Oro-dental Diseases Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of Antibacterial Efficacy and Flow Characteristics of Three Root Canal Sealers.

Oral microflora containing microorganisms is responsible for the majority of orodental diseases as well as post-endodontic treatment failure. Even in the ideal root canal treatment cases, a small number of viable bacteria will remain in the dentinal tubule hence come the role of root canal sealers, which must offer and possess some degree of antimicrobial activity alongside adequate flowability to ensure excellent sealing of all lateral dentinal tubule canals to prevent the possibility of future reinfection. The present study aimed to examine the antibacterial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) using an agar diffusion test (ADT) at different time intervals, as well as the flow characteristics of three different root canal sealers: Endofill (Produits Dentaires SA,Vevey, Switzerland), AH Plus (Dentsply De Trey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany), and the newly introduced GuttaFlow2 (Coltène/Whaledent, Altstätten, Switzerland). The antibacterial activity and flow characteristics of three root canal sealers, Endofill, AH Plus, and GuttaFlow2, were tested using ADT at three different time intervals (24 hours, 48 hours, and seven days). For this purpose,E. faecalis strains were used as the pathogen in this study. Flow characteristics were done using the standard flow test protocol recommended for endodontic sealers. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test, with a p-value < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The results for antibacterial activity showed a statistically significant difference between Endofill and the other groups (p < 0.05). The antibacterial activity of Endofill increased over time from 24 hours to 48 hours and seven days. AH Plus demonstrated antibacterial activity only within the first 24 hours of mixing, while GuttaFlow2 showed no inhibition zones against E. faecalis. Regarding the flow test results, the Endofill group recorded the lowest flow values compared to GuttaFlow2 and AH Plus, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between GuttaFlow2 and AH Plus for flow values. Endofill demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity at all time intervals, while GuttaFlow2 showed no antimicrobial activity. AH Plus exhibited antimicrobial effects only within the first 24 hours of mixing. In terms of flow values, Endofill had the lowest flow, whereas GuttaFlow2 and AH Plus had the highest flow values.

Frequency of Mutacin Gene Types in Streptococcus mutans Isolated From Oral Potentially Malignant Disorder (OPMD) Patients.

Objectives Mutacins are potent virulent factors attributing to the virulence in Streptococcus mutans leading to oro-dental diseases, and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are considered a premalignant condition of the oro-mucosal layers in the oral cavity. The purpose of this study was to phenotypically characterize S. mutans from the clinical samples of patients with OPMD and to assess the frequency of mutacin genes in comparison with healthy individuals. Methods Saliva samples (n=60) were collected from three different groups and the samples were incubated at 37°C for 48 hours in Mutans-Sanguis agar. After incubation, the isolates were identified phenotypically for S. mutans and the frequency of mutacin genes and its types were assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results S. mutans was found to be more prevalent in the OPMD cases (45%) followed by healthy individuals with caries (15%). Mutacin genes were expressed in all the groups except Group 3 (healthy individuals) without caries. Mutacin I was expressed the highest in Group 1 and Group 2 with 88% and 62.5, respectively, and mutacin III was expressed the least in all groups with 0% expression. Conclusion The findings of the study show the presence of mutacin gene types in the clinical strains of S. mutans in association with OPMD and caries. Further experimental evidence may be required to assess the frequency and to design a novel drug targeting the same.

CONSERVATION OF THE DIVERSITY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS WITH APPLICABILITY DENTAL MEDICINE AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF PLANT RESOURCES

The high incidence of oro-dental pathologies correlated with the significant increase in antibiotic resistance has led to the urgent need to develop alternative treatments, using as natural sources the active principles present in medicinal plants. Thus, at the border between traditional and modern, the use of therapeutic effects of various medicinal plants seems to be a way of preventing and treating oro-dental diseases. Along with this use of plant resources, there is therefore also an awareness of the need to conserve species affected, over time, by overharvesting or even mass extinctions. The sustainable use of these resources leads to maintaining the dynamic balance of ecosystems, maintaining and preserving ecosystem services vital to the development of life on Earth.

Acinetobacter baumannii as an oro-dental pathogen: a red alert!!

