Showing papers on "Oral hygiene published in 2011"

Managing the care of patients receiving antiresorptive therapy for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis: Executive summary of recommendations from the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs

Abstract: Background This narrative review of osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with low bone mass receiving treatment with antiresorptive agents is based on an appraisal of the literature by an advisory committee of the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs. It updates the committee's 2008 advisory statement. Methods The authors searched MEDLINE for literature published between May 2008 (the end date of the last search) and February 2011. Results This report contains recommendations based on the findings of the literature search and on expert opinion that relate to general dentistry; periodontal disease management; implant placement and maintenance; oral and maxillofacial surgery; endodontics; restorative dentistry and prosthodontics; orthodontics; and C-terminal telopeptide testing and drug holidays. Conclusions The highest reliable estimate of antiresorptive agent–induced osteonecrosis of the jaw (ARONJ) prevalence is approximately 0.10 percent. Osteoporosis is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the benefit provided by antiresorptive therapy outweighs the low risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw. Clinical Implications An oral health program consisting of sound hygiene practices and regular dental care may be the optimal approach for lowering ARONJ risk. No validated diagnostic technique exists to determine which patients are at increased risk of developing ARONJ. Discontinuing bisphosphonate therapy may not lower the risk but may have a negative effect on low-bone-mass–treatment outcomes.

Candida-associated denture stomatitis.

Abstract: Candida albicans is a dimorphic yeast strongly gram positive able to live as normal commensal organism in the oral cavity of healthy people. It is the yeast more frequently isolated in the oral cavity. Under local and systemic factors related to the host conditions, it becomes virulent and responsible of oral diseases known as oral candidiasis. It has been shown that the presence of denture is a predisposing factor to the onset of pathologies related to C. albicans. Clinical studies have shown that C. albicans is not only able to adhere to the mucous surfaces, but also to stick to the acrylic resins of the dental prostheses. Both the plaque accumulated on the denture and the poor oral hygiene contribute to the virulence of Candida, offering the clinical picture of Candida-associated denture stomatitis. The therapeutic strategies currently adopted in the clinical practice to overcome these fungal infections provide for the use of topical and/or systemic antifungal and topical antiseptics and disinfectants, the irradiation with microwaves and the accurate mechanical removal of the bacterial plaque from the denture surfaces and from the underlying mucosa. A correct oral hygiene is important for the control of the bacterial biofilm present on the denture and on the oral mucosa and it is the fundamental base for the prophylaxis and the therapy of the Candidaassociated denture stomatitis.

Dental caries experience, oral health status and treatment needs of dental patients with autism

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. The aims of this study were to investigate whether children with autism have higher caries prevalence, higher periodontal problems, or more treatment needs than children of a control group of non-autistic patients, and to provide baseline data to enable comparison and future planning of dental services to autistic children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 61 patients with autism aged 6-16 years (45 males and 16 females) attending Dubai and Sharjah Autism Centers were selected for the study. The control group consisted of 61 non-autistic patients chosen from relatives or friends of autistic patients in an attempt to have matched age, sex and socioeconomic status. Each patient received a complete oral and periodontal examination, assessment of caries prevalence, and caries severity. Other conditions assessed were dental plaque, gingivitis, restorations and treatment needs. Chi-square and Fisher's exact test of significance were used to compare groups. RESULTS: The autism group had a male-to-female ratio of 2.8:1. Compared to controls, children with autism had significantly higher decayed, missing or filled teeth than unaffected patients and significantly needed more restorative dental treatment. The restorative index (RI) and Met Need Index (MNI) for the autistic children were 0.02 and 0.3, respectively. The majority of the autistic children either having poor 59.0% (36/61) or fair 37.8% (23/61) oral hygiene compared with healthy control subjects. Likewise, 97.0% (59/61) of the autistic children had gingivitis. CONCLUSIONS: Children with autism exhibited a higher caries prevalence, poor oral hygiene and extensive unmet needs for dental treatment than non-autistic healthy control group. Thus oral health program that emphasizes prevention should be considered of particular importance for children and young people with autism.

