association between dmft index and haemoglobin levels in 3-6 year-old Saudi children with anaemia: a cross sectional study

Objectives: The relation between haemoglobin levels and the prevalence of dental caries is well-recognized; however, relatively little information is available regarding the decayed, missing and filled teeth [dmft] index in relation to haemoglobin levels in KSA. The objective of this study was to assess the association between the haemoglobin levels and the dmft index in a random sample of paediatric dental patients who visit a teaching hospital in KSA

Methods: This 11-month cross sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, KSA from May 2014 to April 2015. A total of 160 children with dental caries were divided into 2 groups: non-anaemic and anaemic groups. The prevalence of caries was measured using the dmft index and was compared between the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square tests at a 0.05% significance level

Results: One hundred-sixty subjects were recruited in this study. Children with lower mean haemoglobin levels [anaemic children] had significantly higher mean dmft indices [11.20 +/- 2.6] than the non-anaemic children [9.66 +/- 1.2%, p < 0.05]

Conclusion: This study suggests that children with lower haemoglobin levels may be prone to develop dental caries. This study emphasizes the need for public health campaigns regarding oral hygiene and the prevention and treatment of anaemia

Appraisal of antimicrobial prescribing practices of governmental and non-governmental dentists for hospitals in the western region of Saudi Arabia

To scrutinize the knowledge, attitude, and antimicrobial practices in Saudi Arabian Dentistry. In this cross-sectional survey of dentists, a self-administered questionnaire comprising of 61 questions was dispersed to the participants randomly, which included their professional profile, awareness of the current scope of antimicrobial resistance, prescribing practice, frequency of antimicrobial prescription, and sources of continuing education of antimicrobials. The study took place in the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between February and April 2013. Knowledge and awareness concerning specific antimicrobials, with specific oral cavity lesion was 78% for the students and interns, 80% for residents, and 95.3% for specialists. Approximately 89% of the students, interns and residents, and 98.4% of the specialists endorsed indiscriminate use of antibiotics. In addition, 93.4% of students, 90% of interns and residents, and 90.6% of specialists agreed that lack of health education is one of the contributors to overuse of antimicrobials. Moreover, 91.9% of the interns, 80% of residents, and 75.5% of specialists preferred amoxicillin + clavulanate as their first choice; however, a wide variation in the dosage frequency, and duration was observed. Participants are well aware of the significance of antimicrobial resistance, and considered that judicious use of antimicrobials is highly imperative to restrain this fiery predicament. Divergence was demonstrated between specialists and residents in prescribing practices. Institutional antimicrobial guideline was not interesting to all the respondents. This highlights the need for incessant instructive intervention in order to accomplish the prime objective of retreating antimicrobial resistance