Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

Shreelakshmi Sekar ¹, Meignana Arumugham Indiran ², Pradeep Kumar Rathinavelu ³, Srisakthi Doraikannan ³

Affiliations
1 Post Graduate Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
2 Professor, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
3 Reader, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN

Abstract

Background: Oral Health is a fundamental human right. It is an integral portion reflecting the status of overall general health. Poor oral health is commonly associated with many systemic diseases. Oral diseases qualify as a major public health problem at global level owing to its high prevalence. India is no exception and due to its large population size, the absolute burden of oral diseases is immense. Oral health is not usually considered as a matter of concern and given priority in most of the developing countries.

Aim: To assess the status of oral health of residents in Chennai for formulating a draft oral health policy.

Materials and Method: A cross-sectional survey was carried out using convenient sampling methodology. Data were collected according to the World Health Organization oral health assessment criteria 2013. The data tested for significance using statistical software packages, SPSS Software version 17.0. Frequency tables were computed. Chi square test was done to test whether the difference in the various parameters is statistically significant.

bOut of 318 males, 117(36.79%) require scaling and 250 (78.61%) of them need restorative treatments. Extraction is indicated for 27 (8.49%). Prosthetic treatment is recommended for nearly 50 (15.72%) of them. It also shows that out of 282 females, around 178 members comprising of 63.12% require scaling, 220 (63.12%) need restorative treatments while extraction is indicated for 78(27.65%) of them and 50(15.72) women were recommended prosthetic treatments.

Conclusion: The study population was characterized by high prevalence of dental caries.

Keywords

Oral Diseases, Prevalence, Residents, Oral Health Status, Oral Health Policy.

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S. Shreelakshmi ¹, Pradeep Kumar Rathinavelu ², Meignana Arumugham Indiran ³, Srisakthi Doraikannan ²

Affiliations
1 Post Graduate Student, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
2 Reader, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN
3 Professor Department of Public Health Dentistry, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, IN

Abstract

Background: Toothbrush is the widely used personal and the most cost effective oral hygiene maintenance aid. Hence it must be appropriately selected.

Aim: To determine if professional health education or following brushing technique after reading instructions given by the manufacturer has an impact on dental plaque levels.

Method: The present trial was examiner blind, randomized and two visit study with 100 volunteers. The total sample consisted of 100 subjects and they were equally divided in to 4 groups. Group I were given health Education and instructed to use V-Beat Toothbrush. Group II were taught health education and instructed to use normal toothbrush. Group III and IV were instructed to use V-Beat and normal toothbrushes respectively. Participants were assessed for dental plaque status according to Turesky’s Gilmore modification of Quigley-Hein plaque index using two-tone disclosing agent at baseline and first visit (7 days) which were subjected to comparisons. Data were entered in Excel and transferred to SPSS (Version 23) and correlation between and within the groups were determined for analysis.

Results: Group-I was found to be statistically significant than other groups compared in the study. On comparing Group-I and IV, least correlation was shown. However, greater significance was observed in Group-I. Further Comparisons of Groups I & II with III & IV led to the finding that significant difference was observed in the groups to which health education was given.

Conclusion: Health education intervention followed by usage of V-Beat tooth brush was most effective in reducing plaque.

Keywords

Dental Plaque, Oral Health Education, Plaque Scores, Toothbrush Design, Toothbrush Selection.

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