Oral malodor; a social or psychological handicap

Halitosis is the general term used to describe unpleasant breath, regardless of its sources, oral or non-oral. Oral malodor is the term especially used to describe the odor from the oral cavity. Oral malodor, bad breath or halitosis is a common complaint encountered by dental practitioners. It may be due to poor oral hygiene, local factors or due to systemic involvement. The aim of the article is to update dental practitioners on the subject of oral malodor. Its classification, diagnosis and management regimen are presented. Especially the practical treatment options including the importance of tongue cleaning, oral hygiene and mouth rinses, use of toothpastes, chewing gums, periodontal and restorative treatment and need of referral to psychologist for halitophobic patients has been highlighted. This is a review article

knowledge and practices of oral hygiene methods and attendance pattern among school teachers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to find out the knowledge and practices of oral hygiene methods among primary and secondary school teachers in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [KSA]. The study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. Four hundred and seventy teachers, male 236 [50.2%] and female 234 [48.8%] responded with a response rate of 85.5%. The study was conducted during October to December 2001 at primary and secondary schools in Riyadh City, KSA. Almost 86% of male and 90% of female teachers Felt that dental caries is due to the wrong method of tooth brushing, while sugar and sugary drinks were considered the main factors by 90% of male and 98% of female teachers. Seventy-five percent of male and 72% of female teachers considered irregular tooth brushing a cause of gums disease with 32% of male and 39% of female teachers not knowing detail with regard to microbial relationship of gum disease. Tooth brushing preference was common among 45% male and 49% female teachers due to perceived effect of better cleaning, while almost an equal percentage of male and females [62%] used miswak due to Sunnah. Thirty-three point five percent of female teachers brushed 3 times a day as compared to 19% male teachers. On daily basis brushing 3 times, a day was common among >5000 SR monthly income group. Male teachers preferred horizontal tooth brushing [40%] while female teachers preferred circular tooth brushing [45%]. Miswak was more commonly used by male teachers as compared to female teachers. Female school teachers had a higher income as compared to male schoolteachers. Thirty-two percent of females and 28% of male teachers were regular attendees to the dentist. Males were more satisfied by their oral health as compared to female teachers and 56% of male and 63% of female teachers visited the dentist only on having pain [toothache]. It is concluded that there is much resemblance in knowledge and practice of oral hygiene habits among male and female schoolteachers and there is a need to enhance their knowledge regarding oral health and disease. Both need more awareness regarding oral health promotion to have a positive role in school oral health education for their students in collaboration with oral health care workers

Prevalence of medically compromised patients referred for periodontal treatment to a teaching hospital in central Saudi Arabia

Many patients seeking dental care have a significant medical condition that may alter both the course of their oral disease and the treatment provided. The aim of this study was to assess the systemic diseases profile of patients with periodontal diseases for specialized periodontal treatment. Seven hundred and forty-three patient's medical records were screened from the Periodontal Clinics and referred to the College of Dentistry, King Saud University, a teaching hospital in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a special care during the period from January 2002 to June 2002. One hundred and sixty-seven were males while 576 were females. The age ranged was from 18-64 years. Approximately 90% of the patients were systemically healthy. The remaining 10% of the patients were with different systemic diseases or sequelae. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, asthma and rheumatic fever were most commonly present. Thirty-one [4.2%] of the medically compromised were diabetic. Hypertension was reported in 9 [1.2%] patients. Rheumatic fever and asthma were equally present in 7 [0.9%] patients. Periodontal diseases were equally prevalent in both male and female patients. Approximately 50% of the patients had moderate periodontitis while severe periodontitis was common among 9% of the male and female patients. Diabetes and heart related conditions were most common among the specialist patients referred for periodontal treatment. The advanced periodontitis was prevalent among 9% of the patients. It is recommended that physicians are become more familiar with the systemic associations to periodontal diseases. The dental practitioners should be well versed in the interplay between oral and systemic disease. More extensive knowledge of oral and physical medicine will be needed in order to provide quality care and appropriate treatment of patients with periodontal diseases suffering with systemic conditions

