Patterns, barriers, and utilization of oral healthcare provided at primary health centers (PHCs) and its association with oral health status among rural population in Rohtak district, Haryana: A household cross-sectional study

Introduction

Access to oral healthcare is limited in rural areas, resulting in disparities in oral health services. Primary health centers (PHCs) are essential for providing integrated oral healthcare to rural populations. This study examines the patterns, barriers, and utilization of oral healthcare at PHCs in Rohtak district, Haryana.

Materials and Methods

In this 6-month household cross-sectional study, data were collected from a sample of 600 participants residing in rural areas under the jurisdiction of three randomly selected PHCs in Rohtak district. The study employed multistage cluster systematic random sampling procedures. Data collection included structured questionnaires and clinical oral examinations following the type-III ADA classification. Participants' oral health status was evaluated using the WHO oral health assessment form for adults (2013). Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for data analysis.

Results and Discussion

Dental caries and periodontal diseases were more common in older age groups. Barriers to oral healthcare among the elderly include fear of dental procedures and low dental literacy. Proximity to PHCs influenced dental service utilization, with higher rates among participants living near a PHC, that is, within 5 km of a PHC.

Conclusion

Age, gender, proximity to PHCs, household size, and socioeconomic status play crucial roles in the utilization of oral health services among the rural population. Addressing these factors is essential for improving oral healthcare and overcoming barriers. It is crucial to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and availability of oral health services at PHCs to promote better oral health and overall well-being in rural areas.

Sustainable approach of La doped CuFe2O4 nanomaterial for electrochemical lead and paracetamol sensing action with multiple applications

This present research aimed to investigate the novel applications of synthesized La doped CuFe2O4 nanomaterial (LCF NMs) using renewable bio-fuel (Aegle Marmelos extract) by combustion process. The sensor applications were accomplished by modified electrode using LCF NMs with graphite powder and examined its excellent sensing action towards heavy metal (Lead content) and drug chemical (Paracetamol) substances. The thermodynamics of redox potential and super-capacitor behavior of LCF NMs were investigated through Cyclic Voltametric (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectral (EIS) methods under specific conditions at scan rate of 1 to 5 mV/s. The heterogeneous photo-catalytic process of prepared NMs on Fast orange Red (FOR) dye-decolouration was investigated and noted its excellent degradation (91.7%) at 90 min using 20 ppm of dye solution and 40 mg of synthesized samples under Sun-light irradiation. Further, the antibacterial activity of synthesized NMs is investigated against various strains of gram positive (Bacillus subtillis) and gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), which confirms that the LCF NMs have higher activity towards gram positive bacteria with an average inhibition zone of 19 mm. This synthesized LCF NMs is a multi-functional material with stable and eco-friendly materials.

Comparative evaluation of retention and cariostatic effect of glass ionomer, hydrophobic & hydrophilic resin-based sealants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of hydrophilic resin-based versus hydrophobic resin-based and glass-ionomer pit and fissure sealants.

METHODS

The review was registered with Joanna Briggs Institute and followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. PubMed, Google Scholar, Virtual Health Library, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from 2009-2019 using appropriate keywords. We included randomized controlled trials and randomized split-mouth trials conducted among 6-13-year-old children. The quality of included trials was assessed using modified Jadad criteria and risk of bias using guidelines specified by Cochrane. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) guidelines were used to assess the overall quality of studies. We used the random-effects model for meta-analysis. Relative risk (RR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated & heterogeneity was tested using I² statistic.

RESULTS

Six randomized clinical trials and five split-mouth trials met the inclusion criteria. The outlier augmenting the heterogeneity was omitted. Based on very-low to low-quality evidence, loss of hydrophilic resin-based sealants was less likely as compared to glass-ionomer fissure sealants (4 trials at 6 months; RR = 0.59; CI = 0.40-0.86), while it was similar or slightly lower than hydrophobic resin-based sealants (6 trials at 6 months; RR = 0.96; CI = 0.89-1.03); (6 trials at 12 months; RR = 0.79; CI = 0.70-0.89); (2 trials at 18 months; RR = 0.77; CI = 0.48-0.25).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that retention of hydrophilic resin-based sealants is better than glass ionomer sealants but similar to hydrophobic resin-based sealants. However, higher-quality evidence is necessary to underpin the outcomes.