This review highlights the existence and association of Acinetobacter baumannii with the oro-dental diseases, transforming this systemic pathogen into an oral pathogen. The review also hypothesizes possible reasons for the categorization of this pathogen as code blue due to its stealthy entry into the oral cavity. Study data were retrieved from various search engines reporting specifically on the association of A. baumannii in dental diseases and tray set-ups. Articles were also examined regarding obtained outcomes on A. baumannii biofilm formation, iron acquisitions, magnitude of antimicrobial resistance, and its role in the oral cancers. A. baumannii is associated with the oro-dental diseases and various virulence factors attribute for the establishment and progression of oro-mucosal infections. Its presence in the oral cavity is frequent in oral microbiomes, conditions of impaired host immunity, age related illnesses, and hospitalized individuals. Many sources also contribute for its prevalence in the dental health care environment and the presence of drug resistant traits is also observed. Its association with oral cancers and oral squamous cell carcinoma is also evident. The review calls for awareness on the emergence of A. baumannii in dental clinics and for the need for educational programs to monitor and control the sudden outbreaks of such virulent and resistant traits in the dental health care settings.

Pattern of oro-dental disease in dental clinic of a tertiary care center

Introduction: The oro-dental diseases are major public health problem throughout the population in Nepal and other countries of the world. It affects people throughout their lifetime. Unhealthy lifestyles, environment and oral health related behavior are the primary causes of oro-dental diseases. We aimed to study the descriptive variables related to oro-dental dental diseases amongst patients attending tertiary care center. Method: A three-year data (April 2019 to April 2022) of patients registered for the treatment of oro-dental diseases in the record book of dental department of Patan Hospital were collected retrospectively. The collected data were entered in Microsoft Excel, and statistical analysis was carried out by using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 16. Result: In the study, 15,879 patients were included; among them 8,652(54.49%) were female and 7,227(45.51%) were male. The most prevalent oro-dental disease was gingivitis/periodontitis 5,076(31.96%) followed by dental caries 5,028(31.66%), abrasion 3,525(22.2%), malocclusion 951(5.99%), impaction 585(3.68%), pulpitis 384(2.42%) and edentulous 330(2.08%). In male, majority 1,800(24.9 %) belonged to 60 years and above age group, in female, majority 1,749 (20.21 %) belonged to 20-29 y. Conclusion: The most prevalent oro-dental diseases was gingivitis/periodontitis followed by dental caries, abrasion, malocclusion, impaction, pulpitis and edentulous. The female patients had more oro-dental problems than males.

Walk-in Emergencies in Dentistry

Introduction: Most dentistry is practiced in small private practices, but also in large Institutional clinics. Treatment is usually by appointment, yet often patients present unexpectedly, frequently distressed, complaining and claiming problems arising from their teeth. Suffering derived from oro-dental diseases manifests in many different ways. Aim: This appraisal groups common dentally related emergencies into six fundamental categories: Pain, Infection, Trauma, Hemorrhage, Allergy, Oncology, and assists with urgent decision-taking for therapy. Most dental treatment is elective and any reaction to dental procedures are usually constrained, controlled or prevented. Each category reviews approaches and in principle determines what policies of practice need to be implemented. A precis of serious emergencies that may precipitate with patients while in a dental operatory is indicated. Conclusion: This grouping of walk-in- emergencies guides clinicians to quickly decide on treatment, and which presentation demands immediate attention. The need for follow-up management and prophylaxis is stressed.

Effectiveness of Oral Health Training Session on Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Barriers Towards Oral Health Amongst Teachers and Caregivers of Disabled Children in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.

INTRODUCTION: Special Care Dentistry aims at management and prevention of Oro-dental diseases in disabled children, who spend most of their time in rehabilitation centres or special schools. Therefore, training their teachers and caretakers on oral health promotion will help to inculcate healthy oral habits in children during their formative years of life.&#x0D; METHODOLOGY: A closed-ended questionnaire evaluated the knowledge, attitude, practices, and barriers toward oral health before and after the oral health training session. The training was done using a validated training manual on oral health promotion entitled as Oral health for families with special health care needs, along with conducting workshops, and delivering dental talks. Data was obtained and statistical analysis was done.&#x0D; STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Evaluation of the data obtained was done twice to assess the difference between the scores before and after oral health education.&#x0D; RESULTS: Maximum participants showed significant improvement in knowledge, attitude and practices towards oral health.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Continuous reinforcement of knowledge, conducting workshops and oral health check-up programs is required to eradicate the barriers and bring changes in Knowledge attitude and practices towards oral health among these teachers and caregivers.&#x0D; KEYWORDS: National Education Policies for children with special needs, Knowledge, Oral health, teachers and caregivers.