other side of implant dentistry: Ailing, failing implants and their management

Success is a relative term in social life but it is objectively defined in scientific arena. There are various objective measures to assess the success of clinical procedures, clinical outcomes and long-term maintenance of treatment items. Those measures not only help in the quality care but also improve the quality of social and functional life of our patient. Various factors are responsible for implant failure. These factors may influence failure directly or indirectly. Improper patient selection, accumulation of bacterial plaque because of poor oral hygiene, traumatic occlusion, debris retention resulting from improper prosthetic restoration, and bone preparation without the sufficient cooling, low torque, slow-speed hand pieces, have been the factors contributing to the failure of dental implants. The aim of this article is to highlight the reasons of dental implants failure, their classification, prevention and management. Finally, a dental implants failure checklist is adopted to guide the practitioner in defining the cause of implants failure. It is hoped that implant practitioners will be benefited from the article and optimize the quality of dental implants, service, and care of their patients

gingival veneer: an aesthetic approach in periodontal practice

Periodontal treatment often causes recession of the gingival margin, increase in interdental spaces, exposure of root dentine and crown margins resulting into aesthetic considerations. To mask this defect gum mask made from gingival coloured acrylic resin has been in use for quite some time. This article deals with step by step construction of a gingival veneer for patients with periodontal spacing problems

Oral hygiene practices, knowledge and dental attendance pattern of secondary school teachers

The aim of this study was to assess the oral hygiene practices, knowledge and their dental attendance pattern. A survey was conducted for five hundred secondary school teachers in Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan. The response rate was 56.6%. The results showed that the majority of female teachers use toothbrush as compared to the male teachers. The knowledge of female teachers was better than male teachers regarding bacteria and tooth disease. Female teachers had more tooth sensitivity. Male teachers had more experience of scaling of teeth and there was no significant difference between the male and female school teachers tegarding their attendance pattern [visit] to avail dental treatment. The school teachers can be focused for improvement in their knowledge about oral health and diseases and may be utilized for oral health promotion in schools. This will reduce the burden of curative dental services in a country like Pakistan with financial constraints

prevalence of dentinal hypersensitivity and dietary habits among patients from a teaching hospital in Riyadh

The presence of tooth hypersensitivity [Dentine hypersensitivity, DH] in adult population internationally indicates that 8-52% of subjects had DH depending on the population studied and the methodology used. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of DH, severity, stimulus, dietary and oral hygiene habits of population attending a teaching hospital in Riyadh for comprehensive dental care. A questionnaire was used to assess the above mentioned criteria, the response rate was 84 per cent from five hundred subjects. A total of 282 [67.1%] male and 138 [32.9%] female participated in the study. The mean age was 28.35 years with SD +/- 8.53 years. Eighty one per cent of the surveyed population had DH. The severity of DH was higher in female as compared to the male subjects. Cold appeared to be the most commonly reported DH stimulus. Tea/coffee was most common drink [46.9%]. Further research is needed in the area of dentinal hypersensitivity, with questionnaire substantiated with clinical examination in general population

Dental education imperatives for Pakistan

This article has reviewed some basic concepts about teaching and learning skills, the modern concepts of biological learning dental curriculum review and recommendations for the inclusion of new subjects in the existing dental teaching system. A brief introduction of the need for dental curriculum change in Pakistan and a proposed contemporary development of electronic dental curriculum and its relevance to Pakistani system has been highlighted. Finally the role of decision makers and the need for the development of a culture of science in dental education has been advanced. The author has suggested that one more year be added to the existing 4 years BDS course in Pakistan and that will help in introducing the desired changes in BDS courses

Effect of Miswak Extract on Healthy Human Dentin: an In Vitro Study

The purpose of this study was to compare the texture of dentin surfaces after the application of saline, aqueous and alcohol-derived miswak extracts using different modes of application and exposure times. It was concluded that alcohol derived miswak extract at pH of 2.5 to 2.9, selectively removed the smear layer from the dentin surface exposing the dentinal tubules. This result was In contrast to burnishing dentin surface with aqueous - miswak extract of higher pH 6.3 to 6.6 or with saline, both of which partially removed the smear layer without dentinal tubules exposure. It cannot be excluded that the pH of the solutions used is an important factor in determining whether etching occurs

