Ramesh Nagarajappa

Oral health status of fishermen and non-fishermen community of Kutch district, Gujarat, India: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND Fishing is one such hazardous occupation, which involves irregular diet, stress, alcoholism, tobacco and pernicious habits. Fishermen have lower socio-economic status and their illiteracy adds to their poor oral hygiene, which may influence general and oral health. AIM The aim of the study was to assess and compare the oral health status of fishermen and non-fishermen population of Kutch District, Gujarat, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess and compare the oral health status of the fishermen and non-fishermen community of Mundra taluka of Kutch district, Gujarat, India, from January 2013 to June 2013. RESULTS Fishermen had significantly higher periodontal disease and dental caries than non-fishermen group (p = 0.001). Malocclusion was significantly higher in non-fishermen group (p = 0.001). Extraction was the most prevalent treatment need among both groups. Occupation and educational status were respectively identified as the best predictors for dental caries and periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS Findings of the present study suggest that oral health status of the fishermen population was relatively poor, with high caries prevalence and poor periodontal health when compared to the non-fishermen population. In the light of high treatment needs of the study population, health policy that emphasises oral health promotion and prevention would seem more advantageous in addition to traditional curative care.

Prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among 12-15 years old school children of Udaipur, India.

Objective: The objective of the study is to assess the prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among 12-15 years old school children of Udaipur, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 887 subjects aged 12-15 years. The prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs was assessed using dental aesthetic index (World Health Organization, 1997). General information on demographic data was also recorded. Chi-square test, analysis of variance and Scheffes test were employed for statistical analysis. Results: Malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need was reported among 33.3% of the study subjects. A significant age and gender difference depicting preponderance among younger age group and a male proclivity was experiential. A significant improvement in anterior crowding and largest anterior maxillary irregularity with age was documented. Males had a significantly higher prevalence of anterior crowding, midline diastema and largest anterior maxillary irregularity than females. Conclusions: The prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among school children of Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India was found to be 33.3%. A significant age and gender difference was observed in prevalence of malocclusion, crowding and largest anterior maxillary irregularity. Midline diastema showed a significant gender difference. The baseline information outlined in the present study can be appropriately utilized for the future planning to meet the orthodontic treatment need among the population.

Correlation Between Oral Health and Child-OIDP Index in 12- and 15-Year-Old Children From Modinagar, India

To investigate the relationship between oral health measures and oral health–related quality of life using the Child-Oral Impact on Daily Performance index among school children of Modinagar. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 900 school children aged 12 and 15 years in Modinagar, India. Children were interviewed about sociodental impacts on quality of life and examined for their normative treatment need for dental caries, traumatic dental injuries, and dentofacial anomalies. Frequency distributions for bivariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis were used for statistical analysis. Prevalence of oral impacts was high (60%), with a mean score of 2.49 ± 3.92. A significant association (P ≤ .05) was observed in oral impacts on daily performances with age, presence of dental caries, traumatic injuries, and dentofacial anomalies score. A strong association between clinical dental indicators and oral impacts in children showed eating followed by cleaning of teeth and smiling as the most commonly affected daily performances.

Developmental defects of enamel in children of Davangere District and their relationship to fluoride levels in drinking water.

To assess the prevalence and severity of developmental defects and their relationship to fluoride levels in drinking water. 739 (406 male and 333 female) schoolchildren aged 13 years formed the study population. We used the ion selective electrode method to estimate the fluoride concentration in drinking water. A modified developmental defects of enamel index was used for recording the developmental defects. The Karl Pearson coefficient for correlation and the chi-square test were used for statistical estimation. The fluoride concentration ranged from 0.64 to 2.64 ppm. The prevalence of developmental defects was 88.5%. The most common type of defect was diffuse opacity in 61.2% of the children. There was a significant positive correlation between the type (r = 0.85; P < .001) and extent (r = 0.92; P < .001) of developmental defects in relation to fluoride levels in drinking water. The observed prevalence demonstrates the need to ascertain factors other than fluoride levels in drinking water that could contribute to its occurrence.

