managing recurrent herpes labialis: a randomized controlled clinical study

Recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) is a lifelong oral health issue that affects about one-third of the world’s population, causing frequent, painful, and discomfort lesions. This randomized, triple-blinded study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of olive leaf extract (OLE) compared to acyclovir cream (Veramid 5%) in managing vesicular stage of RHL lesions. Forty patients were randomly divided into two equal groups and were instructed to apply the prescribed medication five times a day for five consecutive days. The evaluation was carried out by measuring the pain intensity on the first day before the treatment was applied (T0), 48 h (T1), and 7 days later (T2). Additionally, the day when the pain completely healed and the day when the lesion’s crust fell off spontaneously were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney test at a significance level of α = 0.05. The study results indicated that there were no significant differences in pain intensity between the two groups during the three evaluation times: T0 (P = 920), T1 (P = 0.596), and T2 (P = 1.00). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the day when the pain was completely healed (P = 0.697). However, the OLE showed a statistically significant advantage regarding the day the lesions’ crust fell off (P = 0.040). In conclusion, OLE may be a potential alternative treatment for RHL.Trial registration: isrctn.com ID: ISRCTN87606522, 04/09/2023.

Effects of dental insurance and dental care utilization on oral health-related daily life activities among federally qualified healthcare center patients in the United States.

To assess the association between dental insurance, dental care utilization and oral health-related impact on daily activities among patients visiting Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded health centers in the United States. This cross-sectional study examined the 2014 Health Center Patient Survey (HCPS), a survey of patients who received care at US health centers. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the likelihood of the oral health-related impact on daily activities domains such as school/work performance, sleeping, eating/chewing, social and home activities considering sociodemographic, dental insurance, and dental care utilization. Among 7002 total participants, 6890 self-reported oral health-related impact on daily activities. Adults aged 18-44 were 2.6 times more likely to report an overall impact on everyday life activities compared to children and adolescents. After adjusting for sociodemographics, Hispanic patients were less likely to report any oral health-related impacts, while patients visiting rural centres reported higher odds of oral health related impairment. Patients who experienced delays in receiving dental care or were unable to access dental care when needed were 4.5 times more likely to encounter difficulties in their daily activities. This study linked limited dental insurance and care to increased oral health issues impacting daily life, particularly among adults, rural populations, and those facing delay in dental care. This highlights the need for policy reforms and interventions aimed at improving dental care access to mitigate the detrimental effects of poor oral health on daily functions for vulnerable populations.

"Preventive Prosthodontics: An In-Depth Review Of Strategies And Practices"

Prosthodontics is a specialized field within dentistry dedicated to the restoration and maintenance of oral function, comfort, aesthetics, and overall health. This is achieved through the replacement of lost teeth or the restoration of natural teeth and craniofacial tissues using biocompatible materials. By addressing the functional and aesthetic deficits caused by tooth loss or damage, prosthodontics plays a critical role in enhancing patients' quality of life. On the other hand, "preventive dentistry" encompasses a range of practices and strategies designed to prevent oral health issues before they occur. These methods are implemented both in community dental health programs and individual dental practices, with the primary goal of averting the onset of oral diseases and discrepancies. Preventive dentistry is integral to modern dental care, as it emphasizes the preservation of oral structures, thereby reducing the need for more invasive prosthetic treatments in the future. This narrative review aims to synthesize existing knowledge and practices in the emerging field of preventive prosthodontics. By integrating principles from both prosthodontics and preventive dentistry, this review seeks to provide valuable insights for dental professionals. The ultimate goal is to promote improved patient care and oral health outcomes by encouraging preventive approaches that minimize the need for extensive prosthetic interventions. This comprehensive examination of preventive prosthodontics highlights its importance in the broader context of modern dentistry, offering guidance for dental practitioners committed to enhancing patient well-being through proactive oral health management

Oral health manifestations and the perceived quality of life among Saudi children: a cross-sectional study.