Antibacterial Activity of Lysimachia nummularia L. in Oro-Dental Diseases

The aim is to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the extracts obtained from Lysimachia nummularia L. in order to be able to introduce these extracts into pharmaceutical products and obtain useful products in the infectious and antifungal pathology of the oro-dental cavity. Extracts from different parts of the studied species have been obtained and chemically characterized: the total polyphenols in 40% ethanolic extracts have been determined and the caffeic and chlorogenic acids and trans-resveratrol, bioactive compounds involved in the antimicrobial properties of the studied species, have been identified, separated, and quantitatively determined. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the extract of Lisymachia nummularia L. were determined using the diffusion method against a set of bacteria isolated from samples from different patients with diseases of the oro-dental cavity. The extract of Lisymachia nummularia L. exhibited antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria more than Gram-negative, where the effect was weaker; however, it had no antifungal effects on Candida albicans. Another aspect that must be emphasized is that the best antibacterial results were obtained from the aerial segment of the plant, the part where the highest concentration of polyphenols was identified in the studies presented. These results indicate that the pharmacological effects of the studied bacterial species support the use of extracts in obtaining pharmaceutical products that can be used to optimize treatment schemes in oro-dental diseases.

AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO ORODENTAL CARE: A REVIEW

Ayurveda being an ancient science of medicine places great emphasis on prevention of disease and encourages the maintenance of health. Now a day’s people are giving more importance to cosmetic care among that dental care plays an inevitable role. Dental care refers to maintenance of healthy teeth and oral hygiene. Good oral and dental hygiene can help to prevent bad breath, tooth decay and can help to keep your teeth as you get older. Your mouth can reflect the overall health of the body, showing signs of infection or disease before you experience other symptoms. Dentistry is included under Shalakya Tantra, which is one among the Ashtangas of Ayurveda. Different regimens which are explained under Dinacharya, various Ayurvedic drugs and Ayurvedic preparation can improve the Orodental health and existing damage can usually be repaired. Dantadhavana, Jivhanirlekha, Kavala, Gandusha, Pratisarana, Nasya and Tambulasevana are highly effective daily procedure for the maintenance of Orodental health. Diet is one of the major aetiological factors for many dental diseases and Ayurveda has explained Pathya Aharas for maintaining proper dental health. An Ayurvedic view of prevention of Orodental diseases through different regimens, Pathyapathyas and drugs are discussed in this article for giving the best possible Orodental health for the individual.

Locker’s Model for Assessing Periodontal Health Status of the Lawyers in Bhopal

Background: The current study is intended to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL)comprising Locker’s model among lawyers in Bhopal city. This study was framed to integrate OHRQoL with morbid and terminal dental condition allied to periodontal health assessment by encompassing Locker’s Model. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted incorporating 250 lawyers of Bhopal city. The evaluation and association of periodontal status and OHRQoL by Leao and Sheiham 5-scale questionnaire was used in the present study. Post data collection, periodontal health status of lawyers was observed, the association between the dimensionsof Dental Impact on Daily Living (DIDL) Scale with each construct of Locker’s conceptual model of oral health was complemented. The collected data were tabulated using Excel, and analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 19.0 version. Pearson correlation test, ANOVA, and Post hoc test were used to test the significance. Results: Observation included 29.6% of lawyers were dissatisfied with their teeth and existing oral health. All the dimensions of DIDL Scale show a statistically positive association with each other and Community Periodontal Index highest score with pain and eating restrictions. Conclusion: Oro-dental diseases or problems have definitive effects on patient’s satisfaction with different aspects of their dentition and also experienced greater psychological discomfort. As rightly said by the WHO “Oral Health for Healthy Life” and oral cavity is the gateway of general health, so oro-dental problems cannot be unkempt.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding oral and dental hygiene among dental outpatients in Central India: A cross-sectional study

