Exposure to high-fluoride drinking water and risk of dental caries and dental fluorosis in Haryana, India

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of and relationship between dental caries and dental fluorosis at varying levels of fluoride in drinking water. The study was conducted among 3007 school children in the age group of 12 to 16 years in 2 districts of Haryana having varying fluoride levels in drinking water. Type III examination for dental caries according to the WHO index and dental fluorosis estimation according to Dean's index was done. The prevalence of dental caries decreased from 48.02% to 28.07% as fluoride levels increased from 0.5 to 1.13 ppm, but as the fluoride level increased further to 1.51 ppm, there was no further reduction in caries prevalence, but there was a substantial increase in fluorosis prevalence. The optimum level of fluoride in drinking water was found to be 1.13 ppm, at which there was maximum caries reduction with minimum amount of esthetically objectionable fluorosis.

Association of erosion with dietary factors among 5-year-old children in India

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the association of dental erosion with dietary factors and oral hygiene practices among 5-year-old schoolchildren in Belgaum, Karnataka, India.

METHODS

A random sample of 1,002 5-year-old children was drawn from Belgaum schools. Erosion was assessed using the modified Smith and Knight index. A self-designed questionnaire was used to probe into the details of the children's dietary practices.

RESULTS

Frequency of consumption of beverages, canned juices, tamarind, and honey, a mixed diet, and frequency of teeth cleaning were significant predictors of dental erosion. Oral hygiene practices like timing of cleaning teeth and materials used did not show significant association with dental erosion.

CONCLUSION

Certain dietary factors like canned juice, raw mango, gooseberry, tamarind, honey, buttermilk, and beverages showed significant correlation with dental erosion. Dietary counseling must take this into consideration.

Distribution and severity of erosion among 5-year-old children in a city in India

PURPOSE

The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of dental erosion among 5-year-old schoolchildren in Belgaum, North Karnataka, India.

METHODS

A random sample of 1,100 5-year-old schoolchildren who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study, of whom 1,002 actively participated. The questionnaire given to parents pertained to sociodemographic factors, and the parents were instructed to maintain their child's 3-day diary to assess his/her existing dietary habits. Later, the questionnaire was collected and a clinical examination for dental erosion was performed. A modified Smith and Knight index was used to assess the extent of dental erosion. The child's socioeconomic status was assessed using Kuppuswamy's classification. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient tests and multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of dental erosion was approximately 29% (with a higher prevalence observed in females).

CONCLUSION

A statistically significant association was found between diet type, type and time of exposure to acidic diet and dental erosion.

Attitude and tendency of cheating behaviours amongst undergraduate students in a Dental Institution of India

Honesty and integrity are key characteristics expected of a doctor, although academic misconduct amongst medical students is not new. Academic integrity provides the foundation upon, which a flourishing academic life rests. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitude of undergraduate dental students about the seriousness of cheating behaviours and to determine the rate of malpractice amongst these students. A self designed closed ended questionnaire was distributed to 300 undergraduate students in a Dental Institution in India, to rate the seriousness of six cheating behaviours and to assess the rate of malpractice. The response rate was 100%. Two of the six cheating behaviours were considered by at least 61% of the students as very serious cheating behaviours. Almost 70% of the students agreed that they have involved in malpractice in examinations at least once. The majority also felt that cheating in examinations will not have any significant effect on their future. This study has revealed that cheating is an important issue, which needs to be addressed for the benefit of the society at large.