THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FLOSSING TEETH AND ORAL HEALTH IN ADULTS

Background: In older people, the impact of oral habits is largely unknown. The goal of this study was to see if there was a link between flossing at home and the prevalence of periodontal disease in older people. Methodology: The incidence of tooth loss over a five-year period was also examined. Pearson chi-square tests and covariate-adjusted Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests were used to evaluate dichotomous and categorical variables. Clinical factors were compared using multiple linear regression depending on flossing practice. Molars exhibited the greatest benefit (>40%) for flossing practice (P = 0.0005) among all teeth. In conclusion, flossers had much less oral illness than non flossers when it came to older people. Over a 5-year period, flossers had decreased periodontal disease, dental caries, and tooth loss. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that flossing is an important oral hygiene habit for older persons who want to avoid the progression of oral disease. Keywords: OHI, interdental cleaning, elderly, prevention, periodontal disease, caries.

Prevalence of Gingivitis in Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Background: There is rare documentation on the prevalence of gingivitis in pregnancy in the least developed countries. The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of gingivitis in the second trimester of pregnancy and assess its relationship with age, parity, education, occupation, gravidity, oral hygiene habit and frequency of brushing.Methods: An observational descriptive study was conducted among 384 pregnant females in their second trimester in Kathmandu, Nepal. Demographic variables and general information including those related to oral hygiene practices and habits were collected during an interview. Plaque index and Gingival Index was recorded among the patients through full mouth examination at four sites.Results: The prevalence of gingivitis in the second trimester of pregnancy was 76.3%. Statistically significant relationship was found between gingivitis and gravida and parity. A relation could not be established between gingivitis with age, education, occupation, oral hygiene habit and frequency of brushing.Conclusions: The prevalence of gingivitis is found to be high in Nepalese pregnant women. Special strategies should be introduced targetting the pregnant women of least developed countries to uplift their periodontal health.

Smartphone application as an aid in determination of caries risk and prevention: A pilot study

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the dietary and oral hygiene pattern before and after the usage of cariometer app. Materials and Methods: Dietary score recorded by cariometer was assessed for 7 days for preschool children in the age group of 2–6 years. The frequency of brushing and mouth rinsing was assessed before and after the usage of app. Paired t-test was conducted to compare the dietary score, brushing frequency, and rinsing frequency pre and post the use of the app. Results: There was a significant improvement in the dietary pattern followed by the patients at the day 7 as compared to day 1. About 90% of children brushed twice at day 7 of the use of cariometer. There was a significant increase in the frequency of rinsing after meals at day 7 as compared to day 1 of the use of cariometer. Conclusion: There was a significant improvement in the dietary pattern and the oral hygiene habit after the use of app.