Assessment of patterns and related factors in using social media platforms to access health and oral health information among Sri Lankan adults, with special emphasis on promoting oral health awareness.

BACKGROUND: Social media has evolved beyond its conventional purpose of communication and information sharing to become a potent tool for disseminating health and oral health awareness. This study seeks to assess the patterns and related factors of using social media platforms to access health and oral health information among Sri Lankan adults, with special emphasis to promotion of oral health awareness. METHODS: In March 2023, individuals aged ≥ 18 years residing in Sri Lanka, who are users of social media participated in this electronic questionnaire-based survey. Statistical analyses of the collected data were done using the SPSS version 21 software, with a p-value of < 0.05 set to determine the level of statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 421 persons participated in this survey. Majority (68.4%) belonged to the age category of 18 to 30 years, and 55.5% were females. WhatsApp (96.8%) was the most frequently used social media platform across all age groups and both genders. Statistically significant differences were identified between genders in the usage of Telegram, Twitter, and Viber within the 18-30 years age category, with a higher percentage of males using these platforms (p ≤ 0.05). Similar significant differences were observed in the 31-40 years age group for WhatsApp and Telegram (p ≤ 0.05). Among 95.4% of online health information seekers, YouTube (74.9%) was the most popular platform. One-quarter of the respondents preferred social media platforms, and 22.3% preferred websites for obtaining oral health information. Furthermore, 74.9% had positive opinions on obtaining oral health information via social media, while only 17% reported pleasant experiences with social media platforms for oral health promotion. In assessing the reliability of oral health information on social media, 48% relied on the quality of the information. The most preferred source of oral health information was short videos from professionals (43.1%). Additionally, 69.5% reported changes in their oral health behaviours after accessing information through social media. CONCLUSION: Social media is a viable platform for promoting public oral health awareness in Sri Lankan; hence, workable strategies need to be employed, to further ensure its effective and wider use in a culturally and socioeconomically diverse country like Sri Lanka.

Effect of addition of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the antimicrobial properties, surface roughness and surface hardness of polymethyl methacrylate: A Systematic Review.

Background: Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) denture-base resins have poor surface properties that facilitates microbial adhesion causing denture stomatitis. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effect of different sizes and percentages of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NP) on the antimicrobial property, surface roughness and surface hardness of PMMA denture base resin.  Methods: A systematic search of English peer-reviewed articles, clinical trial registries, grey literature databases and other online sources was performed using the PRISMA-S Guidelines for In-Vivo and In-Vitro studies. Qualitative data synthesis was performed to analyse sample dimensions, acrylic used, treatments of nanoparticles, methods used for testing and effect of size and percentage of nanoparticle. Risk of bias assessment was done using modified Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: Out of 1376 articles, 15 were included. TiO 2NP of size less than 30 nm was most frequently used. Both antimicrobial property and surface hardness improved irrespective of the size of the added TiO 2NP. Three studies reported increase in the surface roughness with less than 50 nm TiO 2NP.  3% TiO 2NP was most frequently used. On increasing the percentage, three studies reported an increase in antimicrobial property, while two studies found no change. With TiO 2NP greater than or equal to 3%, six studies reported an increase in surface hardness, while two reported increase in surface roughness. Large methodological variations were observed across studies. All studies except one were of moderate quality. Conclusions:   On addition of TiO 2NP to heat polymerized PMMA, the antimicrobial property and surface hardness improved irrespective of the size of the TiO 2NP, however, addition of nanoparticles less than 50 nm increased the surface roughness. Increasing the percentage of TiO 2NP increased the surface hardness but did not always increase the antimicrobial property. Addition of 3% TiO 2NP provided optimum results with regards to antimicrobial effect and surface hardness, but increase in the surface roughness.

Perceptions of Dental Undergraduates Towards Online Education During COVID-19: Assessment from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

PURPOSE: The social distancing mandates instituted during COVID-19 pandemic mark the sudden transition in the mode of dental education's delivery to the virtual instruction. It is vital to assess students' perceptions towards virtual learning environments, particularly among those gaining education in resource-strained countries. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the perceptions of dental undergraduates towards online education, environment and transferable skills and patient care during COVID-19 in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental preclinical and clinical undergraduate students from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka were recruited from November 2020 to March 2021 through a 47-item web-based survey consisting of psychometrically valid subscales of Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) and Transferable Skills Questionnaire. The mean scores of students' perceptions of learning, environment, and patient care skills were compared among preclinical and clinical students of the participating countries. RESULTS: Of total 930 participants, 44.4% were from India, 26.1% from Sri Lanka and 29.5% responses from Nepal. Sri Lanka reported the highest mean scores across all domains of perception indicative of positive attitude. Clinical students from all participating countries had statistically significantly higher positive perception of transferable skills in patient care as opposed to their preclinical counterparts. On the contrary, perception towards learning was higher among preclinical students as opposed to clinical students. These differences were statistically significant for Nepal and Sri Lanka. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study underscore the need to develop and implement effective online dental educational interventions to foster academic growth and essential practical skills without compromising academic rigor and continuity in the dental education curriculum.

Second hand smoking and tobacco use among pregnant women in Yatinuwara Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area in Sri Lanka.

This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with second hand smoking (SHS) and tobacco use among pregnant women in Yatinuwara Medical Officer of Health area in Kandy district, Sri Lanka. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using 390 pregnant women. Data were collected through a pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire. Fifty-four-point four percent were exposed to the SHS. Prevalence of smoking during pregnancy was 0.5% and eight women used smokeless tobacco (SLT). SHS was significantly associated with the age of the mother and family income. Women's age, monthly income, husband's education, husband's occupation, women's age at marriage and trimester of pregnancy were significantly associated with tobacco use. In conclusions, prevalence of SHS was high but tobacco use was low in pregnant women. An effective training program should be designed to educate pregnant women as well as their husbands on adverse effects of tobacco use and SHS during pregnancy.

