Attainment of ideal root canal treatment comprises various essential factors such as proper instrumentation, biomechanical preparation, obturation, and ultimately depending upon the case, post-endodontic restoration. Main objective of the treatment is to get absolute rid of microbial entity and prevent any future predilection of re-infection. In order to achieve that, proper seal is required to cut down any chance of proliferation of bacteria and future occurrence of any pathology. Although gutta-percha has been the standard obturating material used in root canal treatment, it does not reinforce endodontically treated roots owing to its inability to achieve an impervious seal along the dentinal walls of the root canal. Gutta-percha does not from a monoblock even with the use of a resin-based sealer such as AH Plus because the sealer does not bind to gutta-percha. As a result, a monoblock is formed (consisting of Resilon core material, Resin sealer, bonding agent/primer, and dentin). Another reason of Resilon being a better obturating material could be that the removal of smear layer by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) after biomechanical preparation may have allowed the root canal filling material and root canal sealers to contact the canal wall and penetrate in the dentinal tubules, which may increase the strength of roots. New silicone-based sealers like Roekoseal automix and the most recent GuttaFlow have some affirmative results regarding solubility and biocompatibility, as compared to other sealers. Methacrylate resin-based sealers and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA)-based sealers have opened a new horizon for sealers.

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Background: The study of anthropometric characteristics is of fundamental importance to solve problems related to identification. Craniometrical features are included among these characteristics, which are closely connected to forensic dentistry. Radiography is used in forensic for the identification of humans especially in cases where the body is decomposed, fragmented, or burned. Radiology can assist in giving accurate dimensions for which certain formulae can be applied to determine the gender. It has been reported that maxillary sinuses remain intact, although the skull and other bones may be badly disfigured in victims who are incinerated and therefore, that maxillary sinuses can be used for identification. Aim: This study has been carried out to check the accuracy and reliability of maxillary sinus in gender determination using morphometric parameters. Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalogram of 50 subjects (25 males and 25 females) were taken and morphometric parameters of maxillary sinus were analyzed using AutoCAD 2010 software (Autodesk, Inc.). Results: The mean area and perimeter of maxillary sinus in males was 1.7261 cm ² and 5.2885 cm whereas, the mean area and perimeter in females was 1.3424 cm ² and 4.3901 cm. In-group centroids if someone's discriminant function (DF) score is close to 0.838 then the subject are supposed to be male. Whereas, those having DF score closer to −0.838 are supposed to be females. DF analysis showed that, 76% of the original grouped cases were correctly classified. Hence, the overall sensitivity and specificity was found to be 80% and 72%. Conclusion: It can be concluded that morphometric analysis (area and perimeter) of maxillary sinus using AutoCAD 2010 software can assist in gender determination.

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Objective: To determine the pattern of self-medication among dental, midwifery and nursing students and to evaluate the factors associated with self-medication. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional of dental, nursing and midwifery students undergoing clinical training in University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria was conducted in 2010. The elicited data include demography, use of drug without doctor's prescription, type of drug used (pain relievers, antibiotics, anti-malarial, cough medication and nutritional supplement), reasons for self-medication, factors that influenced the choice of drug and source of drug. Results: A total of 76.8% of the respondents indulged in self-medication practices. Of which, 33.0% used the medication inappropriately. The type of self-medication use was, pain relievers (60.5%), antibiotics (43.2%), anti-malarial (40.5%), cough medication (16.7%) and nutritional supplement (16.0%). Previous experience with the illness and perceived minor nature of the illness were the predominant reasons for the self-medication practices among the respondents. The major factors that influenced their choice of medication were previous experience with similar symptoms (39.7%), advice of non-doctor health professional (33.5%). Pharmacy shop was the main source of the self-medicated drugs. Conclusion: Self-medication was a common practice among this studied group of health workers. The level of inappropriate drug use denotes self-medication as an unhealthy option, and it therefore, should be discouraged.

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Increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is a practical strategy to optimize good health and to reduce the risk of various chronic diseases and cancer. There are approximately 5,000 individual phytochemicals which have been identified. These interfere with multiple important cellular pathways and play an important role in maintaining balance between health and disease. This article aims to provide awareness of various additive and synergistic effects of these natural occurring chemical substances (phytochemicals) found in various fruits and vegetables. Their mechanism of action in preventing various chronic diseases and cancer is also been highlighted in this article. Grouping plant foods by color provides simplification, but it is also important as a method to help consumer's make-wise food choices and promote health. We believe phytochemicals can be best acquired through whole-food consumption and not through the pills or an extracts.