Early Childhood Caries

Abstract: Dental caries is one of the most common childhood diseases, and people continue to be susceptible to it throughout their lives. Although dental caries can be arrested and potentially even reversed in its early stages, it is often not self-limiting and progresses without proper care until the tooth is destroyed. Early childhood caries (ECC) is often complicated by inappropriate feeding practices and heavy infection with mutans streptococci. Such children should be targeted with a professional preventive program that includes oral hygiene instructions for mothers or caregivers, along with fluoride and diet counseling. However, these strategies alone are not sufficient to prevent dental caries in high-risk children; prevention of ECC also requires addressing the socioeconomic factors that face many families in which ECC is endemic. The aim of this paper is to systematically review information about ECC and to describe why many children are suffering from dental caries.

Evidence-based guidelines for the care and maintenance of complete dentures: a publication of the American College of Prosthodontists.

Abstract: The current rates of edentulism have been estimated to be between 7% and 69% of the adult population internationally. In the United States, while the incidence of edentulism continues to decline, rapid population growth coupled with current economic conditions suggest that edentulism and conventional denture use will continue at current or higher numbers. Unfortunately, evidence-based guidelines for the care and maintenance of removable complete denture prostheses do not exist. In 2009, the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) formed a task force to establish evidence-based guidelines for the care and maintenance of complete dentures. The task force comprised members of the ACP, the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs, the American Dental Hygienists' Association, the National Association of Dental Laboratories, and representatives from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. The review process included the assessment of over 300 abstracts and selection of over 100 articles meeting inclusion criteria of this review. The task force reviewed synopses of the literature and formulated 15 evidence-based guidelines for denture care and maintenance. These guidelines were reviewed by clinical experts from the participating organizations and were published in February 2011 issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association for widespread distribution to the dental community. These guidelines reflect the views of the task force.

Advanced dental disease in people with severe mental illness: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract: Background Psychiatric patients have increased comorbid physical illness. There is less information concerning dental disease in this population in spite of risk factors including diet and psychotropic side-effects (such as xerostomia). Aims To compare the oral health of people with severe mental illness with that of the general population. Method A systematic search for studies from the past 20 years was conducted using Medline, PsycINFO, Embase and article bibliographies. Papers were independently assessed. The primary outcome was total tooth loss (edentulousness), the end-stage of both untreated caries and periodontal disease. We also assessed dental decay through standardised measures: the mean number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) or surfaces (DMFS). For studies lacking a control group we used controls of similar ages from a community survey within 10 years of the study. Results We identified 21 papers of which 14 had sufficient data (n = 2784 psychiatric patients) and suitable controls (n = 31 084) for a random effects meta-analysis. People with severe mental illness had 3.4 times the odds of having lost all their teeth than the general community (95% CI 1.6-7.2). They also had significantly higher scores for DMFT (mean difference 6.2, 95% CI 0.6-11.8) and DMFS (mean difference 14.6, 95% CI 4.1-25.1). Fluoridated water reduced the gap in oral health between psychiatric patients and the general population. Conclusions Psychiatric patients have not shared in the improving oral health of the general population. Management should include oral health assessment using standard checklists that can be completed by non-dental personnel. Interventions include oral hygiene and management of xerostomia.