Relationship between oral clinical conditions and daily performances among young adults in India – A cross sectional study

Objective of the present study was to investigate relationship between oral health-related quality of life using Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) scale and specific clinical dental measures. A cross sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 800 students. Oral health status and impacts were assessed using WHO guidelines and OIDP index respectively. Chi square test and multiple logistic regressions were employed for statistical analysis. Participants with caries were significantly (p ⩽ 0.05) more likely to have an impact on cleaning (OR = 2.487) and sleeping and relaxing (OR = 8.996). Similarly participants with oral mucosal conditions were more likely to have an impact on eating (OR = 3.97), cleaning (OR = 2.966) and physical activities (OR = 11.190). Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) impacted on cleaning (OR = 2.134), emotional stability (OR = 3.957) and social contact (OR = 3.21). OIDP Index showed acceptable psychometric properties in the context of an oral health survey. Subjects presented a strong and consistent relationship between dental status and perceived impacts.

Cariogram Model in Assessment of Dental Caries among Mentally Challenged and Visually Impaired Individuals of Udaipur, India.

OBJECTIVES To assess the caries risk and contribution of diet, bacteria, circumstances and susceptibility sectors among special groups in comparison to the normal group of Udaipur using the Cariogram model. MATERIALS AND METHODS A Cariogram model was used to identify risk factors among 160 subjects (40 mentally challenged, 60 visually impaired and 60 normal healthy individuals) aged 7-36 years. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square/ Fischers Exact followed by Marascuilo procedure and Stepwise multiple linear regression. RESULTS Compared to the normal group (74%), mentally challenged (33%) and visually impaired (41%) groups showed less chances of avoiding future caries. Group (R= 0.660) was found to be strongest predictor for caries risk. Susceptibility sector contributed 61% for caries risk in all the groups. CONCLUSION The caries risk was high among special groups compared to normal group. Susceptibility sector illustrated the highest contribution for caries risk in all groups.

Impact of fixed orthodontic appliances on quality of life among adolescents’ in India

Context: Malocclusion can seriously impair quality of life and they may affect various aspects of life, including function, appearance, interpersonal relationships and even career opportunities. Objectives: To assess and determine various factors that may influence the impact of orthodontic treatment on the quality of life of adolescents. Study Design: Cross sectional study in adolescents of Moradabad was conducted on 109 males and 113 females (n=222) adolescents having a fixed orthodontic appliance, aged 13 to 22 years (mean 17.5±1.5). A pre-structured questionnaire designed by Mandall et al, with nine conceptual impact sub-scales to highlight the problem faced by the patient in daily life after wearing the appliance was used to collect the data. Unpaired t-test was used to determine the statistical significance and the influence of variables were analysed using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Factors which demonstrated high impact were oral hygiene (Mean=3.42; SD=0.78) followed by time constraints (Mean=3.23; SD=0.72) and physical impact (Mean=3.00; SD=0.61). Gender difference showed statistical significance in social impact (p=0.009), time constraints (p=0.001) and travel or cost implications (p=0.009). Internal reliability of the questionnaire ranged from low to good (Cronbach’s alpha 0.29-0.81). Test-retest reliability ranged from an intra-class correlation coefficient 0.09-0.42. Conclusions: Patients who had been comprehensively informed about their treatment had greatest levels of satisfaction and compliance with treatment. Younger patients showed an earlier adaptation to treatment with fixed appliances which influenced the treatment to be started at the earliest possible age. Key words:Impact, malocclusion, quality of life.

Assessment of the Periodontal Status among Kota Stone Workers in Jhalawar, India.

