Relationship between periodontal disease, smoking and diabetes in coronary heart disease patients visiting University College of Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan

This cross sectional study was done to find out the association of periodontal disease, smoking and diabetes in Coronary Heart Disease [CHD] patients. Sixty eligible coronary heart disease male patients with periodontitis visiting the University College of Dentistry between October 2011 to April 2012 were divided into 4 groups i.e. A [smoker-diabetic], B [nonsmoker-diabetic], C [smoker-non diabetic] and D [non smoker - non diabetic]. Bleeding on probing, periodonetal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss were noted as measures of periodontal status. Differences of periodontal parameters between groups A, B, C and D were analyzed using K-test of proportions and one-way ANOVA. Levels of bleeding on probing, periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss were comparatively higher in group A [smoker - diabetic]. Mean levels of bleeding on probing, periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss were significant [<0.05] between groups. Forty five percent subjects of group A [smoker-diabetic] had periodontal pocket depth >4 mm and clinical attachment loss >3mm at more than 30% sites [p=0.01]. This study showed that periodontal disease is significantly associated with coronary heart disease patients and the levels of periodontal parameters were higher in smoker-diabetic coronary heart disease patients suggesting an association between periodontal disease, smoking, diabetes and coronary heart disease

Oral cancer knowledge and awareness amongst undergraduate dental students of Lahore - Pakistan

The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and awareness of undergraduate dental students regarding risk factors and signs of oral cancer. A self reported questionnaire comprising of eight questions was given to seven hundred and sixty undergraduate dental students in four of the five dental institutes situated in Lahore, Pakistan during the academic year 2010. The results showed i gradient of responses to questions related to oral cancer awareness and knowledge amongst students of 1[st], 2[nd], 3[rd] and final year BDS. Better knowledge and awareness was found amongst 3rd year students as compared to final year students [p<0.05]. This may be due to the fact that oral pathology is taught in third year. The study highlights the need to improve the knowledge of undergraduate dental students regarding prevention and early detection of oral cancer

University curriculum and perceived tobacco control policies amongst staff and students of university college of dentistry, Lahore

The aim of this study was to investigate the university curriculum and perceived tobacco control policies amongst staff and students of University College of Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan. A modified self reported validated standardized global youth tobacco survey [GYTS] was used amongst two hundred and fifty five staff members and students of faculty of dentistry, the university of Lahore, Pakistan. Of all the participants 59.3% demonstrated below median level of activity in any tobacco related teaching or learning in last one year. Staff [68.7%] members were significantly less likely to have been participated in tobacco related activities over the last one year compared to students [54.7%] p=<0.05. Only 12.3% of all the participants perceived that their institute had all three tobacco control policies [i.e. a policy preventing students to use tobacco in campus, a policy preventing University personnel from using tobacco in campus and / or a policy declaring the campus [Tobacco Free]] out of which at least one was enforced in the campus. Males [19.6%] perceived that their institute was 'Tobacco free'and prevents students and university personnel from in campus tobacco use compared to females [6.4%] p=<0.05. University staff was 2.42 [95% Confidence Interval= 1.05-5.57] times significantly more likely to perceive that their institute had all three tobacco control policies compared to students p=<0.05. The results of the study emphasize the need to amend the curriculum at health care institution / university level towards tobacco control. Stricter policies and better implementation is necessary to meet the international tobacco free campus initiative