ABSTRACT
This cross sectional study was conducted at Pak Field Hospital Level 3 Darfur Sudan from Jan 2011 till May 2012 to find out the reasons for extractions of teeth in UNAMID troops. 1500 patients, from various countries were interviewed and examined. Percentage of six common reasons [caries and its sequel, periodontal problems, impactions, prosthetic, orthodontic and other causes] were calculated by SPSS version 16, as whole, separate for male, female and for individual countries. Results showed that Overall 41.2% of the teeth were extracted due to advanced dental caries whereas 34.8% due to periodontal disease, 12.04% due to impactions, 4.4% for prosthetic purposes, 4.3% for orthodontic and 3.2% for other reasons. Advanced caries was the primary cause for extractions in male while impactions and orthodontic causes were the main reasons. Highest numbers of teeth were extracted due to advanced caries in patients from Nigeria [43.5%] and due to periodontal reason from patientsof Bangladesh [37.1%] and Nepal [37%]
ABSTRACT
To determine the prevalence and cause of self-medication among dental patients, a cross sectional study was conducted on 335 patients of AFID Rawalpindi. Patients were interviewed on basis of questionnaire highlighting age, gender, income and educational qualification, history of past practice of self-medication, substances used and causes of it. Frequency tables were generated and statistical relationship between the variables was analyzed by SPSS version 16. 31.34% of the respondents claimed to be involved in self medication. 48% respondents used self-prescribed antibiotic and analgesics, 22% used clove oil, tobacco or tablet aspirin in tooth cavity, 17% had got their treatment by roadside unqualified dentists and 13% consulted faith healer to relieve tooth pain. 33% felt that their complaints were minor enough to consult dentist, 53% were short of time to visit hospital [ and were prompted by family members to self medicate, 10% were afraid of dental treatments while only 4% claimed that these were cheaper options for them. Self-medication practices were common in participants of this study. Government should enforce relevant legislation which limits the practice of road side local tooth healers and restricts the sales of drugs without prescription