The effect of chewing stick use on oral hygiene and gingival health of young adults in Nigeria

Objective: The maintenance of good oral hygiene contributes to gingiva health. Several items have been used for mechanical removal of plague, examples of which are the chewing stick and toothbrush. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of using chewing stick to maintain gingival health. Methods: A randomised, single blind, (clinical investigator) experimental study was conducted among 40 persons (20 chewing stick group and 20 toothbrush and toothpaste group). Data was collected through the use of interviewer-administered questionnaire and clinical examination. Evaluation of the effect on gingival health were done 3weeks and 6weeks after the baseline treatment (Scaling and polishing and oral hygiene instruction with emphasis on the use of toothbrush or chewing stick depending on which group . Results: The mean age of participants in the study was 21.58±2.43years. Participants in chewing stick group had significantly higher oral hygiene score than toothbrush group at 3 weeks post intervention only (P=0.03). The chewing stick group and toothbrush group did not have any significant difference in mean gingival index score at both 3 weeks and 6weeks post intervention stages. Conclusion: Chewing stick use resulted in poorer oral hygiene in the initial assessment but improved at second assessment. Chewing stick use resulted in lower non-significant positive effect on gingival health in comparison with toothbrush/toothpaste use. Dentists in resource poor economy should not discourage the use of chewing stick but rather educate users on the proper use of it, since it is cost effective

Nigerian Dentists and Oral Health-Care of Pregnant Women: Knowledge; Attitude and Belief

Background: Pregnant women seek preventive; interventional and rehabilitative oral health-care for their oral health and protection of their fetus and babies after delivery. The objective of the study was to determine the Nigerian Dentist's knowledge; attitude and belief pertaining to the oral health-care of pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional of Nigerian dentist was conducted between June and December; 2011 using Huebner et al.; modified dentist's attitude to the pregnant women questionnaire Results: The overall response rate of 92.5 (149/160). Receipt of continuing medical education (CME) was reported among the participants on periodontal disease of pregnant patients (22.1); oral hygiene of pregnant patients (20.1); early childhood caries (35.6) and general dental problem (51.0). The majority (92.6) agreed that Dentists have the skill to counsel pregnant patients; But only 73.8 of them provided oral hygiene instruction frequently to pregnant patients and even fewer (6.0) were involved in educational advice on oral health for young women. Many of the participants agreed that counseling pregnant patients about periodontal disease and its effect on the developing baby is of utmost importance. Participants also dominantly agreed that dental treatment should be part of prenatal care and 97.3 of them opined that physician recommendation will increase the likelihood of pregnant seeking dental care. More than half (56.4) of the participants reported that Dentists should be concerned about being sued if something goes wrong with the pregnancy. The recommended ways to improve oral health-care of pregnant women among the participants were through CME (92.6); provision of educational materials on oral health-care of pregnant women (93.3) and information on ways to counsel pregnant women (98.0). Conclusion: Data from this study revealed high preparedness; positive attitude and favorable disposition in dental care provision for pregnant women among the studied Nigerian Dentists

Perceived Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs of Dental Auxiliaries

Objective: To determine the perceived oral health status and treatment needs of Nigerian dental therapists in training and dental technology students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of students from Federal School of Dental Therapy and Technology Enugu; Nigeria was conducted using self-administered questionnaire to obtain information on demography; self-reported oral health status; knowledge of impact of oral health on daily life activity; dental attendance and perceived dental need. Results: The perception of oral health status and treatment need of the two groups of dental auxiliaries was the same. Fewer respondents (27.3) rated their oral health as excellent; while 50.4rated their oral health as good. Majority (95.5) agreed that oral health is a part of general health and 94.6agreed that oral health has a role in daily life. Out of 81.4that had previous dental treatment; scaling and polishing accounted for 66.1. Presently; 48.8think they need dental treatment ranging from scaling and polishing (33.9); tooth restoration (10.3); to extraction (1.2). Conclusion: This survey revealed that most of the students are aware that oral health is a component of general health and that it has an impact on an individual's daily life. More than half of the students perceived their oral health as good; but only a few knew that there is a need for a preventive approach to oral health as evident by the percentage that perceived scaling and polishing as a treatment need