Background: Pulp stones are calcification in the dental pulp which can be present either in deciduous or permanent teeth. Exact causes of pulp stones are not known and several elements have been associated. It can be seen in healthy, diseased or as a part of various syndromes. Frequency of pulp stones fluctuated from 8 to 95% depending on the population studied. Our study is an attempt to know the prevalence of pulp stones in radiographs of South Karnataka population and to assess probable relations between pulp stones and gender, type of tooth, dental arch and quadrant. Comparison of our results with published documents was done and our study statistics can be considered as an added information in the field of forensic dentistry. Materials and methods: One thousand panoramic radiographs were retrospectively evaluated which included 576 females 424 males aged between 18 and 70 years. A total of 27,184 teeth were examined for the presence of pulp stones. Associations of pulp stones with sex, tooth type, dental arch and side were noted. Results: Pulp stones prevalence was 7.5% of subjects. Out of 27,184 teeth examined, 394 teeth revealed pulp stones (1.45%). Occurrences were rare in premolars (2%) but significantly higher in molars (54.6%). Pulp stones were seen more in first molars than second molars and in maxillary first molars than in mandibular first molars. Pulp stones were commonly seen in 26 to 45 years age group. Conclusion: Pulp stones may provide useful forensic infor mation when examining dental records to identify deceased persons. Dental features vary among different population and thus knowing the prevalence is significant in the forensic aspect.

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Introduction: Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer, cases diagnosed at an early stage is less than 50%, reasons being lack of information about etiology, signs and symptoms of oral cancer among the population. Objective: The objective was to assess the level of awareness and knowledge about oral cancer among dental patients, to correlate the knowledge levels with demographic factors, and to know the habit history of the population in Aseer region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted on 775 patients visiting King Khalid University-College of Dentistry in Saudi Arabia. Questionnaire probed demographic details, general information, awareness and knowledge on oral cancer.Results: 50.3% were males and 49.7% females.18.1% were smokers. Participants agreed that tobacco-67.5%, alcohol-36.5%, infection -23.6%, 48.3%-poor oral hygiene, old age-7.7% and close contact-9.3% to be the main cause of oral cancer. Among the patients with improved oral hygiene frequency, only 24.3% were aware of oral cancer Conclusion: General lack of awareness and knowledge on oral cancer was reflected among patients visiting King Khalid University-College of Dentistry in Saudi Arabia. It substantiates the need for robust oral health planning for patients visiting the hospital.