Dietary Practices as a Potential Predictor for Dental Erosion among Patients Having Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess how dietary practices impact gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients in Haryana state, India, from the perspective of either preventing or promoting dental erosion.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to find a correlation between the presence of dental erosion and dietary practices among patients with GERD.The secondary objective of this study was to assess the correlation between GERD patients' dietary practices and dental erosion severity.

Materials and Methods

Three hundred and thirty study participants, who've been 18 years of age or older with the diagnosis of GERD for at least six months or more were included. Evaluation of dental erosion was performed with basic erosive wear examination (BEWE) index. On age, gender, medical history, medication history, and dietary habits, a pretested structured questionnaire was used. Statistical analysis software SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) variant 20.0 was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Analytic statistics and descriptive statistics were used in the data analysis.

Results

Dental erosion was present in 84.8% of the study participants. The majority of study participants, 122 (37%), had no risk of dental erosion. The occurrence of dental erosion was shown to be substantially adversely associated to the intake of acidic meals and soft drinks in the present investigation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.5, P < 0.05). There has not been any proven link between the severity of dental erosion and the frequency of consuming acidic meals, fruit juice, and soft drinks. Milk consumption frequency and dental erosion severity were observed to be considerably inversely associated (r = -0.1, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with GERD frequently experienced dental erosion. One probable risk factor for the development of erosive dental lesions can be considered GERD. Most of the patients had dental erosion with a low degree of severity. When dental erosion occurs, the mineral quantity that dissolves from enamel is influenced by several factors, including the buffering action of the acids, pH, and duration of exposure. Whereas if the food and drinks contain adequate amounts of fluoride, calcium, and phosphate, the dissolution can be prevented. The intake of fruit juice, acidic foods, as well as soft drinks was not consumed to be a risk factor in the current study for directly causing or for promoting the severity of dental erosion since they were consumed less frequently. A higher frequency of milk ingestion was found to reduce the severity of dental erosion. Regular milk consumption could be regarded as an alternative dietary practice to stop dental erosion. As dental erosion is a complex condition, it's essential to have an early diagnosis and implement the proper preventive measures. It is vital to inform people about dental erosion and how it is interrelated to GERD and dietary practices.

Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among dental students and faculty members regarding COVID-19 Vaccines in Dental Colleges of Haryana, India - A cross-sectional study

Aim

To assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among dental students and faculty members regarding COVID-19 vaccines in dental colleges in Haryana, India.

Objectives

To assess knowledge level, attitudes, and beliefs differences among BDS, MDS students and faculty members and find association between knowledge and COVID-19 vaccine inoculation among study participants.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out among students and faculty members of dental colleges in Haryana, India. Data collection was done via an online questionnaire based on questions to assess the knowledge, attitude and beliefs regarding COVID-19 vaccines.

Results

The present study comprised of 270 study participants, where majority, i.e., 81.5% have reported COVID-19 vaccine inoculation. The mean knowledge score of the participants was reported to be 5.54 ± 2.19. A significant difference was found in the mean knowledge score of faculty members (7.81 ± 1.69), MDS (6.72 ± 1.49), and BDS (4.39 ± 1.68) students. COVID-19 vaccine inoculation was found to be significantly associated with average knowledge score of participants (OR = 6.1, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Dental professionals have an adequate degree of knowledge and attitude level regarding COVID-19 vaccines and are generally optimistic about resolving the pandemic situation with the immunization.

Determinants for tabacco cessation amongst smokers visiting tertiary health care centre in India

BACKGROUND

In India, 92.4% of adults believe that smoking causes serious illness. However, only 55.4% of them are either willing or getting ready to quit. This indicates an explicit gap between perception and practice.

