Smokeless Tobacco Use and Quit Behaviour Assessment in a Middle Aged to Elderly Population in a Rural Setting - An Evaluative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Expanding knowledge on tobacco use and quitting outcomes in Chhattisgarh, India, is crucial. Limited data hinder the assessment of tobacco use prevalence and quitting outcomes in the region. This household-based cross-sectional study aimed to assess smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and quit behaviour among village dwellers aged 35-44 and 65-74 years in Jamul, Chhattisgarh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted among 450 participants, utilising a pretested questionnaire and data analysis using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v23. RESULTS: The study revealed that among the survey participants, 61.1% were males and 38.9% were females. The prevalence of SLT use was found to be 67.8%, with 59.1% of current SLT users reporting daily use. Middle-aged individuals predominantly chose gutkha, while khaini was more common among the elderly. Tobacco and paan with tobacco were also commonly used forms. Gudakhu, a popular SLT product for oral hygiene and easy defecation, was reported by 71.34% of participants. Television warnings and SLT packages proved to be successful methods for disseminating information about the dangers of SLT use. However, SLT users who attempted to quit independently reported encountering one or more withdrawal symptoms, which posed significant obstacles to quitting SLT. CONCLUSION: Community-based awareness programmes are implemented via regional television (TV) channels, coupled with cessation initiatives, including professional counselling, pharmaceutical interventions and support of peer. Changing attitudes against SLT use and promoting tobacco-free environments are prioritized. These strategies will effectively address SLT use and improve quitting outcomes in Jamul, Chhattisgarh, fostering a healthier community.

Prevalence and determinants of early childhood caries among children enrolled in anganwadi centres in Bhilai of Central India: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Early childhood caries (ECC), which results in rapid involvement and progression of several teeth, is a growing concern in preschool children. It directly affects a child's overall health and quality of life. Aim: To assess the prevalence and determinants of ECC among children enrolled in Anganwadi centres in Bhilai city of Chhattisgarh. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 360 children enrolled in Anganwadi of Bhilai. An oral examination and findings were recorded in 'dmft' using the WHO oral health assessment form for children 2013. The mothers' knowledge, attitude, and practice were determined by a professionally administered 10-item pre-tested short questionnaire with Cronbach's alpha of 0.86. The data were compiled and analysed using Microsoft Excel vs. 2013 and Statistical Package of Social Science (IBM SPSS version 23; Chicago Inc., USA). Results: The prevalence of ECC was 25.83%, out of which 13.33% in boys and 12.50% in girls. Children of middle school-educated mothers have 35.48% ECC, followed by high school and primary school, that is, 24.73 and 23.66, respectively. Mothers who assisted the children in tooth brushing have less prevalence of ECC (8.15%) as compared to non-assisted (17.8%) (P = 0.044). Conclusion: Although mothers' knowledge was appreciable regarding reasons for tooth decay, still 1/4th of the children were found to be affected by ECC. This necessitates the importance of regular/periodic screening campaigns for the children, implementing institutional preventive programmes, and referral for children to secondary/tertiary healthcare centres.

Nanotechnology in dentistry: Unleashing the hidden gems.

Nanotechnology in dentistry refers to new generation research carried out to develop newer technologies, restorative materials and drugs of Nano dimensions. The word "Nano" refers to Nanoscale particles. Although the science of nanotechnology in dentistry is recent and less developed, but still has vast potential to show advancement and improvement in the field of dentistry. As nanotechnology is making firm grip in other fields such as drug delivery system and reducing toxicity by the emergence of more biocompatible materials. Clinicians, researchers, and manufacturers are taking keen interest and participation in the advancement of this field. This paper is an attempt in unleashing the hidden gems of nanotechnology-focusing latest developments in field restorative and surgical dentistry to enhance the quality and biocompatibility of newer generation dental materials and technology. This paper will also focus on potential hurdles encountered in the development of newer materials by utilizing the science of nanotechnology and their potential safety issues concern.