Objectives Tooth loss is a phenomenon associated with structural and functional changes, with a negative influence on the oral and general health of an individual. Removable dental prosthesis is commonly fabricated as treatment for tooth loss. However, the perceptions and experiences of individuals during the transition from a dentate to a partially or completely edentulous state and their acceptance of the denture are largely ignored. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences during the transition from a dentate state to being partially or completely edentulous in the Indian population. Methods Fifteen individuals wearing partial or complete denture prosthesis were interviewed in depth using open-ended questions. These interviews were recorded using a voice-recording device. They were then transcribed, and a coding process was applied using the thematic framework approach to qualitative analysis. Findings Five themes emerged, namely: (i) Transition from dentulous to partially or completely edentulous state; (ii) Varying experiences with the use of dentures; (iii) Convenience and duration of wearing dentures; (iv) Attitude of dentists towards patients’ complaints; (v) Knowledge and preference of available treatment modalities. Conclusions The loss of natural teeth seemed to affect the psychological, functional, and social well-being of participants. Tooth loss was believed to be a natural aging process. Costs of treatment deterred the uptake of fixed denture treatment options. However, some participants preferred removable dentures to fixed prosthesis.

Context: Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable premature mortality in the world. Smoking is also detrimental to oral health, causing unaesthetic tooth staining, bad breath, periodontal diseases, impaired healing of wounds, increased risk of dental implant failure, precancerous conditions and oral cancer. Aims: To assess the awareness of the effects of smoking on oral health among smokers in Mangalore city and to assess the smoker's willingness to quit smoking. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional study. Material and Methods: Data was collected from 140 participants. A cross sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to determine the sociodemographic characteristics, awareness about the effects of smoking on oral health and their willingness to participate in smoking cessation programs and to quit smoking. Results: There was statistically significant difference found in the level of awareness of the smoking effects on oral cancer, on tooth staining and dental implants. However, it was observed that the upper socioeconomic class showed a comparatively higher level of awareness than the other classes. No significant differences were found in the level of awareness of the smoking effects on gum disease and on wound healing. One hundred and thirteen individual out of 140 expressed their willingness to quit smoking and also 78 respondents showed a positive attitude toward participation in cessation programs. Conclusion: Participants in this sample had some knowledge about the effects of smoking, but were not much aware of its effect on dental implants, requiring further education.

Within the limitations of this study, it has been revealed that in Kennedy's classes I and II, for partially dentate personnel, a posterior displacement of the c ondyles was seen. This predisposition would suggest towards the necessity of restoring the missing dentition in order to maintain the har mony of the stomatognathic system.

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Introduction People living with HIV (PLWHIV) have increased oral healthcare needs due to an increase in the prevalence of oral and dental diseases. Their oral health is influenced by psychosocial, behavioral and biologic factors. The aim of this study was to explore and obtain a deeper understanding of the oral health beliefs and behaviors of PLWHIV that could potentially affect their oral health. Methods We have used the Health Belief Model (HBM) and qualitative methods using in-depth interviews with 16 PLWHIV. Content analysis of the transcribed data was done. The data was grouped under the constructs of the HBM. Findings The perceived susceptibility to oral diseases and awareness on the importance of good oral health was low. Regular tooth brushing and traditional methods for oral hygiene maintenance were considered beneficial. Regular dental visits were not considered important. Psychosocial issues, time and financial constraints were the barriers. Participants believed that information on oral health should be provided by the health providers in hospitals and dental clinics.  Conclusion The findings on the oral health beliefs and behaviors support the need for education on oral health and preventive healthcare practices among PLWHIV. Oral health promotion should include behavioral change as one of its components.