AIM

This study aims to identify individual knowledge, attitude, practices, barriers and motivators for tobacco cessation amongst smokers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst the smokers visiting dental outpatient department at tertiary health care centre at Rohtak district of Haryana, India. A structured and validated questionnaire was developed to ascertain knowledge, attitude, practice and nicotine dependence amongst the tobacco smokers. Additionally information about their willingness to quit tobacco, barriers and motivators for tobacco cessation were obtained. The study population was broadly divided into two groups on the basis of any previous attempts made for quitting tobacco use.

RESULTS

Among the sample of 371 smokers, 52.4% were found to make quit attempts while 47.6% never attempted to quit. Participants believed that smoking not only helps in socializing but also it is a good way to cope from the stress. Peer pressure was the major reason for initiation of habit of smoking. Those who have attempted to quit but could not do so for more than 6 months were more willing to quit. Concern for health and tobacco addiction was the major facilitator and barriers of tobacco cessation respectively.

CONCLUSION

Comprehending the population before chalking down the tobacco cessation strategies is important. Lower education, higher alcohol consumption, longer duration of tobacco intake, cultural and social acceptability of tobacco use and nicotine dependence was the major roadblocks for tobacco cessation amongst the tobacco smokers. Cold turkey method was the most common choice of tobacco cessation who attempted to quit.

Prevalence of dental fluorosis and treatment needs among 11-14 years old school children in endemic fluoride areas of Haryana, India

Introduction

Dental fluorosis is a major endemic oral disease characterized by hypo mineralization of enamel caused due to consumption of water containing high concentration of fluoride during developmental stages of teeth.

Aim

To assess the prevalence of dental fluorosis among 11-14 years old school children in endemic fluoride areas of Haryana and to find their treatment needs.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2200 school children in endemic fluoride areas of Haryana (India) for a period of six months. Dental fluorosis was recorded by the Thylstrup-Fejerskov index (TF index) given by Thylstrup A, Fejerskov O.

Statistical Analysis

Data entry and analysis were performed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 18.0. Chi square test was used to find association between TFI scores and gender, age categories. The level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results

Prevalence of dental fluorosis (TFI) reached 96.6% with most children falling in TFI score 2, 3, 4 and 5 categories. Mean TFI score of study population was found to be 3.19 ± 1.551. There was significant difference found between gender and prevalence of dental fluorosis (P = 0.00).

Conclusion

Our findings showed the increased prevalence of dental fluorosis in endemic fluoride areas with mild to moderate level of dental fluorosis.

Relationship of sociodemographic factors on dental caries experience among 11-14-year-old schoolchildren in India

BACKGROUND

As dynamics of caries is changing, there is a need to understand the impact of sociodemographic factors on dental caries to broaden the horizon of dental caries etiology.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship of sociodemographic factors on dental caries experience among 11-14-year-old schoolchildren in India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 11-14-year-old schoolchildren in 2015 at Rohtak, India, after approval from the Institution's Ethics Committee. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed for selecting a school randomly from every cluster. Every odd-numbered child from selected class was included in the study through systematic random sampling. Demographic factors were recorded such as education, occupation, income, and socioeconomic status (SES) were assessed using modified Kuppuswamy classification (Oberoi SS 2015). Dental caries was recorded using Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment index. Data were analyzed using SPPS 18, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-square tests were used with P value fixed at 0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dental caries was 28.6% with mean decayed, missing, or filled teeth of 0.60 ± 1.13. Age, gender, position of child, number of siblings, type of family, father's and mother's education, and father's occupation had no significant relationship with dental caries (P > 0.05), whereas mother's occupation, family income, and SES were significantly related to dental caries (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

High socioeconomic status of parents had a significant role on increased dental caries experience among children.

