Pattern and Severity of Dental Caries among Adults in an Urban Population in Northwest Nigeria.

Background: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral diseases affecting children and adult populations worldwide. The distribution and severity of dental caries vary in different parts of the world and within the same region or country. However, few studies have focused on the burden of caries among Nigerian adults. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the severity and pattern of dental caries among the adult population in the Kano metropolis. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study in which adults were interviewed using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Examiners used the criteria set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for assessing Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT). Field examinations were carried out under artificial light with a wooden spatula, dental mirror, and a Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) probe. Results: Respondents' mean (±standard deviation (SD) age was 41.2 (±12.78) years. The mean DMFT for the population was 3.58 (±3.53). One-in-three respondents (33.3%) had very low DMFT while one in five (20.0%) had very high DMFT. Severe dental caries as indicated by very high DMFT were more prevalent among women (22.2%), respondents with informal education (61.5%), and those who had a family history of dental caries (28.4%). Conclusion: The severity of dental caries among the adult population in the Kano metropolis was low. Interventions should be focused on women, those with informal education and positive family history.

Does dental fluorosis affect electric pulp test response and/or optimum probe placement site?

The placement site of electric pulp tester (EPT) probe on the tooth affects the threshold values obtained. The aim of this study was to determine and compare threshold levels and appropriate placement sites for EPT probe on fluorotic and normal teeth. Equal numbers of fluorotic and non-fluorotic maxillary central incisors of 40 subjects were assessed. The mean of three threshold readings from an EPT was taken from the labial surface at the incisal edge, incisal third, middle third and cervical third. Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman ANOVA followed by post hoc tests were used to compare threshold scores. Significantly higher thresholds were recorded for fluorotic teeth at the incisal edge and incisal third. The lowest thresholds were obtained for the incisal edge in both fluorotic and non-fluorotic teeth when compared to the cervical third. There was no statistically significant difference among corresponding test sites between the genders and age groups.

Managing the phase-down of amalgam amongst Nigerian dental professionals and students: A national survey.

BACKGROUND: Amalgam is one of the most reliable dental restorative materials. Health and environmental concerns associated with the mercury content of amalgam have necessitated an amalgam phase-down in clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the level of awareness and preparedness for the planned amalgam phase-down recommended by the Minamata Convention amongst Nigerian dental students and dentists. METHODS: This cross-sectional national survey was performed across all geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Data regarding awareness, practice and level of preparedness for amalgam phase-down were obtained using a questionnaire that was distributed amongst clinical dental students and dentists of different cadres, who routinely place dental restorations, in public and private practice. The questionnaires were administered online or were hand delivered. Data were analysed using the chi-square test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. A p value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Notably, 845 dental students and dentists participated in the survey. Mean age (±standard deviation) of participants was 30.15 ± 7.67 years, 33.8% were students, and 66.2% were dentists (most dentists [77.1%] were employed at public hospitals). A significant percentage of respondents had poor knowledge of the Minamata Convention (87.7%) and lacked training in the use of alternatives to amalgam (72.0%). Amalgam continues to be commonly used by 39.1% and 31.3% of dental students and dentists, respectively. Only 4.7% of the respondents admitted to following good amalgam phase-down practices. Awareness (P = 0.013) and amalgam phase-down practices (P = 0.011) were significantly higher amongst dentists than amongst dental students. CONCLUSION: We observed low levels of awareness regarding the Minamata Convention, amalgam phase-down, mercury hygiene practices and training in alternatives to amalgam use amongst Nigerian dental professionals and students.

Efficacy of Three In-Office Dentin Hypersensitivity Treatments.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the comparative efficacy of three in-office treatment agents in patients presenting with dentin hypersensitivity (DH) at a university teaching hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomised, controlled study was conducted to compare the efficacy of Gluma desensitiser, Pro-Relief and Copal F in relieving the pain of DH. In 68 subjects with 508 hypersensitive teeth, the agents and placebo (distilled water) were applied to 127 hypersensitive teeth each. At baseline, the pain of DH to tactile and evaporative stimuli was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and verbal rating scale (VRS). Post-application assessment was carried out at 10 min, 1 week, 2 and 4 weeks. RESULTS: The mean difference in VAS between baseline and post-treatment periods significantly increased for all the desensitising agents (p < 0.05) with both tactile and air-blast stimuli, except for the placebo. Gluma desensitiser had the highest mean difference at 10 min (3.7 ±â€¯1.8) and 4 weeks (5.4 ±â€¯2.3) for tactile and air-blast stimuli, respectively. However, using the VAS, no statistical significance was noted in the mean differences between the agents. With the application of Gluma desensitiser, a significantly higher number of teeth had no pain at 4 weeks using the VRS. CONCLUSION: Gluma desensitiser can be suggested as an appropriate desensitising agent for in-office treatment of DH.