ABSTRACT
Background: ß-Thalassemia is a chronic disease of autosomal recessive origin that is identified by the presence of a severe form of anemia. This hematological disease has been shown to directly influence a person's physical as well as psychological well-being along with their families. Aim: This study aimed to find an association between dental health status and oral health-related quality of life (QoL) among children who have been diagnosed with ß-thalassemia. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was carried out in the dental outpatient department; blood bank and pediatric outpatient departments that were associated with the primary institute. All study participants were age-ranged from 3 to 15 years. Informed written consent was obtained from caregivers or parents of all the study participants. This study was conducted for a total duration of 1 year (from June 2020 to June 2021). All study participants were categorized into two groups: (a) Group I (n = 150) comprised children who were diagnosed with ß-thalassemia and (b) Group II (n = 150) comprised normal controls. Exclusion criteria in the study included children suffering from any systemic disease that predisposes them to dental caries or periodontal diseases. The intra-oral examination was performed using Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth Index (DMFT/dmft Index) and Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S). Assessment of QoL was done by using the "Child Perceptions Questionnaire for children." Collected data were recorded in Microsoft Excel workbook, 2007. Statistical comparison between both the groups was performed by using statistical tools such as the Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. The probability values lesser than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: Maxillofacial findings-rodent facies, saddle nose, lip incompetence, pale oral mucosa, anterior open-bite, lower anterior teeth crowding, and maxillary anterior teeth spacing or crowding-were seen. Class II malocclusion was present in significant numbers of subjects. On comparing dmft/DMFT scores, no significance was observed while on comparing OHI-S index, statistical significance was seen. A statistically significant difference in the QoL was noted between thalassemic children and the control group. Conclusion: Thalassemic children showed a significant association between dental health and QoL.
ABSTRACT
AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to perform quantitative and mathematical analysis of mental foramen (MF) along with its correlation with study subject's sex and age using three-dimensional imaging like cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CBCT scan images stored in the database were used in this study. Two-hundred sixty-seven scans were selected. They were divided into four different age-groups. These age-groups were 16-23 years, 24-38 years, 39-55 years, and more than 56 years. Each age-group was further divided into two subgroups. One subgroup was of males, while the other subgroup was of females. Following this, there was evaluation of all CBCT-scanned images considering certain parameters like position of MF, size of MF, distance X, distance Y, and distance Z. RESULTS: The MF was located generally apically to the premolar and molar. It was more commonly located between the first premolar and second premolar among females, while in males, it was mostly located along the long axis of the second premolar. In most of the age-groups, the MF was located between the long axis of the first premolar and second premolar. The average distance of MF from the apex of first premolar was 5.01 mm. Further, the average size of MF and its distance from the base of the mandible were greater in males as compared with females. When all these measurements were compared in different age-groups, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The average distance of MF from the apex of the first premolar was 5.01 mm. The average size of MF and its distance from the base of the mandible were greater in males as compared with females. When the measurements were compared in different age-groups, then the difference was not statistically significant. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: MF is an important structure in the mandible because it acts as an important landmark in the anesthetic procedure; therefore, there was a need to carry out detailed quantitative and mathematical analysis for MF.
Subject(s)
Mental Foramen , Cone-Beam Computed TomographyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cheiloscopic analysis has been shown to have close association with skeletal malocclusion. Hence, aim of the present study was to explore any association between lip prints patterns and skeletal class I and II malocclusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study sample of 90 subjects aged between 18 and 25 years was selected from individuals opting for orthodontic therapy. Skeletal malocclusion using ANB angle was assessed using lateral cephalograms while lip print patterns were analyzed using the cellophane-adhesive method. Statistical analysis: Mean ± SD was analyzed and significance was assessed using ANOVA. RESULTS: Skeletal class I group showed more branched pattern (29%). Other patterns in decreasing order were intersected (25%), reticular (24%), and vertical lip patterns (22%), while the skeletal class II group showed branched pattern as most common (32%), followed in decreasing order by reticular (29%), intersected (25%), and vertical lip patterns (14%). No statistical significance was derived between lip pattern type and skeletal malocclusion. CONCLUSION: Lip print patterns are important indicators of malocclusion and can help in predicting the same at an earlier stage.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A child usually takes up the behavioural habits by observing the parents at home. The mapping of the current level of influence of parents' practices over children is necessary for developing any preventive programs therefore the aim of the study was to determine the influence of familial oral health habits on the adolescent children belonging to rural background. METHOD: The present cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on 236 rural participants (parents and their children) reporting to a private dental college in a rural set up in India. Questions on demographics, oral hygiene habits and oral health knowledge were asked. Chi-square test and unpaired 't' test was used to determine the differences between parents and children. The cut-off point was set at (0.05). RESULTS: A total of 95 parents considered themselves having good oral health, majority of their children (n = 74; 77.9%) matched their perception. Most of the parents (n = 124) and children (n = 108) reported to dentist only in case of any dental problem. Maximum participant, 85.6% parents and 81.4% children brushed their teeth once a day. Mean knowledge score were higher in children (11.06 ± 2.68) and difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Most children (74.6%) learned to brush from their mother followed by father (10.2%). CONCLUSION: Correct knowledge regarding good oral hygiene practices should be rendered to the parents so that they will successfully transfer these habits to their youngsters.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Clinical opportunistic screening can be valuable for diagnosis of oral cancer/precancer prior to development of symptoms. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge, perceptions, and present practices of primary health care providers regarding oral cancer screening. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional questionnaire study was carried out on doctors working in primary health centres of Patna district, Bihar. A total of 10 questions in true/false or multiple choice format assessed the knowledge on oral cancer screening. Attitude and practices were evaluated by seven questions each on a 5-point Likert scale. Unpaired t-test and one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc test was applied to determine the significance difference between the mean scores of knowledge and demographic variables. The significance level was set at below 0.05. RESULTS: The total mean knowledge scores were 6.5 ± 2.17. Response analysis showed that regarding opinion on only 28% health care providers agreed or strongly agreed that they have adequate knowledge regarding detection of oral cancer. It was found that 44.7% never/rarely examined the oral cavity of the patient. Only 14% and 16% doctors aid with the cessation of habits and advised dietary changes in patients with precancerous lesions/conditions, respectively. CONCLUSION: Capacity building of primary care physicians is very crucial for a successful screening program. The present study reveals that the training activities of healthcare providers in oral screening need to be reinforced.