Validation of the Hindi version of the early childhood oral health impact scale among 3-5-year-old preschool children in Rohtak city, Haryana

BACKGROUND

The early childhood oral health impact scale (ECOHIS) has been developed for assessing oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in the preschool children and translated and validated in different languages to conform to their cultures. This tool has not been validated in Hindi for use among Indian preschool children till now. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the validity of the Hindi version of the ECOHIS among 3-5-year-old preschool children in Rohtak city, Haryana.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Hindi version of the ECOHIS was developed through standardized forward-backward linguistic translation method. It was tested for validity and reliability among 469 parents and their children after obtaining informed consent. Construct validity of the measure was assessed by correlating ECOHIS score to dental caries experience (deft). For internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was determined. A subsample of the parents repeated the ratings of the measure to enable test-retest reliability assessments.

RESULTS

Construct validity was r = 0.298. Reliability of the questionnaire was 0.873 (Cronbach's alpha), and test-retest reliability as assessed by intraclass correlation value was 0.91.

CONCLUSIONS

The Hindi version of the ECOHIS is a valid instrument for assessing OHRQoL in preschool children.

Assessment of Dental Caries Spectrum among 11 to 14-Year-Old School Going Children in India

INTRODUCTION

The quantification of dental caries is usually done by DMFT index but efforts are being made to find an alternative. Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) is a recent, innovative caries assessment tool which can be used in epidemiological surveys.

AIM

To assess dental caries using CAST index among 11-14-year-old school children in Rohtak city, Haryana, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 11-14-year-old children in schools of Rohtak City using multi stage cluster sampling technique. Rohtak city was divided in to nine clusters. In the 2nd stage, one school was randomly selected from each cluster with lottery method. Finally from each selected school, every odd roll number child between age group 11-14 years, were enrolled to reach a sample of 586. Caries was recorded using the CAST index. Each child was clinically examined by a trained examiner using CAST index. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done and Chi-square test was used to find association between caries prevalence and gender. Mann-Whitney U test was used to find any difference of mean DMFT between different age groups.

RESULTS

A total of 586 children were examined. Prevalence of dental caries was 28.6%. Highest caries was observed in lower right first molar and lower left first molar (13.8% and 11.6%) respectively. Pulpal involvement in lower molars was found more than the upper molars.

CONCLUSION

CAST index presents a simple hierarchical structure of caries spectrum and is a promising index for epidemiological studies with complex quantifiability.

4-(Thio-phen-2-yl)-2-[4-(tri-fluoro-meth-yl)phen-yl]-2,3-di-hydro-1,5-benzo-thia-zepine

In the title compound, C20H14F3NS2, the seven-membered thia-zepine ring adopts a slightly distorted twist-boat conformation. The mean plane of the five-membered thio-phene ring fused to the thia-zepine ring is twisted by 32.3 (3) and 55.6 (4)° from the benzene and phenyl rings, respectively. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of weak C-H⋯N inter-actions are observed.

2-(3,4-Di-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-4-(thio-phen-2-yl)-2,3-di-hydro-1,5-benzo-thia-zepine

In the title compound, C₂₁H₁₉NO₂S₂, the seven-membered thia­zepine ring adopts a slightly distorted twist boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 67.4 (2)°. The mean plane of the thio­phene ring is twisted by 59.3 (2) and 87.7 (2)° from the mean planes of the benezene rings. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds generate R₂²(20) loops.

5-[(1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)meth-yl]-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine

In the title compound, C₂₄H₂₀N₄, the azepine ring adopts a boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings fused to the azepine ring is 49.40 (9)°. The triazole ring makes a dihedral angle of 77.88 (9)° with the terminal phenyl ring. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked via C—H⋯π inter­actions and a parallel slipped π–π inter­action [centroid–centroid distance = 3.7324 (9), normal distance = 3.4060 (6) and slippage = 1.526 Å], forming a three-dimensional network.

2-(4-Fluoro-phen-yl)-4-(thio-phen-2-yl)-2,3-di-hydro-1,5-benzothia-zepine

In the title compound, C19H14FNS2, the seven-membered thia-zepine ring adopts a slightly distorted twist boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 53.6 (1)°. The mean plane of the thia-zepine ring is twisted by 34.3 (7)° and 36.6 (7)° from the benezene rings. A C-H⋯F interaction generates stacking of molecules along the ab plane.