This cross-sectional study addresses scarcity of evidence on oral health issues among Saudi children and their impact on quality of life (OHRQL). We aimed to investigate parental reports of oral health problems in children and their effect on their OHQRL. Parents of children aged 2-11-years from Five-Saudi regions participated from February 2021 to July 2021 by completing an electronic, self-administered questionnaire structured according to World Health Organization-Oral Health Questionnaire for children. It comprises questions on children experiencing oral pain/discomfort, oral lesions/manifestations and reduction in their OHRQL. Among 1,516 responders, 1,107 (73.0%) reported that their children experienced toothache/discomfort. The possibility of parents reporting toothache/discomfort or oral manifestations decreased with younger children. For children aged 2-5 years, the odds ratio (AOR) was 0.18 (95% CI [0.13-0.24], P < 0.001) for toothache and 0.58 (95% CI [0.45-0.74], P < 0.001) for oral manifestations. For children aged 6-8 years, the AOR was 0.57 (95% CI [0.4-0.81], P = 0.002) for toothache. Additionally, parents of younger children less frequently reported reduced OHRQL with AORs of 0.58 (95% CI [0.45-0.73], P < 0.001) for children aged 2-5 years and 0.64 (95% CI [0.49-0.83], P < 0.001) for those aged 6-8 years. Lower parental education increased AORs, with values of 1.575 (95% CI [1.196-2.074], P = 0.001) and 1.505 (95% CI [1.208-1.876], P < 0.001) for younger and 6-8-year-old children, respectively. Results revealed notable prevalence of toothache/discomfort and oral manifestations in children reported by parents, which was related to age and parental education; ultimately leading to reduction in their OHRQL.

Oral Manifestations in Patients in Treatment with Antidepressants: A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: The rising use of antidepressants is linked to oral health risks, including xerostomia, caries, and periodontal disease. Recognizing these risks is essential for improving patient care. To systematically review oral manifestations in patients undergoing antidepressant treatment. Methods: This review follows the PRISMA guidelines and includes observational studies published in the last 21 years. A PICO-based question was developed to select relevant studies, which were assessed for quality using a modified STROBE checklist. Results: A total of 11 studies were analyzed, revealing a consistent association between antidepressant use and the increased risk of xerostomia, caries, and periodontal disease. Additional findings included taste dysfunction and oral bleeding complications. Among the antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were most commonly associated with xerostomia and caries. However, no significant impact was observed on the chemical composition of saliva or on hemostasis in invasive dental procedures. Conclusions: Antidepressant use may lead to significant oral health issues, notably xerostomia and caries. Further studies are recommended to clarify the influence of specific antidepressants and confounding factors, such as treatment duration, dosage, and hygiene habits, on oral health outcomes.

The Inhibitory Potential of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus: Implications for Dental Caries Prevention

Background: Dental caries is a prevalent oral health issue globally, and Staphylococcus aureus is a key pathogen involved in its development. Strawberry fruits, known for their medicinal properties, contain bioactive compounds with potential antibacterial effects. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of strawberry extract against S. aureus. Methods: A laboratory experimental study was conducted using a post-test-only control group design. Varying concentrations (10%, 15%, 20%, 25%) of strawberry fruit extract were prepared. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method against S. aureus. Distilled water served as a negative control. The diameter of inhibition zones was measured after 24 hours of incubation at 37°C. Results: Strawberry fruit extract demonstrated inhibitory effects on the growth of S. aureus at concentrations of 15%, 20%, and 25%. The average inhibition zone diameters were 0.54 mm, 2.30 mm, and 3.00 mm, respectively. No inhibition was observed at 10% concentration or with the distilled water control. Conclusion: Strawberry fruit extract exhibits potential as an antibacterial agent against S. aureus, suggesting its possible application in dental caries prevention. Further research is needed to explore its clinical efficacy and identify the specific bioactive compounds responsible for the observed antibacterial activity.

Efficacy of Oral Hygiene Aids in Gingivitis Management: A Comparative Study of Manual and Electric Toothbrushes, Dental Floss, and Mouthwash

ABSTRACT Background: Gingivitis is a prevalent oral health issue characterized by inflammation of the gums, often resulting from inadequate plaque removal. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 120 participants diagnosed with gingivitis, aged 18 to 65 years. Participants were divided into four groups: Group A used a manual toothbrush, Group B used an electric toothbrush, Group C used dental floss in addition to manual brushing, and Group D used mouthwash in addition to manual brushing. The study duration was eight weeks, with gingival index (GI) scores recorded at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks. Plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were also assessed as secondary outcomes. Results: At the end of eight weeks, Group B (electric toothbrush) showed the most significant reduction in gingival index scores (mean reduction: 1.2, P &lt; 0.01), followed by Group D (mouthwash) with a mean reduction of 1.0 (P &lt; 0.05). Group C (dental floss) exhibited a moderate reduction (mean reduction: 0.8, P &lt; 0.05), while Group A (manual toothbrush) had the least improvement (mean reduction: 0.5, P = 0.08). Plaque index and bleeding on probing results followed a similar trend, with the electric toothbrush group demonstrating superior outcomes. Conclusion: The study concludes that electric toothbrushes are more effective in managing gingivitis compared to manual toothbrushes, dental floss, and mouthwash.