Effect of health promotion and fluoride varnish on dental caries among Australian Aboriginal children: results from a community-randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: Indigenous1 Australians experience lamentable rates of death and disease. Life expectancy at birth is 59 years for men and 65 years for women, some 17–18 years below the corresponding figures for non-Indigenous Australians (1). The poor health of Indigenous Australians is attributed to risk behaviors in individuals (e.g. use of tobacco, alcohol and other substances) and to broader societal factors such as the organization of health care and quality of housing. There are less tangible but equally pervasive effects of disempowerment that arise through welfare dependency, loss of traditional roles and feelings of hopelessness (2). Australia's Indigenous children also experience disproportionately high rates of dental disease. Indeed, during the last 15 years, caries rates have increased among Indigenous Australian children and declined in non-Indigenous children (3). Today's disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians are particularly pronounced in the preschool years (4) and in geographically remote areas (5–7). It is noteworthy that these disparities in dental caries are not fully explained by the lower socioeconomic status (SES) of Aboriginal children (6). Higher rates of dental caries in Indigenous children have broader health consequences. In 2002-03, the rate of hospitalization for dental treatment among Aboriginal preschool children was 1.4 times the rate seen in non-Aboriginal preschoolers (8). When planning this study, we knew that fluoride varnish was effective in reducing levels of decay (9). We also knew that fluoride varnish and parent counseling in diet and oral hygiene could be provided by nondental personnel in primary care settings (10). We saw this as an important prerequisite for the sustainability of any new intervention in remote Aboriginal communities, where routine health care for preschool children is provided by primary health care workers. To achieve similar benefits in our setting, we felt a preventive dental program should also target families and communities. Researchers attribute disparities in dental caries to behavioral risk factors, such as frequent sugar consumption as well as community-level characteristics, including suboptimal levels of fluoride in drinking water and poor access to dental care (7). Another study cited broader social influences, concluding ‘it could be that factors concerning the social history of Indigenous people contribute more to oral health outcomes than SES per se, which could explain why Indigenous children had worse oral health than non-Indigenous children’ (3). The views of Indigenous Australians themselves are reported less commonly in the scientific literature. When we consulted with communities prior to starting this project, the ‘old people’ said ‘we never had this problem’ and began sharing stories of traditional health practices and a way of life. We were told some Indigenous Australians still practice a degree of ‘Traditional Medicine’ and they see health as a way of life, encompassing their land, law and culture, spirituality, economic, social, physical, mental and environmental well-being of its people. This was supported by Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr, a respected elder from one of our participating communities, who has described Aboriginal people as ‘Food Gatherers’. She writes ‘These “Food Gatherers”, as well as physical, drew spiritual sustenance from nature and the land. It was this spiritual sustenance that gave them their real strength and the power for such long endurance. They celebrated the land and their closeness to it, even oneness with it, through various ceremonies (11).’ These accounts, together with evidence from the scientific literature, motivated us to develop a program to prevent dental caries that targeted communities, families and children themselves.

Dental plaque and oral health during the first 32 years of life.

Abstract: Background Studies investigating the role of dental plaque in oral disease have focused primarily on the quantity and quality of plaque at a given point in time. No large-scale epidemiologic research has been conducted regarding the continuity and change in plaque levels across the long term and the association of plaque levels with oral health. Methods The authors used data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study. Collection of dental plaque data occurred at ages 5, 9, 15, 18, 26 and 32 years by means of the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index. The authors assessed oral health outcomes when participants were aged 32 years. Results The authors identified three plaque trajectory groups (high, n=357; medium, n=450; and low; n=104) and found substantial, statistically significant differences in both caries and periodontal disease experience among those groups. For example, after the authors controlled for sex, socioeconomic status and dental visiting pattern, they found that participants in the high-plaque-trajectory group lost nearly five times more teeth owing to caries than did those in the low-plaque-trajectory group. Conclusions Across the long term, participants in the high-plaque-trajectory group were more likely to experience caries, periodontal disease and subsequent tooth loss than were those in the low- or medium-plaque-trajectory groups, and they experienced all those conditions with greater severity. Clinical Implications Improving oral health requires emphasizing long-term self-care, as well as providing broad public health and health promotion measures that promote and support oral self-care. This study's findings suggest that poor oral hygiene and smoking have a synergistic effect on periodontal disease experience.