Background: Orodental diseases present a major public health problem. About 90% of schoolchildren worldwide and most adults have experienced caries, with the disease. Little is known about oral and dental health attitudes and behaviors and practices among people from developing countries and especially, in this part of our country. Aims: The present study was carried out with an aim to assess the knowledge attitude and practices in oral and dental hygiene in patients attending the dentistry outpatient department. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted during 2019 among 426 patients visiting the outpatient department of dentistry. A pretested, predesigned, standardized questionnaire was used to collect data. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee prior to the conduct of the study. Collected data were entered into the MS Excel spreadsheet and analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows at a 5% level of significance. Results: Only 18.3% of participants were aware that a minimum of two times per day brushing of teeth is essential and nearly one-third of subjects (32.4%) disagreed with the fact that dental problems can lead to other health problems/systemic illness. More than half of subjects (52.1%) were using self-medication (pain killer/clove/clove oil/) as a primary approach to dental problems and was significantly associated with age and gender education (P

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Chronic Liver Failure Patients Measured by OHIP-14 and GOHAI.

Background Oro-dental diseases are prevalent in chronic liver failure (CLF) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life associated with oral health in candidates for liver transplant surgery. Materials and Methods The demographic information of 105 end-stage liver cirrhotic patients was collected. All patients were ordered a panoramic view for pretransplant dental evaluation. The DMFT (decayed-missing-filled tooth) index was calculated for dental examination. The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) was used for the severity of liver disease. The OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile) questionnaire and GOHAI (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index) questionnaire were applied to evaluate the impact of oral disease on the quality of life. Results A total of 79 patients thoroughly completed the questionnaires; 79.7% were male, 32.9% were over 50, and 25.3% were less than 30 years old. Further, 12.7% smoked, 2.5% were illiterate, 64.6% had not finished school, and 10.1% had university degrees. Almost half of the cirrhotic patients were suffering from the disease for more than 3 years. Most complaints reported by the patients as “very often” were becoming self-conscious (13.9%) and being uncomfortable when eating any foods (13.9%) followed by feeling tense (12.8%). There was no significant difference between gender, smoking, age, and MELD score based on quality of life (OHIP and GOHAI) (P > 0.05). The level of education (P = 0.020), duration of disease (P = 0.017), and DMFT index (P = 0.039) had a significant impact on oral health-related quality of life in CLF patients. An inverse relationship was seen between the DMFT index and the quality of life. Conclusion Oral health has a high impact on the quality of life of cirrhotic patients. The psychological dimension of oral health is the most debilitating factor affecting the quality of life. This shows the importance of professional oral care, oral health, and self-care education in this group of patients.

Role of Unani Medicines in Oro-Dental Diseases: A Comprehensive Review and Scientific Evidence

Background: Unani system of medicine originated in ancient Greece, with the teachings of Buqrat (Hippocrates, 460-377 BC); and was introduced in India by the Mughal emperors. In Unani medicine, diseases and drugs are classified on the basis of mizaj (temperament) which is one of the fundamental concepts of Unani medicine. Oral health is given special emphasis in Unani medicine due to the understanding that diseases of the mouth affect eating and nutrition which may affect all systems of the body. Oro-dental diseases are described extensively in Unani literature in a systematic manner and many drugs such as Aqar Qarha (Anacyclus pyrethrum DC.), Kaat safed (Acacia catechu Willd.) etc are described which have shown promising results in recent scientific studies. Methodology: First, a review of Unani classical books was completed and the drugs to be further researched were selected. Then, a search was made on major scientific search engines regarding scientific evidence of their efficacy and safety. Conclusion: The Unani drugs mentioned in classical literature have shown promising results as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-ulcerative agents in many oral disorders. Also, most of the drugs have a multi-dimensional action which is both curative and preventive.