A triclinic polymorph of (E)-2-(4-isobutylphenyl)-N′-[1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethylidene]propanohydrazide

The asymmetric unit of the triclinic polymorph of the title compound, C₂₁H₂₅N₃O₃, consists of two mol­ecules, whereas for the monoclinic polymorph Z′ = 1 [Fun et al. (2009 ▶). Acta Cryst. E65, o445]. The two mol­ecules exhibit an E configuration with respect to the C=N bond. The mol­ecules are linked into dimers by N—H⋯O and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds forming R₂²(8) ring motifs. In addition, π–π inter­actions occur between nitro­phenyl groups [minimum centroid–centroid distance 3.940 (2) Å], stacking the molecules along the ac plane.

5-[(4-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)meth-yl]-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine

In the title compound, C24H20N4, the azepine ring adopts a boat conformation and the dihedral angle between the benzene rings fused to it is 57.95 (8)°. The bond-angle sum at the azepine N atom is 346.6°, indicating a significant deviation from planarity. The triazole ring subtends a dihedral angle of 71.45 (10)° with the terminal phenyl group. A weak intra-molecular C-H⋯Na (a = azepine) inter-action occurs, which closes an S(6) ring.

4-[5-(4-Benzoyloxyphenyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]phenyl benzoate

In the title compound, C₂₈H₁₈N₂O₅, the dihedral angle between the terminal benzoate rings is 20.67 (12)°. The central oxadiazole ring is almost coplanar with its two benzene ring substituents, making dihedral angles of 4.80 (16) and 5.82 (16)°. In the crystal, pairs of C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds form inversion dimers with R₂²(40) ring motifs. The structure also features C—H⋯O, C—H⋯π and π–π inter­actions [centroid–centroid separation = 3.695 (4) Å].

3-Methyl-1,5-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole

In the title compound, C16H16N2, the dihydro-pyrazole ring adopts a shallow envelope conformation, with the C atom bearing the phenyl group displaced by 0.298 (2) Å from the other atoms (r.m.s. deviation = 0.015 Å). The dihedral angles between the four near coplanar atoms of the central ring and the N- and C-bonded phenyl groups are 13.49 (13) and 82.22 (16)°, respectively.

5-(Prop-2-yn-1-yl)-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine: ortho-rhom-bic polymorph

In the title ortho-rhom-bic polymorph (space group Iba2), C17H13N, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 55.99 (10)° and the azepine ring adopts a boat conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯π contacts. The previously-reported polymorph [Yousuf et al. (2012 ▶). Acta Cryst. E68, o1101] crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P21/c) with two mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit.

Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance in Dentistry

Background

Antimicrobial agents are life saving drugs which are used in management of various life threatening infections but irrational use of antibiotics have led to resurgence of multidrug resistant bacteria which are associated with global increase in mortality due to various infections. Dentists are one among important health care personnel who prescribe antibiotics routinely to treat various oral infections.

Objectives

To summarise the evidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) encountered in dental practice, discuss factors associated with it and suggest measures to prevent antimicrobial resistance in dentistry.

Methodology

Articles were identified by searching in electronic data bases such as PubMed, Medline, Embase, Google Scholar and Cochrane data bases using key words like antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance, and antibiotic resistance in dentistry. The articles fulfilling the objectives were included.

Results and Conclusions

Dentists also contribute significantly to the global burden of antimicrobial resistance due to irrational use of antibiotics. Antibiotic stewardship is essential to prevent antimicrobial resistance in dental practice and hence there is an urgent need to educate not only dentists but general public as well. The article describes the gravity of the AMR and the importance of prudent use of antibiotics is discussed.

2,6-Dichlorophenyl 4-chlorobenzoate

In the title compound, C₁₃H₇Cl₃O₂, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 82.1 (2)°. The dihedral angle between the CO₂ group and its carbon-bonded ring is 14.50 (19)° In the crystal, aromatic π–π stacking inter­actions [minimum ring centroid separation = 3.604 (2) Å] occur.

