Abstract:The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oral health attitudes and behavior of undergraduate dental students in India according to age, sex and level of dental education, and to compare it with those of other countries with different socioeconomic conditions. A self-administered questionnaire based on the Hiroshima UniversityDental Behavior Inventory (HU-DBI) was distributed among 372 dental students at Darshan Dental College and Hospital (DDCH). The response rate was 75.8% with 44% males and 56% females. The mean HU-DBI score showed a significant relationship (P < 0.05) with age by one way-analysis of variance (ANOVA). The students were considerably concerned about the appearance of their teeth and gums and halitosis. The total mean score was not markedly higher in the clinical years (years 3 and 4) than in the non-clinical years (years 1 and 2), indicating that the students were almost equally aware. Although there were no statistically significant differences in gender and academic year for the mean score of HU-DBI, the present study showed that dental students in India generally had poorer oral health awareness compared to several other countries. The oral health behavior of Indian dental students has to be improved in order to serve as a positive model for their patients, family, and friends. (J. Oral Sci. 50, [267][268][269][270][271][272] 2008)

It is evident from literature that an increased body mass index (BMI) may be a potential risk factor for periodontitis. Association between BMI and periodontitis has been ascribed to unhealthy dietary patterns with insufficient micronutrients and excess sugar and fat content. The present study population has been plagued by unhealthy nutritional practices, hence the present study intended to assess the relation between BMI and periodontal status among green marble mine laborers of Kesariyaji, in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan, India. The study sample comprised of 513 subjects aged 18-54 years, drawn using the stratified cluster sampling procedure. BMI was calculated as the ratio of the subject's body weight (in kg) to the square of their height (in meters). Periodontal status was recorded using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Binary multiple logistic regression analysis was executed to assess the relation between body mass index and periodontitis. The dependent variable for logistic regression analysis was categorized into control group (scores 0 - 2 of the CPI) and periodontitis group (scores 3 and 4 of the CPI). The overall prevalence of periodontal disease was 98.2%. Caries status and mean number of teeth present deteriorated with the poor periodontal status. Subjects had an increased risk of periodontitis by 57% for each 1kg/m(2) increase in the body mass index, which means that a higher body mass index could be a potential risk factor for periodontitis among the adults aged 18 to 54 years. In conclusion, evaluation of the body mass index could be used in periodontal risk assessment.

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Objective: To determine the oral health status among Green Marble Mine laborers; to provide epidemiological data for planning and evaluation of oral health care programme. Methods:The study area was divided into 4 geographic zones, and participants were selected by stratified cluster sampling technique. A total of 513 subjects were included in final study which were divided among the four age cohort (18-25 , 26-34 , 35-44, 45-more respectively), following the guidelines for research methodology recommended by WHO oral health surveys 1997.Clinical examination was conducted by one of the three examiners with the aid of an artificial light sorce. The agreement (kappa statistics) for diagnosis of DMFT and CPI was determined (field teams versus expert) 91.2 % two days prior to the examination. Data was analyzed using Bivariate and multivariate analysis.Results: The mean DMFT and DMFS scores were (2.79±2.44) and (5.47±5.40) respectively. The caries prevalence was 71.1% with maximum in 25-34 years while 148 participants were caries free. A higher prevalence of periodontal disease was present with only 1.75% having healthy gingiva. Mean number of sextant involved was maximum among 35-44 years. Alcohol and Stress due to physical load and noisy environment among laborers have shown highly significant relationship with CPI scores (p<0.001).Fracture of tooth, mainly maxillary central incisor was high (10.5%) as an occupational peril. Conclusions:The findings highlighted the low caries prevalence, higher periodontal disease which requires primary anticipation. Prevention of tooth fracture and improvement of overall nutritional status, with stress reduction protocol should also be given consideration.