Significant Caries Index: A Better Indicator for Dental Caries

International Journal of Medicine and Public Health,2019,9,2,59.DOI:10.5530/ijmedph.2019.2.15Published:June 2019Type:Letter to the EditorSignificant Caries Index: A Better Indicator for Dental CariesRupsa Banerjee, and Bratati Banerjee Rupsa Banerjee1, Bratati Banerjee2* 1Department of Community Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, INDIA. 2Department of Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, INDIA Abstract:Sir, Dental caries is one of the oro-dental diseases which is highly prevalent in India.1,2 DMFT index has been widely used to assess the caries status among individuals by computing the mean number of Decayed (D), Missing (M) and Filled (F) teeth in a population. This index however does not reflect the true picture since there are both individuals with considerably higher DMFT values as well as caries-free individuals in the same population. Significant Caries index (SiC) is a better indicator in this case because it records the individuals with the highest DMFT values. The Global Goals for Oral Health in the year 2000 proposed to reduce the SiC index among the 12-year-olds to less than 3 DMFT by the year 2015, globally. The present study was done as a part of the School Health Programme in selected government schools in south Bangalore where students of classes 1 to 10 were examined as part of annual health check-up which included dental examination and questions on oral hygiene habits. DMFT score for permanent teeth and dmft score for temporary teeth were calculated for each child. SiC index was calculated, according to the WHO formula,3 for the 12-year-old population by calculating the average DMFT score of one third of the 12-year old children having the highest DMFT values, to assess whether this was in line with the proposed global goals for oral health. Read More... Keywords:NillView:PDF (64.65 KB)

Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Oral Health-related Nutritional Performance of Diabetic Patients Referred to the Diabetes Research Center in Isfahan-Iran, 2016

Background: Type II diabetes is a chronic disease, with an ever-increasing incidence, concomitant with an increase in the number of the elderly. It is one of the conditions that can affect the orodental health. In general, the diabetes-related oral problems include dental caries, xerostomia, oral candidiasis, periodontal diseases and consumption of inappropriate foodstuff. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and oral health-related nutritional performance of diabetic patients referred to the diabetes center research in Isfahan-Iran, 2016. Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 362 diabetic subjects (142 females and 220 males) referred to the Research Center for Endocrine Glands and Metabolism in Isfahan, were evaluated after being selected by simple random sampling technique. The frequency distribution of demographic data (gender, marital status, occupation, affliction with orodental diseases, disease history, and use of medications and supplements) were evaluated. The relationships of the variables above and the knowledge, attitude and performance scores of the subjects were evaluated. Data were analyzed with independent t-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Spearmen’s correlation coefficient. Results: There were no significant relationships between orodental diseases and the mean scores of knowledge, attitudes and performance of the subjects. The mean scores of knowledge, attitudes and performance of the subjects were 33.8 ± 11.2, 53.311.01 and 53.7 ± 6.9 out of 100, respectively. Conclusion: The oral-health related nutritional knowledge of diabetic subjects was poor. Programs should be prepared to improve the knowledge and oral health-related nutritional performance of diabetic patients.

Protocol GenoDENT: Implementation of a New NGS Panel for Molecular Diagnosis of Genetic Disorders with Orodental Involvement.

Rare genetic disorders are often challenging to diagnose. Anomalies of tooth number, shape, size, mineralized tissue structure, eruption, and resorption may exist as isolated symptoms or diseases but are often part of the clinical synopsis of numerous syndromes (Bloch-Zupan A, Sedano H, Scully C. Dento/oro/craniofacial anomalies and genetics, 1st edn. Elsevier, Boston, MA, 2012). Concerning amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), for example, mutations in a number of genes have been reported to cause isolated AI, including AMELX, ENAM, KLK4, MMP20, FAM83H, WDR72, C4orf26, SLC24A4, and LAMB3. In addition, many other genes such as DLX3, CNNM4, ROGDI, FAM20A, STIM1, ORAI1, and LTBP3 have been shown to be involved in developmental syndromes with enamel defects. The clinical presentation of the enamel phenotype (hypoplastic, hypomineralized, hypomature, or a combination of severities) alone does not allow a reliable prediction of possible causative genetic mutations. Understanding the potential genetic cause(s) of rare diseases is critical for overall health management of affected patient. One effective strategy to reach a genetic diagnosis is to sequence a selected gene panel chosen for a determined range of phenotypes. Here we describe a laboratory protocol to set up a specific gene panel for orodental diseases.