A case study on development of a spiral oral health curriculum for medical students.

Inadequate oral healthcare remains a critical public health issue in children and adults in the US affecting adverse social, psychological, economic, and health outcomes. Medical clinicians have a clear role in addressing oral health issues and improving outcomes. Oral health guidelines for health profession schools were developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) oral health core competencies, and the newer Center for Integration of Primary Care and Oral Health's (CIPCOH) Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs). However, the majority of health professional school deans and residency directors in the US report they are not satisfied with the oral health knowledge and skills of their learners at graduation. To address this issue, faculty at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMCMS) have worked for the past decade to develop and implement a true spiral curriculum building on lessons of knowledge, skills, and attitudes throughout the 4-year student experience. The current UMCMS curriculum involves most courses at the medical school, has community-based and interprofessional components, and is taught using multimedia. Most of the curriculum is mandatory with selective opportunities for those in specialty tracks or who are seeking more hands-on training. Our study evaluated the UMCMS curriculum using the AAMC and CIPCOH EPA guidelines. Findings show that all students receive training in 42 of 48 AAMC oral health competencies and seven of seven CIPCOH oral health EPAs with the opportunity to explore oral health further through elective courses. Assessments of students show they perform well and evaluation of the oral health curricula by students are positive. Although our oral health curriculum is robust, the next steps include expanding the evaluation of students to ensure they universally meet competencies. We expect that this case study can serve as a map for creating a generalizable, spiral curriculum for other medical schools.

Oral Health and Systemic Disease: A Systematic Review of the Impact of Dental Care on Overall Health

Oral health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall health, with research highlighting its potential impact on various systemic diseases. This systematic review examines the current evidence on the association between oral health, particularly dental care, and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, focusing on studies published from 2016 onward. Studies indicate that periodontal disease and other oral health issues may contribute to systemic inflammation, a common factor in many chronic conditions. Specifically, findings suggest that managing oral health can have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, glycemic control in diabetic patients, and respiratory function, as well as reduce risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, while associations are evident, causality remains difficult to establish, and further longitudinal research is needed to clarify these relationships. This review underscores the importance of incorporating dental care into holistic health approaches, advocating for greater collaboration between dental and medical professionals. Public health initiatives promoting regular dental check-ups and preventive care may play a crucial role in improving overall health outcomes.

Exploring lived experiences with tooth loss among fully edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital, Kampala, Uganda

BackgroundOne of the most prevalent oral health issues affecting mankind is tooth loss. Besides extractions due to periodontal disease and caries, accidents and lack of dental knowledge can also result in tooth loss. Nevertheless, no known published studies have examined how edentulous patients in Uganda have lived with tooth loss. The objective of the present study was to investigate experiences of tooth loss among Ugandan edentulous patients attending Makerere University Dental Hospital.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional qualitative study using purposive recruitment of respondents. A total of 15 respondents were chosen from a variety of socio-economic groups. Qualitative data were collected using oral interviews in form of note taking and an audio-recorder. The data collected comprised the causes of tooth loss, the physical and psychological effects of losing teeth, the difficulties in managing oral hygiene when one is toothless, coping mechanisms, and supportive interventions after losing natural teeth. The collected data were transcribed and analyzed thematically using a software, Atlas Ti. The generated qualitative data were summarized as text, while demographic characteristics were presented in a table.ResultsOral infections such as periodontal disease (which destroy tooth supporting tissues), tooth decay and trauma from accidents were reportedly the main causes of tooth loss. In case of tooth pain as a first symptom, most patients choose self-medication with over-the-counter drugs and home remedies. They only consult dental professionals when the condition deteriorates. Tooth loss was associated with problems of eating, facial aesthetics and low self-esteem.ConclusionThe present study found that tooth loss was caused by periodontal disease, tooth decay and trauma from accidents. Loss of teeth was escalated by poor health seeking behavior. Tooth loss resulted in pain, eating difficulties, speech difficulties, poor facial appearance and consequently low self-esteem.