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Objective: An important characteristic of human dental enamel not yet studied in detail is its surface roughness in mesoscopic scale. This study evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively the surface topography of acid etched enamel with different etching times. Materials and Methods: Ninety-six human maxillary bicuspids were randomly distributed into three groups (n=32): T0 (control), pumiced; T15, 35% phosphoric acid etched enamel for 15 s; T30, 35% phosphoric acid etched enamel for 30 s. Roughness measurements Ra, Rz and root mean square (RMS) and 3D images of enamel's topography were obtained with atomic force microscopy (AFM), which is a powerful technique to obtain direct measurements on microscale features. Results and Conclusions: Roughness variables Ra, Rz and RMS presented statistically significant differences to all groups (P<0.000), with values increasing with etching time. This increase was greater from T0 to T15 than from T15 to T30. Enamel surface alterations T15 to T30 occur mainly due to increase in height and deepening of prisms central region.

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Objective: Surgical removal of impacted third molar is one of the common surgical procedures carried out in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery set up. This study aimed at clinically assessing the three different surgical techniques (lingual split, using chisel and mallet, buccal approach techniques, using rotary instruments used in the removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Materials and Methods: The present clinical study comprised of 150 impacted mandibular wisdom teeth. Patients were divided in three groups and bone covering the third molar was removed by the Lingual split technique using chisel and mallet, Buccal approach technique using chisel and mallet, and Buccal approach technique using rotary instruments. Results: Surgical time was significantly increased in bur technique. Trismus was significantly increased in lingual split technique and bur technique from buccal approach technique using chisel and mallet. Post-operative nerve injury was significantly higher in lingual split technique. Dry socket was more in patients of bur technique. Conclusion: In this study we found that lingual split technique using chisel and mallet is found to be better among all three techniques used followed by buccal approach using chisel and mallet and the buccal approach technique using rotary instruments.

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Objective: To assess the prevalence of malocclusion and deleterious oral habits among 12 and 15-year-old school children in Shimla city, India and to find, if any correlation exists between the two. Design: Correlational study design. Setting: Twelve schools in Shimla city, India. Materials and Methods: Prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment need was assessed using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) among a sample of 961, 12 and 15-year-old school children in Shimla city, who received no orthodontic treatment before or during the study. Subjects were also assessed for deleterious oral habits. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used. Multivariate regression analysis was used to test the correlation of habits with mean DAI score and malocclusion traits. Results: Mean DAI score was 26.81±5.25. Nearly 53% of the study sample presented with malocclusion, ranging from 'definite' to 'handicapping' based on the DAI scores. The prevalence of various deleterious oral habits was 25.9%. About 29% of children with any oral habit developed malocclusion as compared to those without any habit (P value=0.023). Tongue thrusting, mouth breathing and thumb sucking habits had a significant impact on malocclusion. Conclusion: There was high prevalence of malocclusion (52.7%). Abnormal oral habits, particularly mouth breathing and tongue thrusting had a significant impact on malocclusion, resulting in higher frequency of crowding in anterior teeth, open bite, and spacing.

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Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dental anxiety and examine the socio-demographic associations of dental anxiety among a representative sample of UAE college populations. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and thirteen college students of Sharjah University in the UAE completed Modified Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) (47% males and 53% females). The survey also included questions in a yes/no format with which respondents rated attributions for their anxiety. Results: Prevalence of dental anxiety (MDAS score of 13 or more) was 36%, with overall severity represented by a mean score of 11.52 (SD: 4.88). Students who visited their dentist more than two years ago had significantly higher MDAS scores compared with those who visited their dentist less than two years ago (t-test, P=0.02). Compared with female students, a significantly higher proportion of males indicated that their last visit to the dentist was more than two years ago (17% vs. 30%, respectively, χ² -test, P=0.002). In addition, more than half of the students (55%) perceived a need for a checkup and 54% indicated that they visited the dentist because of problems with their teeth. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that although dental anxiety was not associated with gender and frequency of dental visits, feeling of lack of control and pain anticipation were strong predictors of anxiety. These results highlight the important role that dental healthcare providers could play in counseling anxious patients to reduce the impact of these factors on seeking dental care.