Achieving Universal Health Coverage for Oral Health in Nigeria: Prospects, Barriers and Strategies

The United Nations instituted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to solve health problems by integrating the social determinants of health in the management of diseases. However, oral health is not one of the issues addressed by the Sustainable Development Goals despite the facts that orodental diseases are on the rise in Nigeria and the diseases are related toneglected lifestyles and socio-economic health determinant factors. The objective of the paper is to provide evidence based facts for the expansion of the scope of dental services in the National Health Insurance Scheme. The barriers to and the strategies to achieving Universal Oral Health Coverage in Nigeria are also discussed.&#x0D;

Prevalence of Oral and Dental Diseases and Oral Hygiene Practices among Illicit Drug Abusers

Background: There has been increasing incidence of addiction to certain illicit drugs amongst people belonging to various strata of society, particularly among young people in Bangladesh, as well as in western countries. Drug abuse results in several direct consequences including multiple physical and mental problems such as cardiac crisis, respiratory depression, liver cirrhosis, nephropathy, infectious diseases such as hepatitis, AIDS, and tuberculosis, injury-associated disability, mental disorders such as depression, and oral health problems. Illicit drugs abusers’ health related published data available worldwide but considering the geographical disparity, such as types of drugs, pattern of use, and duration of use, environment and physiology (race) and so on, no study has been performed in Bangladesh. The present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of oro-dental diseases and explore attitudes towards oral hygiene practices among a group of illicit drug abusers so that required interventions can be planned for the good health of those who are in addicts with illicit drugs in this region. Materials and methods: This study was comprised of 120 drug addicts admitted in a drug rehabilitation centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data so obtained was subjected to analysis using SPSS version 20.0. Percentage and mean ± standard deviation was calculated and Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Result: Most of the participants were involved in more than one drug abuse and the most abused drugs were heroin (55.1%), cannabis (ganja) (43.2%) and methamphetamine (yaba) (30.5%). Oral hygiene practices of the drug users were alarming where 76.7% of the participants reported brushing their teeth on an incorrect schedule (Before breakfast/after every meal) and incorrect frequency of time of brushing while only 22.6% of the participant brushed in correct schedule of brushing (After breakfast and before sleep at night). Ignorance about oral health (48%), moneyfear (32%) and money-bad experience (25%) are the obstacles for the respondents to visiting a dentist among them More than two-thirds of drug users were affected by dental caries, with a mean DMFT score of 5.0 (sd 2.29), Bleeding, shallow pockets and deep pockets were found as the highest CPI finding in 68%, 57% and 12% of drug users respectively. Oral mucosal examination revealed gingivitis, xerostomia (dry mouth syndrome) and meth mouth (bruxism, excessive tooth wear, xerostomia, and rampant caries) were 35.8%, 18.3% and 8.3% respectively. Significant relationship was found in case duration of drugs abused with oral health condition. Conclusion: Drug abuse is detrimental to oral health, so abusers need to be more aware of the dangerous effects of drugs.

Co-morbidity of Diabetes Mellitus and Orodental Diseases in Nigeria.

Although several epidemiological studies have reported an association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and orodental health. However, the occurrence of the co-morbidity of both diseases has been more of suspicion than evidence-based. DM is a serious public health concern globally, and in Nigeria. Studies have separately documented the prevalence of DM and orodental diseases, but data lack to adequately rationalise co-morbidity of both diseases. The study aimed to report evidence of co-morbidity of DM and orodental diseases in Nigeria. Data published between December, 1970 and June, 2015 were used in writing the review. These data were collated from electronic literature archives and databases. This review suggests evidence of the association of DM and orodental diseases. It revealed that both diseases are densely distributed in South-East, South-South and South-West geopolitical zones of Nigeria, and sparsely spread across other regions of the country. Co-morbidity of both diseases holds promise that will favour public health practice, especially in Nigeria. It is hoped that the association may lead to the establishment of a cost-effective DM screening protocol in Nigeria. Again, screening of DM in dentistries and vice versa may be possible through the relationship of both diseases. It is recommended that the driving force of the co-morbidity be investigated.

Preventing orodental diseases is still better and cheaper than treating them

Preventing orodental diseases is still better and cheaper than treating them