With the COVID-19 pandemic surging, the demand for masks is challenging, especially in less-developed areas across the world. Billions of used masks are threatening the environment as a new source of plastic pollution. In this paper, corona discharge (CD) was explored as a safe and reliable method for mask reuse to alleviate the situation. CD can disinfect masks and simultaneously restore electrostatic charges to prevent filtration efficiency deterioration. Electric field, ions, and reactive species generated by CD cause DNA damage and protein denaturation to effectively disinfect N95 respirators. Log reduction of 2−3 against Escherichia coli can be easily reached within 7.5 min. Log reduction of up to 6 can be reached after three cycles of treatment with optimized parameters. CD disinfection is a broad spectrum with log reduction >1 against yeast and >2.5 against spores. N95 respirators can be recharged within 30 s of treatment and the charges can be retained at a higher level than brand-new masks for at least 5 days. The filtration efficiency of masks was maintained at ∼95% after 15 cycles of treatment. CD can provide at least 10 cycles of safe reuse with benefits of high safety, affordability, accessibility, and device scalability/portability.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the self-perception of oral malodour and oral hygiene habits among dental students in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Materials and Methods: A structured and validated questionnaire comprising of ten questions was distributed to 787 students of five dental colleges in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The questionnaire evaluated the self-perception of halitosis, the oral hygiene practices among them and the presence of gingival bleeding, dental caries and dryness of mouth. Results: The dental students here included 678 females and 109 males. Self-perceived halitosis was reported by 46(42.2%) male students and 221(32.6%) female students showing a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between both genders in reporting self-perceived halitosis. Conclusion: The results reveal a higher prevalence of self-perceived halitosis among males compared to females in this sample. The knowledge about halitosis and related factors was also greater among this sample of dental students. Clinical significance: The findings of our study highlight the fact that the regular removal of tongue coating and use of interdental aids along with regular oral hygiene measures can significantly reduce halitosis in an otherwise healthy individual.

Poor oral hygiene practices and inadequate attention to oral health during pregnancy leads to gingiva and periodontal problems, and have adverse effect in the featus development and have postnatal effects. Available literature suggests that the research is deficit in assessing knowledge and practices related to oral hygine measures and needs and safe period for dental treatment during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This study was cross sectional survey. A total of 100 pregnant women were selected by convenience sampling technique. A questionnaire containing 10 questions in English was explained and thus procured data was filled by the dental professional for obtaining baseline information.Result: Most pregnant women need more information about oral health and ways for prevention of occurrence of gingival and periodontal diseases. Present study subjects had reported more bleeding gums compared with other study populations. Conclusion:The overall results suggests that the knowledge and practice of oral health care need to be improved irrespective of literacy rate.

Early diagnosis of temperomandibular disorders (TMD) is important for prevention of further damage to the parts of the oro-facial system as early symptoms can be used as predictors of TMD. Aim: To assess the frequency of symptoms of temperomandibular disorders among dental students in Ernakulam district, Kerala, using Fonseca questionnaire. Settings and Design: A cross sectional study was conducted among dental students of various dental colleges in Ernakulam district. A convenience sampling method was used. Materials and Methods: The participants were provided with questionnaire of Fonseca, which included ten questions, which could be answered with yes, no and sometimes. Statistical analysis used: The collected data was analyzed statistically using SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics and chi square tests were used for the analysis. Results: Among the 793 students who took part in the study (112 males and 681 females) 59.3% of the students had TMD according to the Fonseca index and among them almost 36% had mild TMD, 17.7% moderate TMD and only 5.8 % had severe TMD. The results also revealed that the sex of the individual did not significantly influence the severity of TMD (p value>0.05) whereas the influence of the age was found to be significant. Conclusions: The prevalence of TMD was found to be higher in dental students. Further research involving large diverse populations may throw light on the prevalence and severity of TMD, which may pave ways for developing specific preventive and therapeutic protocols in managing TMD at an early stage.

Oral health is an important component of general health that influences quality of life which affect appearance and psychological activities of person. Oral diseases have impact on overall systemic health. So doctor must play active role in educating their patients about role of oral diseases in their overall health Aims: To assess the awareness of periodontal diseases and oral hygiene practice among healthcare professionals. Settings and design: A total of 200 participants were selected from Ayurveda College, Homeopathic Medical College and two other hospitals for this study. Convenience sampling is used here. Methods and Materials: 50 participants from each group were selected for study. The questionnaire consisted of 10 questions based on assessment of oral hygiene practice, knowledge of periodontal diseases and to promote oral hygiene. Statistical analysis: Collected data was analyzed statistically using SPSS version 24 and utilized for statistical analysis. Pearson Chi-square test was used to evaluate differences between different variables and level of statistical significance was P < 0.05. Results: Homeopathy participants were more concerned about their oral healthcare comparing other groups. About 62% of Ayurveda and Homeopathy participants were able to identify dental patients and refer them for proper dental care. All the groups have knowledge regarding periodontal diseases. Conclusion: Although healthcare professionals who had undergone previous dental visit had some awareness regarding oral diseases, oral health knowledge was poor among healthcare professionals. There is also a need to enhance awareness of healthcare practitioners about periodontal disease.