Association Between Pneumonia and Oral Care in Nursing Home Residents

Abstract: Pneumonia remains the leading cause of death in nursing home residents. The accumulation of dental plaque and colonization of oral surfaces and dentures with respiratory pathogens serves as a reservoir for recurrent lower respiratory tract infections. Control of gingivitis and dental plaques has been effective in reducing the rate of pneumonia but the provision of dental care for institutionalized elderly is inadequate, with treatment often sought only when patients experience pain or denture problems. Direct mechanical cleaning is thwarted by the lack of adequate training of nursing staff and residents’ uncooperativeness. Chlorhexidine-based interventions are advocated as alternative methods for managing the oral health of frail older people; however, efficacy is yet to be demonstrated in randomized controlled trials. Development and maintenance of an oral hygiene program is a critical step in the prevention of pneumonia. While resources may be limited in long-term-care facilities, incorporating oral care in daily routine practice helps to reduce systemic diseases and to promote overall quality of life in nursing home residents.

Orofacial function and oral health in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract: No comprehensive study has previously been published on orofacial function in patients with well-defined Parkinson's disease (PD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform an overall assessment of orofacial function and oral health in patients, and to compare the findings with matched control subjects. Fifteen outpatients (nine women and six men, 61-82 yr of age; Hoehn & Yahr Stages 2-4; and with motor impairment ranging from 17 to 61 according to the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Objective Motor Part III) were examined in their 'on' state together with 15 age- and gender-matched controls. Orofacial function and oral health were assessed using the Nordic Orofacial Test, masticatory ability, performance and efficiency, oral stereognosis, jaw opening, jaw muscle tenderness, the Oral Health Impact Profile-49, number of natural teeth, and oral hygiene. Orofacial dysfunction was more prevalent, mastication and jaw opening poorer, and impact of oral health on daily life more negative, in patients with PD than in controls. The results indicate that mastication and orofacial function are impaired in moderate to advanced PD, and with progression of the disease both orofacial and dental problems become more marked. It is suggested that greater awareness of the special needs in PD patients and frequent dental visits are desirable to prevent dental diseases and decay and to support masticatory function.

Sex differences in gingivitis relate to interaction of oral health behaviors in young people.

Abstract: Background: Although many epidemiologic surveys have shown that gingivitis is more prevalent in males than in females, few studies have clearly explained what causes this difference. The objective of the present study is to explain the sex difference in gingivitis based on the interaction between oral health behaviors and related factors, such as knowledge, attitude, and lifestyle, in young people.Methods: The study was comprised of 838 subjects (440 males and 398 females), aged 18 and 19 years. Gingivitis was assessed by the percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP). Additional information was collected regarding oral hygiene status, oral health behaviors, and related factors. Structural equation modeling was used to test pathways from these factors to %BOP. Multiple-group modeling was also conducted to test for sex differences.Results: Females had greater knowledge, a more positive attitude, a healthier lifestyle, and higher level of oral health behaviors than males. There were significant differences in...

Modeling the theory of planned behavior for intention to improve oral health behaviors: the impact of attitudes, knowledge, and current behavior

Abstract: The aim of this study was to test the efficiency of an extended model of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in predicting intention to improve oral health behaviors. The participants in this cross-sectional study were 153 first-year medical students (mean age 20.16, 50 males and 103 females) who completed a questionnaire assessing intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, oral health knowledge, and current oral hygiene behaviors. Attitudes toward oral health behaviors and perceived behavioral control contrib- uted to the model for predicting intention, whereas subjective norms did not. Attitudes toward oral health behaviors were slightly more important than perceived behavioral control in predicting intention. Oral health knowledge significantly affected affective and cognitive attitudes, while current behavior was not a significant predictor of intention to improve oral health behavior. The model had a slightly better fit among females than among males, but was similar for home and professional dental health care. Our findings revealed that attitude, perceived behavioral control, and oral health knowledge are predictors of intention to improve oral health behaviors. These findings may help both dentists and dental hygienists in educating patients in oral health and changing patients' oral hygiene habits. (J Oral Sci 53, 369-377,

Early childhood feeding practices and dental caries in preschool children: a multi-centre birth cohort study.

