Sourav Sen

Tooth loss and associated risk factors among rural population of Wardha District: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Regular dental care and daily cleansing habits are one of the key aspects of keeping healthy teeth for a lifetime. Common Indian concept is, with age people become more prone to oral health problems. If they follow their oral hygiene practices meticulously, then age may not act as a risk factor for tooth loss. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors associated with tooth loss among adults and the elderly among the rural population of Wardha District. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, among the rural population, two World Health Organization index age groups (35–44 and 65–74 years) were selected. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed, and complete clinical oral examination was done. The data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. The value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Nearly 75.3% of laborers were partially edentulous. Habits, including smoking, tobacco chewing, and alcohol consumption, had an impact on tooth loss. Patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension had 97.5% and 100% had tooth loss, respectively. Regarding the first visit to the dentist, 65.6% population underwent dental treatment from the dental college in the vicinity. “No dental problems” were reported by 68.4% of patients of the total population and among them 81.3% were edentulous. Regarding “Self-perceived treatment” the result revealed that 72% of them had felt the need for dental treatment. Conclusion: The study showed that risk factors such as habits, systemic diseases, and self-perceived oral health played a significant role in tooth loss. Brushing type, method, and material used for cleaning were some other factors that influenced tooth loss.

Experience of dental professionals in determination of gender by observing smile

Introduction: Every individual in his or her entire life has a photograph of smile. This makes identification as well as dead bodies and remains possible with the help of forensic odontology and medicine. Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to use only smile from photograph for gender identification by various experienced dental specialist. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a digital camera (Sony Cyber-shot DSC W800) was used to capture smile photographs, where participants were at a distance of 0.5 m from the lens and they were made to sit in a relax position with the Frankfort plane parallel to the floor. Among 50 captured photographs, 10 photographs were randomly selected, among which 5 males and 5 females, for pictorial questionnaire. Using Adobe Photoshop version 7.0, only teeth were made visible and other soft tissues were cropped so as not to make it a bias study. Results: All 5 dental colleges of Vidarbha region were included, in which 213 staff members participated in the study. Gender-wise distribution depicted 39.9% male and 60.10% female participants with no significance (P = 0.223). According to department-wise also was without any significance (P = 0.823). Now, according to designation wise, it was found that experience plays a vital role. Professor being the most experienced staff when compared with tutors (P = 0.03) and postgraduates (P = 0.015). Professors were most accurate in their opinions comparatively. Conclusion: This study concluded that identification of gender through only smile from photographs can be done with ease by professors due to their years of experience.

Association of impaired sleep, impaired awakening, vitality, and fatigue related to dental caries

Background: For humans, sleep is a vital indicator of overall health and well-being. It is a major public health problem. Insomnia has effect on oral health. Individuals with greater sleep disturbance or individuals getting less sleep are at higher risk of impaired oral health status and behavior. Aim: To evaluate association between sleep disturbance, vitality, fatigue, and oral health-related quality of life. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 nonmedical participants of age group 18 years and above were selected on the basis of individuals getting sleep ≤6 h. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire and standardized sleep disturbance scale (Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire), vitality scale (subjective vitality scale), and fatigue scale (fatigue assessment scale). The participants underwent an oral checkup wherein the decayed-missing-filled teeth (WHO modification) were recorded. The data were analyzed using STATA version 9.2 and ANOVA test was applied. Results: Individuals who perceived their oral health as poor/very poor reported with the highest score for impaired sleep (2.53 ± 1.02), awakening (2.50 ± 0.87), and vitality (3.12 ± 0.63) whereas the lowest score for fatigue (33.61 ± 8.47). Conclusion: An individuals lifestyle, health care habits, and behavior have an impact on overall well-being of the person.

Evaluation of dentist-patient relationship toward the treatment of oral diseases after the usage of internet

Introduction: Among all innovative technologies, net is one among the recent and also the most innovative media by that one will keep connected with the remainder of the planet. This facility provides huge volume of oral health consciousness at the side of oral health info to net users who eventually have an effect on the dentist–patient relationship. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the attitude of patients and dentists for the treatment of oral diseases after the use of internet by the patient. Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, data were collected from 153 dentists and 449 patients. The data from the dentists were collected from hospitals and private practices. Data from the patients were collected in urban area. The questions asked to dentists and patients were such that each respective question in both the questionnaires gave the same conclusion. Results: Dentists (56.2%) agreed changes in patients thinking after the usage of internet. Within 21–40 years, 40.4% of dentists agreed that internet represents a threat to dentist–patient relationship. Conclusion: The usage of internet by the patients had brought about changes in patients thinking and the dentists had modified or guided patients in the use of oral health information obtained from the internet.

Tobacco Epidemic in India

Health and education is an important mainstay for all individual in todays world and serves as the basis of economic productivity. The state of the epidemic of tobacco use in India was comprehensively described in the recently completed Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). Tobacco use in India is more varied than in most countries. India is the worlds third largest tobacco-growing country. Anti tobacco counseling is best suited for Indian scenario because it is inexpensive and effective. Dental practice in the 21st century should ideally move from a restorative orientation to one of broader promotion of health and well being and it would be unconscionable not to include aggressive tobacco intervention in that paradigm.