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Background : Saliva is the first biological fluid that is exposed to tobacco and is responsible for its changes especially the salivary flow rate (SFR) and salivary pH. Aims and Objectives : The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the long- term effects of tobacco on SFR and pH between tobacco chewers, smokers, and controls. Materials and Methods : A total of 60 Subjects were divided equally into tobacco smokers (group A), chewers (group B), and controls (group C). Saliva of each subject was collected under resting condition and SFR was expressed in mL/min for 10 min. Salivary pH was determined using the specific salivary pH strips. Results : The mean (±SD) SFR for group A; 4.34 (±0.3), group B; 3.07 (±0.26) and group C; 5.65 (±0.44) mL/min when compared and a significant relation was obtained. The mean (±SD) pH for group A; 6.8 (±0.1), group B; 6.7 (±0.1) and group C; 7.04 (±0.1) when compared and a non-significant relation was obtained though, lower salivary pH were observed in group A and B. Conclusion : Present study indicates that the SFR decreases appreciably among tobacco abusers especially more among smokeless form. A lower (acidic) salivary pH was observed in tobacco users as compared with control. These alterations in SFR and pH due to long-term effect of tobacco user can render oral mucosa vulnerable to various oral and dental diseases.

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Background: Frenectomy is the complete excision of the frenum along with its attachment to the underlying bone. It can be done by conventional technique, electrosurgery or soft tissue lasers. Aim: To evaluate the effects of diode laser and scalpel technique on degree of post-operative pain and discomfort experienced by patients on the 1 ^st , 3 ^rd and the 7 ^th post-operative days after frenectomy. Materials and Methods: Ten patients who required frenectomy were randomly assigned to undergo treatment with diode laser or scalpel. The data were analyzed with paired t-test and intragroup comparison was determined by ANOVA. Results: Intergroup comparison of the mean VAS scores for discomfort and pain for both the groups showed significant difference. The VAS scores of pain and discomfort within scalpel group between 1 ^st and 3 ^rd day did not show any significant difference, however between 7 ^th day versus 3 ^rd and 1 ^st day difference was highly significant. The VAS scores of pain and discomfort within laser group between all the days showed significant difference. Conclusion: Taking into consideration the clinical outcome, the diode laser is a dependable alternative as it is an efficient and satisfactory option for procedures like frenectomy.

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Context: Color difference between maxillar and mandibular incisors is an anticipated subject, and it will help dentists during color matching. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate color differences of the maxillar and mandibular incisors and to find out relationships between gender and age. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 125 participants (51 males and 74 females) between 16-63 age groups and totally over maxillar and mandibular 480 healthy teeth by using spectrophotometer. Color differences between teeth were calculated by using ΔE formula. One way ANOVA statistical analysis determined statistically significant differences between maxiller-central and mandibular-canine teeth for ΔL and Δb parameters (P<0.05). Results: According to t-test result there were not a statistically significant color differences for women and men teeth (P<0.05). Scheffe statistical analysis results showed statistically significant differences between mandibular central and mandibular canine for ΔL parameters on 16-27, 28-39, and 52-63 age groups; for Δb parameters, there were statistically significant differences between 16-27 and 40-51 age groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: Women have more lighter teeth than men. Maxillar canines are more yellow and Maxillar centrals are more lighter than other incisors. 16-27, 28-39 age groups have more lighter teeth than 52-63 age groups and 16-27 age groups have more yellow teeth than 40-51 age groups.

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Background: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of gingivitis and investigate possible associations among gingivitis and socioeconomic, demographic variables and oral hygiene habits in a sample of adolescents in Greece. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 812 adolescents, 384 boys and 428 girls aged 13-16 years. All participants were clinically examined and answered questions regarding socioeconomic, demographic variables and oral hygiene habits. Statistical analysis of the questionnaire items was carried out by using a multiple logistic regression analysis models. Results: Five hundred and ninety-one adolescents were diagnosed as having gingivitis giving a prevalence rate 72.8%. Male gender (P < 0.05), lower parental educational (P < 0.01) and income level (P = 0.001), no regular dental follow-up (P < 0.001), no daily tooth-brushing (P < 0.001), no dental floss use (P < 0.001), presence of dental plaque (P < 0.001), and smoking (P < 0.001) were the most important associated factors of gingivitis. Conclusion: The study showed that gingivitis was associated with male gender, lower educational and income parental level, inadequate oral hygiene, the presence of dental plaque and smoking while the prevalence of this condition in the study sample was 72.8%.