Abstract: Dental caries (decay) is an international public health challenge, especially amongst young children. Early Childhood Caries is a rapidly progressing disease leading to severe pain, anxiety, sepsis and sleep loss, and is a major health problem particularly for disadvantaged populations. There is currently a lack of research exploring the interactions between risk and protective factors in the development of early childhood caries, in particular the effects of infant feeding practises. This is an observational cohort study and involves the recruitment of a birth cohort from disadvantaged communities in South Western Sydney. Mothers will be invited to join the study soon after the birth of their child at the time of the first home visit by Child and Family Health Nurses. Data on feeding practices and dental health behaviours will be gathered utilizing a telephone interview at 4, 8 and 12 months, and thereafter at 6 monthly intervals until the child is aged 5 years. Information collected will include a) initiation and duration of breastfeeding, b) introduction of solid food, c) intake of cariogenic and non-cariogenic foods, d) fluoride exposure, and e) oral hygiene practices. Children will have a dental and anthropometric examination at 2 and 5 years of age and the main outcome measures will be oral health quality of life, caries prevalence and caries incidence. This study will provide evidence of the association of early childhood feeding practices and the oral health of preschool children. In addition, information will be collected on breastfeeding practices and the oral health concerns of mothers living in disadvantaged areas in South Western Sydney.

Microbial shifts during dental biofilm re-development in the absence of oral hygiene in periodontal health and disease.

Abstract: Uzel NG, Teles FR, Teles RP, Song XQ, Torresyap G, Socransky SS, Haffajee AD. Microbial shifts during dental biofilm re-development in the absence of oral hygiene in periodontal health and disease. J Clin Peridontol 2011; doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2011.01730.x. Abstract Aim: To monitor microbial shifts during dental biofilm re-development. Materials and methods: Supra- and subgingival plaque samples were taken separately from 28 teeth in 38 healthy and 17 periodontitis subjects at baseline and immediately after tooth cleaning. Samples were taken again from seven teeth in randomly selected quadrants during 1, 2, 4 and 7 days of no oral hygiene. Samples were analysed using checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization. Species counts were averaged within subjects at each time point. Significant differences in the counts between healthy and periodontitis subjects were determined using the Mann–Whitney test. Results: The total supra- and subgingival counts were significantly higher in periodontitis on entry and reached or exceeded the baseline values after day 2. Supragingival counts of Veillonella parvula, Fusobacterium nucleatum ss vincentii and Neisseria mucosa increased from 2 to 7 days. Subgingival counts were greater for Actinomyces, green and orange complex species. Significant differences between groups in supragingival counts occurred for 17 of 41 species at entry, 0 at day 7; for subgingival plaque, these values were 39/41 taxa at entry, 17/41 at day 7. Conclusions: Supragingival plaque re-development was similar in periodontitis and health, but subgingival species recolonization was more marked in periodontitis.

Application of self-regulation theory and motivational interview for improving oral hygiene: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract: Aim Because patient adherence to oral hygiene is essential for periodontal treatment success, the aim of the study was to assess whether a motivational interview addressing the five dimensions of Leventhal's theory performed better than conventional basic instruction on improving compliance with plaque control among patients with periodontitis Materials and Methods A randomized controlled clinical trial design was used in which a group of patients underwent a motivational interview in addition to classical consultation A control group received only the standard consultation The O'Leary Plaque Index was used to judge the oral hygiene at baseline and at 1 month follow-up Patient satisfaction with the dental visit was scored using a specific questionnaire Results At baseline, the mean full mouth plaque score varied between 55% (experimental group) and 58% (control group) Patients in the experimental group had a higher oral hygiene improvement (21 ± 20% versus 4 ± 5%, p < 0001) 1 month post-treatment The motivational interview resulted in greater satisfaction scores compared with those of patients in the control group: 1055 ± 153 versus 882 ± 240, p = 0014 Conclusions This new concept of motivational interview is a promising approach and can be useful for counselling-related periodontal disorders

Comparison of the effectiveness of a commercially available herbal mouthrinse with chlorhexidine gluconate at the clinical and patient level.

