Soft drink, software and softening of teeth - a case report of tooth wear in the mixed dentition due to a combination of dental erosion and attrition

Prevalence and risk factors of recurrent aphthous stomatitis among college students at Mangalore, India

Background

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral mucosal diseases affecting an approximate 25% of the world's population. Some common etiological factors are genetics, nutritional deficiencies, stress and immune dysfunction. There is currently no specific medication to treat the condition but RAS tends to heal by itself within a week or two. We aimed to explore about the prevalence and related risk factors of recurrent aphthous ulcers among college students aged 18-30 years who had been affected within the preceding six months prior to the study duration.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted among 681 students from four colleges in Mangalore, Karnataka, India after obtaining the approval for the same from the respective colleges. Consenting participants returned a survey containing various questions. The collected data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee.

Results

Of the 681 participants, 322 (47.2%) were affected with RAS in the past six months which included 131 (40.6%) males and 191 (59.3%) females. Single mouth ulcers were the most common presentation seen among the study participants (74.2%). Factors showing statistically significant association were: family history of RAS (P < 0.001), known diabetics (P < 0.001), history of smoking (P < 0.001), oral trauma (P < 0.001), history of wearing braces/dentures (P < 0.001) as well as those using toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulphate (P < 0.001), stress and lack of sleep (P < 0.001). The most common form of medication used were topical agents (43.1%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

There was a statistically significant association between the occurrence of RAS and family history of RAS, diabetes, smoking, history of braces/dentures, oral trauma, sodium lauryl sulphate toothpastes, lack of sleep, stress, menstruation, consumption of particular foods and beverages. Further research is needed in this field to truly understand the prevalence and risk factors of RAS and to help in discovering a treatment modality for this condition.

Analysis of Dietary Related Factors of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis among College Students

Objective

We investigated the occurrence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) among college students and its potential influence by dietary habits.

Methods

Study of dietary habits and RAS among students in Beijing University of Chinese Medicine was carried by homemade questionnaire. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify RAS risk factors and explore their relations.

Results

Among 1011 investigated college students, family history (odds ratio (OR) 1.678, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.192 to 2.364, p < 0.05), bed late (OR 1.515, 95% CI 1.005 to 2.285, p < 0.05), frequent thirst (OR 1.842, 95% CI 1.393 to 2.435, p < 0.001), and frequent drinking carbonated beverages (OR 1.369, 95% CI 1.029 to 1.821, p < 0.05) were independent risk factors for RAS, but preference for nuts (OR 0.607, 95% CI 0.448 to 0.824, p < 0.001) was a protective factor. There was no statistical difference in fruit intake between RAS and non-RAS groups (χ² = 5.249, p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Among college students, frequent drinking carbonated beverages or frequent thirst will increase its possibility, whereas preference for nuts provides protection. In addition, fruit intake does not have a positive effect.