Linear and Volumetric Analysis of Maxillary Sinus Pneumatization in a Sri Lankan Population Using Cone Beam Computer Tomography.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the linear and volumetric measurements of the maxillary sinus in relation to sex and side on cone beam computer tomographic (CBCT) images in a Sri Lankan population. METHODS: A total of 20 sets of CBCT images selected from the database at the Division of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, were evaluated. Linear measurements were obtained in a craniocaudal (height), anteroposterior (length), and mediolateral (width) dimensions. Volume was computed by using the same data using a computerized 3D modeling software developed for 3D measurements and calculations. RESULTS: The maximum mean craniocaudal dimension was at the level of the 1st and the 2nd molar tooth bilaterally. The largest average craniocaudal, mediolateral, and anteroposterior extensions of the maxillary sinus using CBCT were 31.71 ± 5.44 mm, 21.28 ± 5.09 mm, and 32.92 ± 4.31 mm, respectively. The differences between the sides and sex showed no statistical significance (P > 0.05), except for the maximum average value in craniocaudal dimension which showed a statistically significant difference in relation to gender (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in the largest average craniocaudal, mediolateral, and anteroposterior extensions of the maxillary sinus when gender and side were compared. However, the maximum average value in craniocaudal dimension had a statistically significant difference in relation to gender. This study provides valuable knowledge of the anatomical dimensions of the maxillary sinus which may help clinicians in treatment planning.

Evaluation of the styloid process in a Sri Lankan population using digital panoramic radiographs.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the normal radiographic length of the styloid process (SP), prevalence and type of elongation, and angulation of the styloid process in relation to sex and side on digital panoramic radiographs in a Sri Lankan population. METHODS: A total of 100 digital panoramic images selected from the database at the Division of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka were evaluated for the radiological features of the styloid process. Lengths greater than 30 mm were consider as elongated. Elongated styloid processes were also classified into three types based on Langlais classification (elongated, pseudo articulated; and segmented). RESULTS: The mean radiological length of the SP on the right and left side was 25.8 mm ±â€¯7.5 mm and 23.2 mm ±â€¯9.0 mm respectively. The prevalence of elongated styloid process in males and female were 34.9% and 24.6%. The maximum length observed on right and left sides were 43.2 mm and 41 mm respectively. However, the differences between the genders and the sides were statistically not significant (P = 0.199). The most frequently observed type of elongation was type I (elongated) according to the Langlais classification. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable knowledge of the anatomical variations of the SP which may help clinicians from various specialties to diagnose the Eagle syndrome.

Effectiveness of Procedural Video Versus Live Demonstrations in Teaching Laboratory Techniques to Dental Students.

Even though the traditional live demonstration method is commonly used in teaching laboratory techniques to dental students, it has many drawbacks. The aim of this study was to assess the acquisition of knowledge, practical skills, and perceptions of dental students who had a live demonstration versus procedural video on arranging artificial teeth. All 79 third-year dental students at a dental school in Sri Lanka, who had no previous experience in arrangement of teeth, were randomly divided into two groups in 2016. Students in group 1 had a live demonstration, while students in group 2 had a video demonstration. A pretest and posttest were conducted to assess the students' knowledge about arrangement of teeth. After one week, students in both groups were requested to arrange teeth, and a practical skills score was given. Following this, a questionnaire was used to assess the students' perceptions regarding their method of learning. Three students in group 1 did not attend the live demonstration, so the results were based on 76 participants: group 1 n=36, group 2 n=40. The results showed no significant difference between the two group's mean pretest scores (p=0.460). However, group 2 showed a statistically significant increase in mean posttest score over its pretest score (p=0.002). This difference was not seen in group 1. There was no significant difference in the mean skills test score for the two groups (p=0.588). These results suggest the procedural video was as good as the live demonstration in teaching the specific task selected for this study. However, when the perceptions of the two groups were compared, the students considered the video as a better teaching tool except when clarification was needed.

Awareness, attitudes, need and demand on replacement of missing teeth among a group of partially dentate patients attending a University Dental Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess awareness, attitudes, need and demand on replacement of missing teeth according to edentulous space, age, gender, ethnicity, educational level and socio-economical status of the patient. RESULTS: 76.2% of the study group was opined that the missing teeth should be replaced by prosthetic means. Majority were keen in getting them replaced mainly for the comfort in mastication. Although 77.9 and 32.9% were aware of the removable prostheses and implants respectively, only 25.2% knew about tooth supported bridges as an option of replacement of missing teeth. Participants' awareness on tooth and implant supported prostheses is at a higher level. Participants' opinion on need of regular dental visit was statistically significant when gender, ethnicity and education level were considered. The highest demand for replacement of missing teeth was observed in Kennedy class I and II situations in both upper and lower arches. Demand for fixed prostheses was significantly highest in Kennedy class II in upper and lower arches. In conclusion, although removable prosthodontic options are known to most of the patients, their awareness on tooth and implant supported prostheses is also at a higher level. The highest demand for replacement of missing teeth is by patients with Kennedy class I and II situations whereas Kennedy class II being the category with highest demand for fixed prostheses. We recommend that the location of missing teeth to be considered as a priority when educating patients on the most appropriate prosthetic treatment options. Dentists' involvement in educating patients on prosthetic options needs to be improved.