4-[(3-Chloro-2-methyl-phen-yl)imino-meth-yl]phenol

In the title compound, C₁₄H₁₂ClNO, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 39.84 (7)°. In th crystal, mol­ecules are connected by O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds into chains parallel to [001]. In addition, a C—H⋯π contact occurs.

A study to evaluate the efficacy of toluidine blue and cytology in detecting oral cancer and dysplastic lesions

OBJECTIVE

Recent advances in techniques for detecting oral premalignant lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma have improved the chances of early diagnosis. Adjuncts for detection of lesions include toluidine blue staining and cytologic examination. The primary objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of 1% toluidine blue (modified Mashberg technique) and cytology in detection of oral premalignant lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

The study included 86 participants suspected of having oral premalignant lesions or oral squamous cell carcinoma. One percent toluidine blue was applied to the lesions, followed by cytology. A biopsy was then performed on the tissue. Histopathologically proven oral premalignant lesions/oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions were analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, postive predictive value, and negative predictive value of both screening techniques. The association of screening techniques and histopathologic diagnosis among the oral premalignant lesions, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and benign groups were analyzed using the Fisher exact test. P < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

The specificity and sensitivity for oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral premalignant lesions detection of 1% toluidine blue was 81.35% and 66.67%, respectively, while cytology attained 77.97% and 70.37%, respectively. Negative predictive value and positive predictive value were 84.21% and 62.06% for 1% toluidine blue and 85.18% and 59.37% for cytologic examination, respectively. Comparison of 1% toluidine blue and cytology with histopathologic diagnosis shows a significant difference between carcinoma/epithelial dysplasia and no dysplasia and carcinoma/epithelial dysplasia and benign lesions (all, P < .05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that 1% toluidine blue and cytology have high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in detecting oral premalignant lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma and can be used as an adjunct for early detection of such lesions.

Periodontal infections: a risk factor for various systemic diseases

A healthy periodontium is vital for the general well-being of an individual. However, periodontal diseases are common and periodontal infections are increasingly associated with systemic diseases. We aimed to critically evaluate the literature on the association between periodontal infections and systemic diseases. We searched the PubMed database over a 20-year period for literature on periodontal diseases and their links to various systemic diseases, and examined the strength of association between periodontal disease and each systemic disease, the dose-response relationship, and the biological plausibility. We found that individuals with periodontal disease may be at higher risk for adverse medical outcomes including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory infections, adverse pregnancy outcomes, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus. Many cohort, in vitro and animal studies suggest that systemic inflammation due to pathogens associated with periodontal disease may play a role in the initiation and progression of some systemic diseases. Periodontal infections should therefore be considered as a risk factor for various systemic diseases.

Addressing tobacco control in dental practice: a survey of dentists' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in India

PURPOSE

Dental professionals are strategically placed to be the leaders in tobacco prevention and cessation as they provide preventive and therapeutic services to a basically healthy population on a regular basis. The objective of this study was to assess the tobacco cessation knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of dental practitioners in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A sampling frame of dentists enrolled in the Indian Dental Association (IDA), Kochi (Cochin) branch, practising in Ernakulam city, was obtained from the IDA. The letter describing the rationale for the study contained a 35-item pre-tested questionnaire and was personally delivered along with a stamped envelope. One hundred fourteen dentists returned a usable questionnaire. Data were entered and analysed using SPSS 12. Frequencies were calculated for all variables.

RESULTS

Based on the responding dentists' self-reports, 54.6% were not confident in tobacco cessation counselling, 10.6% never asked, 60.9% asked in 50% of their patients about tobacco use and 17.6% of the dentists surveyed were smokers themselves. Participating dentists perceived that they were interested in using tobacco cessation counselling, but were not sure of quitting rates in their patients. The average time spent counselling patients about tobacco cessation was less than 2 minutes.

CONCLUSION

The dentists perceived that lack of formal training leads to less motivation about tobacco counselling and hence infrequently incorporated tobacco cessation into their dental practices. The cessation of tobacco habits among dentists is essential.