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In the era of antibiotic resistance, a naturally occurring substance is needed to completely cure the infection without any toxic side-effects; a responsibility that "O ₃ or Ozone" seems to implement sincerely. Ozone gas has a high-oxidation potential and has the capacity to stimulate blood circulation and the immune response. It is a great supplement to conventional therapeutic dental modalities. Treatment may be achieved by increasing the resistance of the tooth against the microbial activity and reducing the extent of microbial activity. In addition to the recent materials and techniques, the therapeutic actions of ozone may provide beneficial results by reducing the demineralization of the tooth. Its bactericide, virucide and fungicide effects are based on its strong oxidation effect with the formation of free radicals as well as its direct destruction of almost all microorganisms. This potentially beneficial agent has been used in dentistry also. Ozone has a wide application in dentistry which includes treatment of carious lesions, root canal disinfection, wound healing impairments after surgical interventions, plaque control, disinfection of dentures, etc., The purpose of this article is to summarize the mechanism of action and different modalities of ozone therapy in the practice of dentistry.

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Third molar teeth are subject to many dental complications because of their most posterior location, aberrant occlusal anatomy and abnormal eruption patterns. Owing to these anatomical limitations, their extraction remains the treatment of choice for many dental practitioners. Despite being a common dental procedure, minimum intervention and retaining every functional component of the dental arch are of prime importance in contemporary dental practice. As such, this review aims to discuss the application of this conservative approach on third molar teeth from an endodontic perspective. The internal and external root anatomy of maxillary and mandibular third molars and their relation to the surrounding vital structures are described. These anatomical landmarks are then correlated to the decision making for endodontic treatment strategies of third molars. In addition, the recommended guidelines that should be followed while commencing endodontic treatment in third molars are outlined.

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Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor or Pindborg tumor is a rare benign odontogenic tumor that was first described by a Danish pathologist Jens Jorgen Pindborg in 1955. It is thought to arise from the epithelial element of the enamel origin and is histologically characterized by the presence of polygonal epithelial cells, amyloid globules, and Liesegang ring calcifications. A few cases have been shown to demonstrate clear cells (Langerhans cells) in the tumor. Non-calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (NCEOT) s very rare and only four cases have been documented in the English Language Literature to date. All these cases were present intraosseously (central). We present the first case of an extraosseous (peripheral) NCEOT with clear cells (Langerhans cells) and briefly discuss as well as review the histogenesis along with the differences in its clinicopathological and prognostic profile with respect to other variants.

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Oral myiasis is a relatively rare pathology in humans caused by invasion of body tissue or cavities of living animals or humans by larvae of certain dipteran flies. It is an uncommon clinical condition, being more frequent in underdeveloped countries, and in countries with tropical climate. Common pre-disposing factors are poor oral hygiene, halitosis, trauma, senility, suppurative oral lesions, and in patients with neuro-psychiatric deficits. The present article reports a case of oral myiasis involving the anterior palate in a physically and mentally disabled 24-year-old female patient.

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Purpose: A key factor for the success or failure of a dental implant is the manner of stresses transferred to the surrounding bone. Parallel to this situation, cantilever extensions where it is not possible to place another implant, would cause greater stress and it should be avoided if possible. Manufacturers and clinicians try to develop new implant designs and superstructure materials to reduce the stresses around the implant and supporting bone tissue. This study analyzed the influence of superstructure materials and implant designs on stress distribution around dental implants supporting cantilever restoration under loading conditions. Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional finite element models of a 3-unit cantilever bridge were subjected to 150 N occlusal load to evaluate two different superstructure materials (conventional metal ceramic, fiber reinforced composite) and two different implant designs, cylinder type (Institut Straumann AG, Waldenburg, Switzerland) and cylinder type with micro threads around implant neck (Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden). To evaluate the distribution of stresses within the bone surrounding the implants, 3-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted using four mathematical models of unilateral 3-unit cantilever fixed partial dentures supported by two implants. Results: The stress distribution patterns and stress values were similar and stress concentrations were similar in both restoration materials. The highest stress concentrations were around the adjacent ITI implant, which supports the conventional metal porcelain restoration. Conclusions: Although, there was no significant difference in stress distribution between fiber reinforced composite (FRC) and conventional metal porcelain, stress values were lower in FRC restorations. The Astra-Tech micro-thread design reduced the stress that was distributed throughout the implant body, but it should be noted that the peak stress was still present on the implant neck.