Miswak [Chewing Stick]: a Cultural and Scientific Heritage

Miswak [chewing stick] was used by the Babylonians some 7000 years ago; it was later used throughout the Greek and Roman empires, and has also been used by ancient Egyptians and Muslims. It is used in different parts of Africa, Asia - especially the Middle East- and South America. Chewing sticks are used for oral hygiene, religious and social purposes. This article presents some of the different types of chewing sticks used around the world with special emphasis on the most commonly used plant In the Middle East, the Arak [Salvadora persica]. The Pharmacological and therapeutic aspects of Mistake and its role in plaque control, gingival recession, tooth wear, bleeding gums and periodontal health is discussed with reference to current literature. Finally, this review concludes with how to select and use the Mistake

Dental amalgam - past, present and future

Dental amalgam is the most widely used restorative material in dentistry for the last 150 years due to its high survival rate, longevity, and ease of manipulation. At present, worldwide publicity of the amalgam controversy have produced growing concern in its use and safety and have become an emotional public health issue. The aim of this review article is to update the general dental practitioners about the history of amalgam, amalgam controversies, its adverse effects and alternative materials available. It concludes [on the basis of current scientific studies] that if used carefully, it is not a health hazard

miswak [chewing stick] and oral health part - II uses, effect on periodontium and preparation

The Miswak [Chewing Sticks] are commonly used in the Middle East Asia, Africa and some parts of South America. Chewing Sticks are a useful tool of oral hygiene. It has cultural and religious affiliations. The use of the chewing stick conforms with the notion of primary health care. In this article the therapeutic, cultural and religious uses of Miswak are highlighted. The side effects of Miswak and its effects on periodontium are discussed. The preparation and uses of Miswak has also been described. The aim of this two part series on Miswak is to provide scientific basis of Miswak. The future potential research areas are also indicated for those who want to further their knowledge about Miswak. It will help in oral health promotion in Pakistan to the people, who have strong cultural, and religious affiliation to the Miswak. Dentists in Pakistan as well in other developing countries where Miswak is available and were due to very low income many people are unable to buy normal tooth brush and paste may like to recommend the use of Miswak to the general public

Advances in diagnosis of periodontal diseases

Current understanding of the natural progression of human periodontal disease and its pathogenesis has influenced our approach to periodontal diagnosis. Traditional diagnostic procedures for periodontal disease such as probing and radiographic assessment, provide information on previous disease experience but not of present site specific activity nor of possible future attachment. This paper reviews the modified concepts regarding the initiation and progression as well as the classification of periodontal diseases and finally the diagnostic tests, both traditional and newly developed with an aim to provide information and rationale of recent developments in the field of periodontal diagnosis, to general dental practitioners. This will help them to combat the periodontal disease before it progresses too far

miswak [chewing stick] and oral health-part 1-history, classification and composition

The miswak [chewing sticks] are commonly used in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and some parts of South America. Chewing sticks are a useful tool of oral hygiene. It has cultural and religious affiliations. In this article the history of miswak, its classification, chemical composition, pharmacological properties are highlighted. Recently miswak extract has been used in preparation of different toothpastes, due to its antibacterial activity and fluoride contents. This article is part I of a two part series on miswak. The second part will discuss its uses, effects on periodontium and preparation

Pan [Betel Quid] and oral carcinogenesis

Pan [betel quid] chewing is a prevalent habit of Asiatic people. It is important for general dental practitioners to know about the role of this habit in oral health and disease. In this article an attempt has been made to highlight the effects of this habit on oral tissues and their relation to oral cancer. Prevalence of oral cancer composition of pan and its side effects, its ingredients, as well as recommendations for the dental profession and general public, and the need of health promotion activities is presented