Prediction of Dry Mouth Condition Using Radiomics Features from Tongue Diagnosis Image

Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, is characterized by reduced salivary secretion, which can lead to various oral health issues and discomfort. In this paper, we propose a novel, non-invasive method for predicting xerostomia through the analysis of tongue images. To predict salivary gland secretion from tongue images, we collected images from patients who visited the hospital with complaints of dry mouth and measured their saliva secretion. Features were extracted from these tongue images, and correlation analysis was performed using machine learning techniques to assess the relationship between the extracted features and measured saliva secretion. We obtained tongue images and saliva secretion measurements from 176 patients. Images were cropped to 100 × 100 pixels, resulting in 462 features. The dataset was divided into training and test sets, consisting of 160 and 16 samples, respectively. The correlation coefficients for the training and test datasets were 0.9496 and 0.9415, respectively, while the correlation coefficient for the entire dataset was 0.9482. The estimated linear equation was y = 0.9244x + 2.1664. This study aimed to predict salivary gland secretion based on tongue images. By extracting features from color images and employing a neural network machine learning model, we estimated salivary gland secretion. With a sufficiently large dataset of tongue images, further advancements in regression analysis using deep learning techniques could enhance the accuracy of these predictions.

Photocatalytic synthesis of chromeno[4,3-b]chromenes, serving as potential drugs in oral cavity and dentistry mediated by TiO2/Ag2WO4

Abstract This research focused on a newly developed heterojunction nanocomposite, TiO₂/Ag2WO4, which combines titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and silver tungstate(VI) (TiO₂/Ag2WO4) to enhance the photocatalytic performance. The TiO₂/Ag2WO4 photocatalyst was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, DRS, PL, SEM, EDS, and XPS. TiO₂/Ag2WO4 proved to be an effective nanophotocatalyst for synthesizing chromeno[4,3-b]chromene derivatives, which exhibit potential antibacterial and antifungal properties relevant to oral health issues like dental caries and periodontal disease. TiO₂ can absorb light to generate electrons and holes when exposed to direct light; however, combining it with Ag2WO4 enhances its photocatalytic activity. The study also examined the effects of various factors such as the amount of photocatalyst, reaction time, temperature, solvent choice, and the reusability of the nanocomposite. The best reaction condition involves 1 mmol of dimedone, benzaldehyde, and 4-hydroxycoumarin in the presence of 15 mg TiO₂/Ag2WO4 in 3 mL ethanol under irradiation of a green laser at room temperature for 60 min. Findings of this investigation show that TiO₂/Ag2WO4 heterojunction is one of the best among the similar introduced counterparts in photocatalytic synthesis of chromeno[4,3-b]chromene derivatives.

Geriatric Oral Health and Quality of Life Among the Indigenous Irula Tribes of Tamil Nadu.

This study aims to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among the Irula tribes and to know the factors influencing quality of life among the elderly irula tribes of Tamil Nadu. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Northern district of Tamil Nadu, including 486 Irula individuals aged 65 and above. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling method. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire, including the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI) to evaluate OHRQoL. The study tool covered demographics, medical history, and oral health issues. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23, with logistic regression applied to account for confounders. The sample primarily consisted of individuals aged 65-69 years (55.6%), with a predominance of females (76.3%). The majority were Hindu (94.9%) and lived in nuclear families (88.3%). Educational levels were low, with 66.5% being illiterate. Most participants were agricultural laborers (64.6%) and had low monthly incomes. GOHAI results revealed that many respondents faced significant oral health challenges, including difficulties with eating, speaking, and discomfort. Multivariate analysis showed that educational level significantly affected OHRQoL, with higher education correlating with better quality of life. Arthritis was associated with poorer OHRQoL, while other health conditions did not show significant impacts. The study highlights severe oral health issues among the Irula community, with significant physical and psychological impacts. Educational attainment plays a crucial role in OHRQoL, while arthritis notably affects quality of life. The findings emphasize the need for targeted oral health interventions and increased awareness in tribal communities to improve overall health outcomes. Further research in larger populations is necessary to comprehensively understand and address geriatric oral health needs.

Tooth Shame - An Ethnographic Study of the Choreographies of Tooth Shame in Danish Elderly Care (SSM-D-24-02581)