CONTEXT Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent dental diseases which affects the adult population of the world, varying only in degree from mild to severe. Its prevalence, which was reported in various studies which were conducted in different parts of the globe, signifies its need for a control. AIMS To assess the periodontal status among the Kota stone workers in Jhalawar and to provide a baseline data for the planning and evaluation of the oral health care promotion programmes. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among the Kota stone workers who were working in the Kota stone factories which were located in the Ricco Industrial Area in Jhalawar. METHOD AND MATERIALS The study population comprised 420 subjects who were in the age group of 21 to 60 years. The data were collected by means of a close ended, self administered questionnaire and clinical examination with the use of the CPI index. Statistical analyses which were used: Chi-square, Students t-test, One way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Multiple Logistic Regression. RESULTS The socio-demographic characteristics, except the gender, were found to be significantly associated with the periodontal status in the study population (P≤0.05). Multivariate analysis showed high CPI scores which were associated with males (OR=1.313), the 21-40 year age group (OR=0.548), education upto 10th class (OR=4.776), oral hygiene practices other than toothbrush with toothpaste (OR=0.774) and smoking (OR=3.994). CONCLUSION The observations of this study indicate the need for a reorientation of the dental care services, with further emphasis on the preventive care in such a population.

The oral health status and the treatment needs of salt workers at sambhar lake, jaipur, India.

BACKGROUND Salt workers are exposed to the adversities of environmental conditions such as direct sunlight, salt dust and contact with brine, which have an impact on the health of workers. Since oral health is an integral part of the general health, we planned to determine its effect on the oral cavity. OBJECTIVES To assess the oral health status and the treatment needs among the workers of Sambhar Salts Limited at Sambhar Lake, Jaipur, India. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross sectional, descriptive survey was conducted among 979 subjects (509 males; 470 females) who were aged between 19-68 years, who were the workers of Sambhar Salts Limited, Sambhar Lake, Jaipur, India. An interview on the demographic profile followed a clinical examination for recording the oral health status, based on the World Health Organization guidelines. The Chi-square test, t-test, One way Analysis of Variance and a Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS Females had a significantly greater prevalence of dental fluorosis (71.7%) and periodontal disease (96.4%) as compared to males (p= 0.001). The mean number of healthy sextants (0.71 ± 0.09) and the mean DMFT (5.19 ± 4.11) were also significantly higher in females as compared to those in males (p=0.001). One surface filling (78.2%), followed by pulp care and restoration (76.1%) were the most prevalent treatment needs. The gender and oral hygiene practices for dental caries and periodontal disease were respectively identified as the best predictors. CONCLUSION Considerable percentages of salt workers have demonstrated a higher prevalence of oral diseases. Higher unmet treatment needs suggest a poor accessibility and availability of oral health care, in addition to a low utilization of preventive or therapeutic oral health services.

Estimation of salivary and tongue coating pH on chewing household herbal leaves: A randomized controlled trial.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate saliva and tongue coating pH and also to assess the degree of tongue coating in healthy subjects before and after chewing herbal leaves (tulsi, mint, and curry leaf). Materials and Methods: A double-blind, randomized, concurrent, parallel-group study was conducted among 60 volunteer subjects, who were randomly assigned into three groups of 20 each (tulsi, mint, and curry leaf) and were asked to chew five to six fresh leaves of the respective plants twice daily for 7 days. Salivary and tongue coating pH were measured by a digital pH meter and color pH indicators. Data were analyzed statistically using repeated measure analysis of variance and Students t-test. Results: Mean salivary pH values showed an increase immediately and 30 min after chewing the herbal leaves. A significant difference (P < 0.01) was observed between mint and curry leaf groups immediately after chewing and between tulsi and curry leaf groups (P < 0.05) 30 min after chewing the leaves. Tongue coating pH showed an increase toward alkalinity in all the groups. The assessment of tongue coating showed an increase in scores among tulsi and curry leaf groups, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Chewing traditional medicinal plant leaves can be considered as safe, effective, and economical alternate options for maintaining good oral health.