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Objective: Dental student training is known to be stressful and associated with physical and psychological distress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the stress provoking factors among students performing clinical tasks in a Malaysian Dental School. Materials and Methods: A modified dental environment stress questionnaire was distributed to 179 Bachelor of Dental Surgery students during the clinical years 3-5 and their responses are analyzed. Results: The most stress provoking factor was found to be "fear of failing the course or year" (72%) followed by "fear of facing parents after failure" (46%). The least stress provoking factors were related to personal issues such as personal physical health (48%) and lack of home atmosphere in living quarters (40%). Female students were found to be more stressful than the male students and financial responsibilities provoked only moderate amount of stress among many of the students. There was a significant difference in the overall stress levels perceived by students belonging to 3 ^rd , 4 ^th , and 5 ^th year of study. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that with the advent of newer teaching modalities, a more student friendly environment can be created so that detrimental consequences of stress can be reduced.

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Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of periodontal diseases among individuals with type I and type II diabetes in north India and evaluate the association of this condition with behavioral and clinical variables. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on a calculated sample of 300 individuals with diabetes. Periodontitis was defined as clinical attachment loss (CAL) >3 mm in two or more non-adjacent teeth or those that exhibited CAL >5 mm in 30.0% of teeth. All subjects were over 30 years of age and underwent a periodontal examination. Behavioral characteristics as well as medical history and dental history were obtained with a structured interview. Discrete (categorical) groups were compared by Chi-square (χ²) test. A two-tailed (α=2) P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. GraphPad Prism (version 5.0) was used for the analysis. Results: A total of 6.7% exhibited a healthy periodontium; 68.0% exhibited gingivitis; and 25.3% exhibited periodontitis. The univariate analysis revealed that periodontitis was statistically more prevalent among men (P=0.001); among participants with type II diabetes (P=0.009); those with more than five years of diabetes (P=0.065); those with tobacco smoking habits (P<0.001); and those who had not visited the dentist in the previous year (P<0.001). Conclusion: Multiple determinants are associated with the prevalence of periodontitis among patients with diabetes.

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Background: Restorative materials in the new era aim to be "bio-active" and long-lasting. The purpose of this study was to design and to evaluate a novel chitosan hydrogels containing krill oil (antioxidant containing material), nystatin (antifungal), aspirin (pain relieve medication and free radical scavengers) and combinations thereof (chitosan-H-krill oil, chitosan-H-krill oil-nystatin and chitosan-H-aspirin, chitosan-H-aspirin-nystatin, chitosan-H-krill oil-aspirin and chitosan-H-krill oil-aspirin-nystatin) as functional additive prototypes for further development of "dual function restorative materials," and secondly to determine their effect on the dentin bond strength of a composite. Materials and Methods: The above-mentioned hydrogels were prepared by dispersion the corresponding component in glycerol and acetic acid with the addition of chitosan gelling agent. The surface morphology (scanning electron microscope (SEM)), release behaviors (physiological pH and also in acidic conditions), stability of the therapeutic agent-antioxidant-chitosan and the effect of the hydrogels on the shear bond strength of dentin were also evaluated. Results: The release of nystatin and aspirin confer the added benefit of synergistic action of a functional therapeutic delivery when comparing the newly designed chitosan-based hydrogel restorative materials to the commercially available products alone. Neither the release of nystatin and aspirin nor the antioxidant stability was affected by storage over a 6 month period. The hydrogel formulations have a uniform distribution of drug content, homogenous texture and yellow color (SEM study). All chitosan dentin treated hydrogels gave significantly (P<0.05; non-parametric ANOVA test) higher shear bond values (P<0.05) than dentin treated or not treated with phosphoric acid. Conclusion: The added benefits of the chitosan treated hydrogels involved positive influence on the nystatin and aspirin release as well as increased dentin bond strength.

