Effectiveness of trained health workers in improving the oral hygiene of preschool children.

BACKGROUND: Poor oral health among children is common finding in the rural regions of India. But if the existent structure of primary health care is used, favourable oral health habits and importance of oral health can be instilled in the children and their parents at a very early stage. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Anganwadi workers (AWWs) in improving the oral hygiene of the preschool children through oral health education. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 250 children in the age group of 2.5-6 years, were included in the study. The study was conducted in three phases over a period of 8 months which included a follow up of six months. Baseline oral health was determined using a questionnaire assessing the oral hygiene practices and DMFT Index, Plaque Index and Gingival Index. This was re-assessed after 6 months using the same questionnaire and indices. Statistical significance was fixed at p value L 0.05. Chi square and paired 't' test were used to assess the difference in the variables after providing oral health education. RESULTS: Out of 250 children, with mean age of 4.24 years, majority were girls (142, 56.8%). The use of fluoridated toothpaste among the study population significantly increased from 34.4% to 41.5% (p=0.001) with the intervention of oral health education (OHE). Decrease in consumption of sticky sugar, addition of sugar in the night-feeds and cleaning of teeth after night-feeds were also found to change significantly. Gingival index showed significant reduction after OHE (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The study revealed that training of Anganwadi workers (AWWs) could be used to improve the oral health of the Anganwadi children. They represent an untapped source for delivering oral care to rural communities that otherwise have limited access.

Emergency management of dental injury; preparedness among school teachers in Bhubaneswar, India.

BACKGROUND: School is the place, identified with a noticeable risk of Traumatic Dental Injuries (TDI) in children which have functional, esthetic and psychological effects. OBJECTIVES: To assess the preparedness of concerning traumatic dental injuries and their management among school teachers and also to empower the clinician to frame a set of instructions for school teachers to handle the emergencies effectively at the site of the incident. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 school teachers enrolled in government and private schools of 24 randomly selected schools in Bhubaneswar city. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to collect information on participants demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice about emergency management of Traumatic Dental Injury. Chi-square test with level of significance set at 5% was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant (p<0.05) correct responses were provided by 66.7% males and 35.6% females and 100% younger age teachers. Larger population perceived that their level of knowledge was not satisfactory as they responded for inadequate and don't know options which was significant in relation to gender and age (p<0.05) but not with respect to the type of school (p>0.05). All the respondents expressed the need for a training program. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the instantaneous need for tailor made dental health educational and preventive programs for school teachers in order to effectively manage the Traumatic Dental Injuries.

Assessing the effect of oral diseases on oral health related quality of life of institutionalized elderly using Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: India establishes a geriatric population of about 80 million which is 7.2% of the total population. The geriatric population is often faced by a negative impact on their quality of life due to poor oral health. OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of oral disease on daily activities and quality of life among the institutionalized elderly in Kanpur, India. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A total of fifty-six patients were purposively selected from two old age homes through convenience sampling technique. To assess the oral health status WHO basic oral health survey form (1997) was used. Short version of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP - 14) questionnaire was used to assess the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Independent t-test and ANOVA test was done to determine the relationship between the groups. RESULTS: Presence or absence of grossly decayed teeth, chronic periodontitis, based on edentulism and remaining sound teeth status produced no significant differences in any of the domains. In comparison with males, females experienced greater impact of oral diseases with respect to mean OHIP-14 score; however, it was non - significant (p=0.45). CONCLUSION: Oral health status of the institutionalized subjects in Kanpur city is poor, with edentulism and periodontitis. The effect of oral diseases on the lives of elderly is comparatively low and is non-significant.

Risk factors and patterns related to dental caries evaluated with caries assessment spectrum and treatment (cast) among schoolchildren of Bhubaneswar, India

Objectives: To determine the complete range of carious conditions and furthermore to compare the risk factors and patterns of dental caries amongst schoolchildren aged 12 and 15 years in Bhubaneswar. Material and Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive survey was performed among 800 schoolchildren to assess the dental caries status by Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) scoring. Chi-square, parametric t-test, one-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni and stepwise multiple linear regression were utilized for statistical analysis. Results: Study population comprised of 476 (59.5%) boys and 324 (40.5%) girls, of which 356 (44.5%) and 444 (55.5%) represented the 12- and 15-years age group respectively. Prevalence of dental caries was 60.6% (Mean 0.38+0.545). Younger age group children presented a significant (p<0.05) lower caries prevalence (54.8%) as against 65.3% in 15 years children. Majority, 189 (23.6%) revealed distinct visual change in enamel (code 3). Acuteness of disease constructed on maximum CAST score for each subject showed that teeth with morbidity (28.5%) is higher followed by reversible pre-morbidity (23.6%) and serious morbidity (6.5%). Predominantly first molars were generally influenced. Significant interpreters in plunging order for DMFT were frequency of cleaning teeth and sweet score. Conclusions: A creative instrument named CAST index describes full continuum of dental caries. Its utilization in epidemiological studies is exceptionally encouraging as it is less tedious and more cost effective. It can possibly be a useful tool for planning caries control programs in both individual and community levels.