Abstract: Background: The key to good oral health is hidden in nature. Natural herbs like neem, tulsi, pudina, clove oil, ajwain, triphala and many more has been used since ages either as a whole single herb or as a combination against various oral health problems like bleeding gums, halitosis, mouth ulcers and preventing tooth decay. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of a commercially available herbal mouthrinse (Herboral) with that of chlorhexidine gluconate which is considered to be a gold standard as an anti-plaque agent. Materials and Methods: A randomized, two-group, parallel study as a 'de novo' plaque accumulation model was carried out on 50 subjects (23 males and 27 females). At baseline, all participants received a professional prophylaxis and were randomly assigned to the test (Herbal mouthrinse) and control (Chlorhexidine Gluconate) group. On the following three days, all subjects rinsed with 10 ml of the allocated mouthrinse twice daily for 1 min. They were asked to refrain from use of any other oral hygiene measures during the study. At the end of the experimental period, plaque was assessed and a questionnaire was filled by all subjects. Results: Chlorhexidine (mean plaque score=1.65) inhibited plaque growth significantly more than the herbal mouthrinse (mean plaque score=1.43, P<0.001). The results of the questionnaire showed that Herboral was preferred by patients for its taste, its convenience of use and taste duration (aftertaste). However, Chlorhexidine was considered to be more effective in reducing plaque as compared to Herboral. Conclusion: Herbal mouthrinse was found to be a potent plaque inhibitor, though less effective than Chlorhexidine Gluconate. However, it can serve as a good alternative for the patients with special needs as in case of diabetics, xerostomics, and so on.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization and oral hygiene in 10- to-12-yr-old Swedish children born preterm.

Abstract: Although preterm birth is associated with an increased risk of medical problems and impairments, there is limited knowledge of how this affects oral health. It was hypothesized that when 10-12 yr of age, children who were preterm at birth would present with a higher prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), more dental plaque, and a higher degree of gingival inflammation than full-term control children. Eighty-two preterm children, born between 24 and 32 wk of gestation, and 82 control children, born between 37 and 43 wk of gestation, were clinically examined for developmental defects in enamel, MIH, dental plaque, and gingival health. In addition, behaviour management problems were evaluated. Information on any aetiological factors with a potential influence on MIH and oral health was collected via questionnaires. Molar-incisor hypomineralization was more common in preterm children than in controls (38% vs. 16%), as were enamel developmental defects (69.5% vs. 51%). Low gestational age and low birth weight increased the risk of MIH. Preterm children had more plaque, a higher degree of gingival inflammation, and more behaviour-management problems than controls. In conclusion, oral health problems were more common in preterm children than in control children.

Prevalence Of Dental Caries, Socio-Economic Status And Treatment Needs Among 5 To 15 Year Old School Going Children Of Chidambaram Prevalence Of Dental Caries, Socio-Economic Status And Treatment Needs Among 5 To 15 Year Old School Going Children Of Chidambaram

Abstract: Dental caries is a disease with multifactorial causes. The prevalence and incidence of dental caries in a population is influenced by a number of risk factor such as sex, age, socioeconomic status, dietary patterns and oral hygiene habits. Thus the present study was designed to assess the prevalence of dental caries in school children in Chidambaram between 5-15 age groups.Materials and methods: The study population consisted of 2362 children, 1258 were boys and 1104 were girls. A total of 7 schools were selected. Trained Dental Surgeon was involved in the examining and the children were examined according to the Dentition status and Treatment Needs, WHO oral health assessment 1987.Results: Off all the three groups, group II (9-11yrs old) should high percentage of caries. In total, dental caries were observed in 1484(63.83%) of study population. The mean (+SD) value of dmft/DMFT of all groups, the decayed teeth accounted for the greatest percentage. In all 80.4%of the student belongs low socio-economic group has showed dental caries . Restoration was the most required treatment in all three groups which was follow by pulp therapy.Conclusion: The result of this study is a pointer to the fact that there still exist a large segment of the population who continue to remain ignorant about the detriment effects of poor oral health and the multiple benefits enjoyed from good oral health.