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Premature loss of primary molars can cause a number of undesirable consequences including loss of arch length, insufficient space for erupting premolars and mesial tipping of the permanent molars. Pulpectomy of primary molar teeth is considered as a reasonable treatment approach to ensure either normal shedding or a long-term survival in instances of retention. Despite being a more conservative treatment option than extraction, efficient pulpectomy of bizarre and tortuous root canals encased in roots programmed for physiologic resorption that show close proximity to developing permanent tooth buds presents a critical endodontic challenge. This article aims to provide an overview of this treatment approach, including partial and total pulpectomy, in primary molar teeth. In addition, the recommended guidelines that should be followed, and the current updates that have been developed, while commencing total pulpectomy in primary molars are discussed.

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Statement of Problem: Anatomic and histologic make up of interdental region is crucial in maintaining the integrity and health of interdental papilla during surgical and restorative procedures. The effect of vertical and horizontal distance between the teeth on the incidence of interproximal papilla has been widely explored and is considered as a contentious issue. Though several non-surgical methods have been developed to assess bone level, the accuracy and reliability of these methods were questioned. Purpose and Aim: To compare the reliability of the non-invasive method using radiographs with invasive method to measure the length of papilla from the tip of papilla to crest of interdental bone. Materials and Methods: In the present study, non-invasive method using radiograph was compared to invasive method to measure length of papilla from the tip of papilla to crest of interdental bone. Radiographic length, bone probing length, and actual papilla length was measured in 20 chronic periodontitis patients, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results and Conclusion: A statistically significant correlation was observed in invasive versus non-invasive method of assessment of distance between the tip of papilla to the crest of interdental bone, indicating the importance of standardization of radiographic aids.

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Objectives: To determine the oral hygiene status and practices among rural dwellers in Delta and Edo States of Nigeria. Materials and Methods: One-hundred and fifty-four participants (45 males and 109 females) between the ages of 5 and 88 years with mean age of 33.44΁2.34 years selected among individuals attending Children Evangelism Ministry Free Medical Outreach in five rural communities in both Delta and Edo State of Nigeria were studied. Data were collected through clinical examinations and the use of interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results: Of the 154 participants studied, 22.1% participants had one or more carious teeth, 11.7% participants had at least one missing tooth and 0.6% participants had fillings. Toothache (33.1%) and gingival bleeding (27.3%) were reported oral health problems among the participants. One third (33.8%) of the participants had poor oral hygiene status. Oral hygiene status was significantly associated with age, gender, and educational status, but there was no significant variation among the various communities. Majority of the participants cleaned their teeth with toothbrush and toothpaste-133 (86.4%), indulged in once-daily tooth cleaning-115 (74.7%), and have never visited the dentist-145 (94.2%). There existed significant association between daily tooth cleaning frequency, age, gender, location and level of education. Conclusion: The oral hygiene and oral health practices among rural dwellers were suboptimal. There is need to develop and implement community-oriented oral health promotion programs targeting oral health practices to control preventable oral diseases among rural dweller.

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Objective: To determine the prevalence and reasons for chewing stick use among adult Muslim's inhabitants of Banyo in the Adamawa region of Cameroon. Materials and Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence and reasons for chewing stick use among Muslims was conducted between November 2010 and April 2011. Results: Of the 220 participants in this study, 187 (85.0%) of them reported chewing stick use for teeth cleaning, and this was higher among males than females. Chewing stick use increased with ageing and varied among participants of different professions. Chewing stick users accented that the chewing stick use has a relationship with religion, and believed that chewing stick has a positive effect in the mouth than the non-users. Chewing stick users were less likely to have visited the dentist and experienced mouth odor but more likely to report oral health problems than non-users. The majority of the participants used chewing stick alone while a few used chewing stick with salt, charcoal and toothpaste The reasons for chewing stick use were religious advice, treatment of oral diseases, imitation of others and pleasure. Conclusion: Chewing stick use was common among participants with religious advice being the most dominant reason for the usage. Chewing stick users were less likely to visit the dentist, experience mouth odor but are more likely to report oral health problem than the non-users. This study information will serve as a useful guide in community oral health interventional development programme among Muslims.

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