Assessment of periodontal status of miswak and toothbrush users from karachi. a comparative study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the periodontal status of miswak and toothbrush users of Karachi

Study Design: Observational / Descriptive / cross sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the OPD Department, Jinnah Medical and Dental College Karachi from 02.05.2015 to 30.09.2015

Materials and Methods: Participants of the study include the students of Madrasah Islamia and patients presenting to OPD of Jinnah Medical and Dental College Karachi for routine dental checkups. We chose purposive sampling for the study. Subjects were selected on the basis of their use of miswak [Group A], use of toothbrush [Group B] and use of Miswak and Toothbrush [Group C]. Each subject was examined using CPITN probe to evaluate gingival bleeding, dental calculus and probing pocket depths of the selected surfaces. Selected surfaces were lingual surface of mandibular anterior teeth and buccal surface of maxillary posterior teeth

Subjects who did not consent to participate in the study were excluded from the study. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis

Results: In group A 40% participants had calculus, 50% had less than 3mm pockets and 20% had more than 3mm pockets. 30% had no gingival pocketing. In group B [brushing only] 4% subjects had calculus and 96% had less than 3mm pockets. In group C [miswak plus toothbrush] 40% had calculus and less than 3mm pockets and 10% of subjects had more than 3mm pocket depth. 50% had no pockets at all. Gingival Bleeding was demonstrated in all groups with Miswak users being 30% and tooth brush users and tooth brush plus miswak users being 10 % each

Conclusion: The periodontai status of all 3 groups was found to be satisfactory but examination revealed that the users of toothbrush only [group B] possess healthier periodontal tissues

Restorative material of choice for a moderately sized class i cavity in a lower permanent molar

Objective: To study dentist related factors affecting choice of restorative material in a moderately sized, simple class I cavity on a permanent molar

Study Design: Cross sectional / descriptive study

Place and Duration of the Study: This study was carried out at Jinnah Medical and Dental College between February 2015 to July 2015

Materials and Methods: Dentists from public and private sectors were requested to respond to a self administered questionnaire regarding their choice of restorative material for a moderately sized class I cavity in a permanent molar

Results: 66%, 54% and 16% of the dentists graduating in the years 2011-2015, 2006-2010 and 2001-2005 respectively chose amalgam. Whereas, 31%, 35% and and 73% graduating in the same years preferred composite. 38% of the dentists practicing privately and 69% of dentists working in institutional setup selected amalgam.66% of female dentists selected amalgam and 30% chose composite. In contrast, 43% of male dentist selected composite and 44% chose amalgam

Conclusion: The dependable blend of enduring service of amalgam with its cost effectiveness makes amalgam a better choice for posterior teeth in our settings. [Pakistan]