To evaluate the antigingivitis and antipalque effect of an Azadirachta indica (neem) mouthrinse on plaque induced gingivitis: A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

Abstract: Background: Azadirachta indica (neem), a Meliaceae family tree, has been used in India for several decades for the treatment of several diseases in medicine and dentistry. Neem has been considered to have antiseptic activity, but still its use for the treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis is not very clear. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to assess the efficacy of neem based mouth rinse regarding its antigingivitis effect. Materials and Methods: Forty five subjects with plaque induced gingivitis were selected for the study. They were equally divided into three groups. Group I patients were asked to rinse with 15 ml of neem mouthwash twice daily, group II with 15 ml of chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily, and group III with 15 ml of saline twice daily. The three groups were asked to perform the routine oral hygiene procedures thought out the study period. Bleeding on probing and gingivitis were evaluated by Muhlemann and Son's Sulcus bleeding index (1971) and Loe and Sillness gingival index (1963), respectively, at base line, after every week till one month. Results: Our result showed that an A. indica mouthrinse is equally effective in reducing periodontal indices as Chlorhexidine. The results demonstrated a significant reduction of gingival, bleeding, and plaque indices in both groups over a period of 21 days as compared to placebo. Conclusion: A. indica-based mouth rinse is equally efficacious with fewer side effects as compared to chlorhexidine and may be used as an adjunct therapy in treating plaque induced gingivitis.

Oral health awareness in adult patients with diabetes: a questionnaire study.

Abstract: Objective To investigate oral health awareness, oral hygiene and attitudes towards general dental practitioners' (GDP) involvement in diabetes screening in adults with diabetes. Design Self-completion questionnaire. Setting General medical practices in Warwickshire. Subjects and methods Adults with diabetes attending clinics run by practice or diabetes nurses in general medical practices. Results Two hundred and twenty-nine of 615 (37.2%) questionnaires were completed in 14 general medical practices. The majority of respondents (79.8%, 178/223) visited a dentist once or twice a year, but oral care varied; 67.2% (133/198) reported brushing at least twice a day, whereas only 15.3% (29/190) flossed daily. Awareness of oral health risks was limited: 69.1% (150/217) had never received any oral health advice related to their diabetes. Over half of respondents supported the idea of dentists offering screening for diabetes (121/226, 53.5%). Conclusions Many adults with diabetes have poor awareness of oral care and health complications associated with diabetes, and are receiving limited advice from healthcare professionals. Training and advice for both healthcare professionals and patients concerning the importance of good oral health in patients with diabetes is needed. The role of dentists in diabetes screening and support requires further investigation.

An intervention to reduce care‐resistant behavior in persons with dementia during oral hygiene: a pilot study

Abstract: The primary purpose of this pilot study was to test the feasibility of an intervention designed to reduce care-resistant behaviors (CRBs) in persons with moderate-to-severe dementia during oral hygiene activities. The intervention, Managing Oral Hygiene Using Threat Reduction (MOUTh), combined best oral hygiene practices with CRB reduction techniques. Oral health was operationalized as the total score obtained from the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT). CRB was measured using a refinement of the Resistiveness to Care Scale. Seven nursing home residents with dementia received twice daily mouth care for 14 days. The baseline OHAT mean score of 7.29 (SD = 1.25) improved to 1.00 (SD = 1.26, p < .001); CRB improved from 2.43 CRBs/minute (SD = 4.26) to 1.09 CRBs/minute (SD = 1.56, t = 1.97, df 41, p= .06). The findings from this pilot study suggest that the MOUTh intervention is feasible and reduced CRBs, thus allowing more effective oral care.

Prevalence of oral health status in visually impaired children.

