Tongue coating score, modified sulcus bleeding index and calculus index were factors significantly related to oral malodor in this study.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Psychological General Well Being (PGWB) and perceived sources of stress amongst dental students in Japan. Second to sixth year dental students of Tokyo Medical and Dental University were invited to participate in the questionnaire survey. The questionnaire collected information on demographic and social background, lifestyle behaviours, the PGWB index and the Dental Environment Stress (DES) questionnaire. A total of 320 students (56% male) participated, with a response rate of 91%. Male students had significantly higher PGWB scores and lower DES scores than female students (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the year of study for DES mean score and PGWB total score. Students whose first choice of admission was dentistry experienced less stress than those whose first choice was another discipline (P < 0.05). Students who regularly exercised showed significantly lower stress levels and higher well-being status than those students who did not exercise (P < 0.01). Correlational analysis showed an inverse relationship between PGWB and DES scores (r = -0.544, P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that DES mean score was significantly related to gender, first choice of admission and PGWB total score. It is suggested that perception of stress amongst Japanese dental students is influenced by gender, dentistry as first choice for admission and students' general well-being.

The purposes of this study were (i) to examine the relationship between the number of natural teeth and the number of functional tooth units in Japanese adults, (ii) to evaluate how functional tooth units relate to subjective masticatory ability and (iii) to determine the minimum number of natural teeth and functional tooth units needed to maintain adequate self-assessed chewing function. A self-administered questionnaire was given and dental examination was conducted for 2164 residents aged 40 to 75 years. Counts were made on the number of functional tooth units of natural teeth (n-functional tooth units), the sum of natural teeth and artificial teeth on implant-supported and fixed prostheses (nif-functional tooth units) and the sum of natural teeth and artificial teeth on implant-supported, fixed and removable prostheses (total-functional tooth units). The average number of natural teeth, n-functional tooth units and nif-functional tooth units decreased with age, but these were often replaced by functional tooth units from artificial teeth on removable prostheses. Total-functional tooth units in 50-59 year old people were slightly lower compared with those in other age groups. Subjects who reported that they could chew every food item on an average had 23.4 total natural teeth, 12.6 posterior natural teeth, 7.6 n-functional tooth units, 8.6 nif-functional tooth units and 10.4 total-functional tooth units, and subjects without chewing difficulties had fewer functional tooth units from removable prostheses. Maintaining 20 and more natural teeth and at least eight nif-functional tooth units is important in reducing the likelihood of self-assessed chewing difficulties.

ECC is not only a public health problem but also a social problem in Thailand, because it relates to family income and education level. The community development approach to assisting disadvantaged Thai children should be combined with an effective preventive program at a very young age. Future longitudinal research should be performed to improve the I-ECC for measuring the severity of ECC.

Caries prevalence and mean dmft (+/-SD) by age were as follows: 2 years = 59% (4.2 +/- 5.3); 3 years = 85% (7.4 +/- 5.5); 4 years = 90% (8.8 +/- 5.6); 5 years = 94% (9.8 +/- 5.5); and 6 years = 92% (10.1 +/- 5.5). Caries rates mirrored those of developing countries with untreated lesions dominating all ages. Mixed breast and bottle feeding was the norm. Almost half were weaned at more than 2 years old. Majority had toothbrushing practices, but mostly without parental assistance. Toothbrushing was initiated at an average age of 2 years. Only a small proportion had a dental visit, mostly for emergency reasons. Among 3-4-year-old children, a significant increase in caries levels were noted for those who started brushing at a later age, had frequent snacks, and had a dental visit for emergency reasons. For children aged 5-6 years, those who went for emergency visits also had significantly more caries. Results indicated an urgent need to (i) increase awareness that ECC is a public health problem in these areas, (ii) advocate use of fluoride as a public health measure, and (iii) increase access to preventive dental services for preschool children.