This study suggests the term tooth shame and explores it as a phenomenon encompassing deep entanglements between emotional experiences, social interactions, and care work practices. Drawing on shame research concerning the body, health, and class, juxtaposed with odontological research on the social implications of oral health issues, it investigates how tooth shame appears in Danish elderly care. In Denmark, oral health is notably impaired among older people depending on professional care, with significant repercussions for general health and social life. The study stems from the Lifelong Oral Health project, which identifies barriers to oral health and examines the potential to improve it in Danish elderly care. It is based on ethnographic fieldwork in nursing homes, home care units, and a rehabilitation center in two Danish municipalities. As self-derogative statements and self-limiting behaviors regarding oral health issues stood out as a general finding in interviews with older people, the focus on tooth shame emerged from this fieldwork. The study contributes to recent shame discussions with a social-material understanding of tooth shame, emphasizing that it is more than an individual feature. It is a collectively distributed phenomenon that expands among people and situations, and that interferes with vital caring practices. The study suggests that tooth shame appears through the performance of tooth shame choreographies, highlighting its implications in a socio-material setting. First, it demonstrates that tooth shame can make older people adapt to oral health issues, for example, by avoiding social interactions, dental care, and oral treatments. Second, it identifies tooth shame as a collectively distributed and expanding phenomenon, as it draws, for example, care workers into sensitive shame situations. Third, it explores how tooth shame interferes with daily dental care practices, professional considerations, and ethical dilemmas within elderly care systems.

Assessing the impact of systemic conditions on periodontal health in Malaysian population: a retrospective study

BackgroundPeriodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are among the most prevalent oral health issues globally. They compromise the supportive structures of teeth and are influenced by both local and systemic factors. This study aimed to systematically assess the impact of systemic conditions on periodontal health in Malaysian population, addressing the gap in understanding these factors as potential risk factors.MethodsA retrospective, non-interventional study was conducted using medical records from Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, from September 2019 to December 2022. The study included patients with periodontitis and systemic conditions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, Fisher’s exact tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman’s correlation, and logistic regression.ResultsOut of 600 records, 274 patients were included. The cohort was 51.8% male, with a median age of 51 years. Malays accounted for 92.3% of the sample. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common comorbid conditions. Severe periodontitis was significantly associated with age (45–64 years, p = 0.018) and Malay ethnicity (p = 0.011). Logistic regression revealed that age and ethnicity were significant predictors of periodontitis severity, with Malays being 12.5 times more likely to develop severe periodontitis.ConclusionSystemic conditions significantly influence periodontitis development and progression. Age and ethnicity are crucial predictors of periodontitis severity in the Malaysian population. Comprehensive risk assessment tools are necessary to incorporate a broader spectrum of risk factors for better management and prevention.

Herbal tooth gel formulations: A comprehensive review and comparative analysis for contemporary oral health practices

The shift towards natural healthcare has sparked renewed interest in herbal tooth gel formulations as alternatives to conventional oral care products. This comprehensive review explores the historical evolution, therapeutic properties, and contemporary significance of herbal tooth gels in oral health practices. Emphasizing the global trend towards natural remedies, the review delves into the efficacy of diverse herbal ingredients such as turmeric, camphor, and clove in managing oral health concerns, particularly periodontal diseases like gingivitis. Drawing from traditional practices and modern scientific research, the review highlights the advantages of herbal toothpaste formulations, including their gentle impact on teeth, absence of harmful chemicals, and diverse therapeutic properties. Moreover, the review discusses the sensory, physical, and antimicrobial properties of herbal tooth gels, examining their potential in plaque control and gingival health. By conducting a comparative analysis and evaluation of herbal elements such as neem, aloe vera, and triphala, the review highlights the increasing popularity and therapeutic possibilities of herbal toothpaste formulations in enhancing overall oral health. Amidst the prevalence of fast-paced lifestyles and common oral health issues, it's imperative to explore the extensive benefits provided by herbal tooth gels in contemporary oral healthcare. This becomes especially crucial given the rising global fascination with herbal remedies. Delving into the potential of herbal ingredients such as neem, aloe vera, triphala, guvava etc is particularly vital for addressing the challenges posed by poor oral health. Such exploration could hold promising solutions for enhancing overall oral hygiene and tackling oral health issues effectively.

