Awareness about periodontal disease among patients- a study

Periodontal diseases can lead to tooth loss. The bacterial plaque is the main etiology of periodontal diseases, while many other factors such as hormonal changes, diabetes, poor nutrition, smoking, and stress may affect the initiation and progression of gingival and periodontal diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge about periodontal oral health and causes of inflammatory periodontal diseases among patients of our local population. A total of 105 patients presented to out-patient department of Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar were included in this study. Age, gender, economic level, educational level, occupation and specific questions about periodontal diseases were recorded. Questions related to periodontal diseases like meaning and causes of periodontal disease, relation to the risk factors, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. Each question was provided with different options [Yes and No] to patients were requested to answered. The collected data were processed and analyzed by SPSS [statistical Package for Social Sciences] version 17.0. Percentages and frequencies were tabulated and shown in the form of charts. Of total 105 patients 74[70.47%] were males and 31[29.52%] females. The most common age decade was third. Most of participants belonged to medium income families and most of their had university level education. Educated patients were using tooth brush while illiterate patients used miswak wooden stick. University level educated patients were more aware about the meaning, risks factors and causes of periodontal diseases

Patterns and frequency of dental caries in primary teeth

Primary teeth play an important role in mastication, speech and occlusion of permanent dentition. Due to high prevalence of dental caries in primary teeth, it is essential to educate parents about prevention and management of dental caries of children. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern and prevalence of caries in primary teeth among children reporting to Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar. Total 900 children having age 4 to 7 years were includes in this study. Dental caries was assessed using sterilized mouth mirror and dental probe under dental chair light in primary teeth. The collected data were analysed in SPSS version 16.0. Percentages and frequencies were calculated for examined and affected teeth. Z-test was applied for statistical difference among girls and boys. P<0.05 was considered significant. Out of total of 900 children, 478[53.11%] affected by caries. The posterior teeth had greater prevalence of caries. In anterior teeth, central incisors[10%] followed by lateral incisors[8.09%] were affected by dental caries. Canine[3%] were least affected. In posterior teeth, second molars were affected more than first molars by caries. Girls were having less caries than boys.[p<0.05]