Abstract: Introduction: The epidemiological investigation was carried out among 228 children selected from two schools of similar socioeconomic strata in and around Chennai city. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 128 visually impaired and 100 normal school going children in the age group of 6-15 years. The examination procedure and criteria were those recommended by W.H.O. in 1997. Results: The mean DMFT/deft was 1.1 and 0.17,0.87 and 0.47 in visually impaired and normal children, respectively. Oral hygiene levels in both groups were: mean value in good category was 0.19 and 0.67, in fair category was 0.22 and 0.1, and in poor category 0.40 and 0.23 in visually impaired children and normal children, respectively. Trauma experienced children were 0.29 and 0.13 in visually impaired children and normal children, respectively. Conclusion: The conclusions drawn from this study were that there was a greater prevalence of dental caries, poorer oral hygiene, and higher incidence of trauma in visually impaired children.

Self-efficacy and Oral Hygiene Beliefs about Toothbrushing in Dental Patients: A Model-guided Study

Abstract: Building on previous research on psychosocial variables associated with oral hygiene behavior, this study examined the ability of Health Belief Model variables (perceived benefits, barriers, susceptibility, severity) and self-efficacy beliefs about toothbrushing to inform prevalence of dental caries and toothbrushing frequency. To accomplish this goal, a sample of 125 dental patients completed self-report questionnaires and provided data on demographic and behavioral factors. A path analysis model with manifest variables was tested. Oral hygiene beliefs emerged as a multidimensional construct. Results suggested that stronger self-efficacy beliefs (β = .81) and greater perceived severity of oral diseases (β = .18) were related to increased toothbrushing frequency, which in turn was associated with better oral health status, as indicated by the total number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth due to dental caries (β = -.39). Possible strategies for improving oral health are discussed.

Oral hygiene measures and the periodontal status of school children

Abstract: To cite this article: Int J Dent Hygiene9, 2011; 143–148 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5037.2010.00466.x Kolawole KA, Oziegbe EO, Bamise CT.Oral hygiene measures and the periodontal status of school children. Abstract: Background: Tooth brushing and other mechanical cleaning procedures are considered the most reliable methods of effective plaque removal, which is essential for prevention of periodontal diseases. Objective: To investigate the relationship between oral hygiene practices, socioeconomic status and gingival health in a group of Nigerian children. Methods: Our study population consisted of 242 randomly selected school children in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Participants completed a questionnaire on oral hygiene measures, their gingival health was assessed using oral hygiene index (OHI), plaque index (PI) and index of gingival inflammation (GI). Results: Toothbrushing once daily was the most common practice (52.1%). Toothbrush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste was the most common tooth cleaning aid, while the up and down brushing technique was predominantly used. There was no statistically significant gender difference in toothbrushing frequency; however, significant gender differences were observed in PI and OHI scores (P < 0.05). Gingivitis was absent in 28.9% of the children,, while 50.8% had mild, 13.6% moderate and 6.6% severe gingivitis. There was a weak but significant negative correlation between oral hygiene frequency and GI (P < 0.05). Socioeconomic status had no relationship with oral hygiene frequency, however it had low but significant correlation with OHI and GI (P < 0.05). A logistic regression analysis of the predictors on gingivitis showed that male gender and medium textured toothbrush had significant association with gingival health. Conclusions: Gingival health was influenced by gender, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene frequency and toothbrush texture. Motivation to apply instructions given on oral health care and regular reinforcement are essential.

Maternal Oral Health Predicts Their Children’s Caries Experience in Adulthood:

Abstract: The long-term effects of poor maternal oral health are unknown. We determined whether maternal oral health when children were young was a risk indicator for caries experience in adulthood, using oral examination and interview data from age-5 and age-32 assessments in the Dunedin Study, and maternal self-rated oral health data from the age-5 assessment. The main outcome measure was probands' caries status at age 32. Analyses involved 835 individuals (82.3% of the surviving cohort) dentally examined at both ages, whose mothers were interviewed at the age-5 assessment. There was a consistent gradient in age-32 caries experience across the categories of maternal self-rated oral health status (from the age-5 assessment): it was greatest among the probands whose mothers rated their oral health as "poor" or who were edentulous, and lowest among those whose mothers rated their oral health as "excellent". Unfavorable maternal self-rated oral health when children are young should be regarded as a risk indicator for poor oral health among offspring as they reach adulthood.