Impact of systemic diseases on oral health and facial surgery outcomes

Systemic diseases have a profound influence on oral health and maxillofacial surgical outcomes, presenting challenges that require comprehensive management. Diabetes mellitus is a prominent example, with its impact on periodontal health and healing processes being well-established. Elevated blood glucose levels in diabetic patients impair immune response, reduce collagen synthesis, and delay wound healing, increasing the risk of periodontitis and postoperative complications following surgical interventions such as dental implants. Similarly, cardiovascular diseases exacerbate the inflammatory response linked to periodontal disease, potentially worsening both oral health and systemic conditions, thus complicating the recovery process after maxillofacial surgery. These patients often face heightened risks of infections and slower healing, partly due to the frequent use of anticoagulant medications, which can interfere with surgical procedures. Immunocompromised individuals, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) or undergoing chemotherapy, also experience significant oral health challenges, including higher susceptibility to oral infections and delayed tissue repair. Reduced immune function and mucosal integrity make it difficult for these patients to recover effectively after maxillofacial surgery, increasing the risk of complications such as infection and wound dehiscence. Moreover, osteoporosis, a systemic condition characterized by reduced bone density, affects the success of dental implants and bone grafting procedures. The decreased bone quality in osteoporotic patients compromises the ability to achieve stable osseointegration, leading to higher implant failure rates and additional surgical challenges. Addressing these complex interactions between systemic health and oral conditions requires an interdisciplinary approach, integrating medical and dental care to enhance treatment outcomes. Proper management of systemic diseases, along with individualized dental and surgical protocols, is essential to improving the prognosis for patients with concurrent systemic and oral health issues.

Comparison of Transfer Learning Models in Classification Dental and Tongue Disease Images

According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, dental caries is the most prevalent oral health ailment, affecting around 3.5 billion individuals globally. According to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, 93% of children in the country suffer from oral health issues, making poor oral health a serious public health concern. The tongue and teeth in the mouth are particularly vulnerable to a wide range of illnesses, and the condition of the mouth is a key sign of the health of the body as a whole. The CNN algorithm has been utilized in numerous studies to classify disorders of the tongue and teeth. Nevertheless, no study has classified tongue and dental diseases using merged datasets as of yet. This research addresses this gap by focusing on the classification of dental and tongue diseases using transfer learning techniques with CNN architecture models VGG16, VGG19, and ResNet50. The primary aim is to compare these three models to identify the one with the most optimal performance in handling related cases. Based on the results, the best accuracy was achieved with data augmentation and models trained for 75 epochs. The VGG16 model attained 94% accuracy, VGG19 achieved 93% accuracy, and ResNet50 also reached 94% accuracy. These findings suggest that transfer learning with CNN architectures can effectively classify dental and tongue diseases. The implications are significant for developing automated diagnostic tools that can aid in the early detection and treatment of oral health issues globally.

Prevalence of Edentulousness among Patient visiting a Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction: Absence of teeth i.e., edentulism is a common oral health issue worldwide and is an under evaluated disability. It is a preventable oral disability which brings major impact on overall health of individuals affecting the function, aesthetics, comfort and psychology. So, it should be identified and awareness for its management should be done so as to improve the quality of life of an individual. Objective: The purpose of this study was to collect baseline data on edentulism in the Nepalese population so that community-level awareness and educational programs could explain the importance of replacement lost teeth with prosthesis. Methods: The study was conducted in the College of Medical Sciences in the department of Oral medicine and Radiology and in the department of Prosthodontics from the patient visiting in these OPD for five months duration. Data were recorded in proforma and classified as complete / partial edentulous and further classified into Kennedy’s classification. The data were recorded and analyzed in SPSS 20. Result: Out of 301 patients, 24 (8%) had total edentulism, while 277 (92% had partial edentulism). Of the partially edentulous individuals, 90 showed just maxillary edentulism, 148 showed only mandibular edentulism, and 39 showed both maxillary and mandibular edentulism. Conclusion: Females were more likely than males to exhibit partial edentulism. Females showed more Kennedy's Class III classification than males. Both had equal complete edentulism. The mandibular arch showed more partial edentulism than the maxillary arch.

Reasons for Patients Preferring Extraction over Root Canal Treatment in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Dental caries is a major global oral health issue, potentially progressing to irreversible pulpitis and causing substantial discomfort. Although advancements in materials, instruments and knowledge have improved the success rates of root canal procedures, some patients opt for tooth extraction instead of root canal treatment. This choice can result in tooth loss, necessitating costly prosthetic replacements. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the reasons for patients choosing extraction over root canal treatment. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 205 patients visiting the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at Kathmandu Medical College for the treatment of irreversible pulpitis, who ultimately opted for extraction. A structured questionnaire was utilized, and responses were recorded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage were calculated depending upon the nature of data. Results: The study found that the primary reason for patients not undergoing root canal treatment (RCT) was the high cost of RCT and crown, accounting for 42.9% (88 patients), followed by the need for more appointments with pain, at 31.2% (64 patients). Conclusions: This study revealed the cost of RCT and crown to be the major factor for patients opting out from RCT. The study provides valuable insights into the psychology of patients regarding RCT, highlighting reasons for its rejection. Such understanding assists dentists and specialists in tailoring treatment plans that align with patient preferences and needs.