Introduction: Temporomandibular Disorder (TMDs) are the most common condition affecting the Temporomandibular Joint and associated structures with limitation of masticatory function with complex interaction of factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of TMDs by the use of questionnaire in non-patient population i.e dental students of Pakistan.

Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease in developing countries which may impose multiple negative impacts on the quality of life. The possible role of psychosocial factors in the aetiology of inflammatory periodontal diseases needs further investigations to establish the fact. Objective: To evaluate the general periodontal health and the relationship of periodontal inflammation with multiple common stress factors among the socially deprived and separated women residing in a shelter home of Multan city. Methods: This group comparative study spanned over one month. Through  purposive sampling, a cohort of 115 women aged 20-40 years, residing in the SOS village shelter home, Multan  for more than a month were included. Women were divided into Cases (with stress) and Controls (without stress) and were matched for age and educational status. Periodontal examination was done employing Community Periodontal Index while Life Events Scale was used to assess the type of stress. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to record the readings. Descriptive statistical measures including mean and frequency percentages along with Logistic regression analysis were used employing SPSS version 21. Results: Significant relationship (P<0.001) was found between periodontal disease and self-health-related stress, financial stress and family health-related stress. Logistic regression analysis revealed that subjects who felt self-health-related stress are 0.016,  financial stress are 0.125 and  family health-related stress are 0.207 times more prone to have periodontal disease than those who never or rarely felt such stresses. Conclusion: Self-health-related stress, financial stress and family health-related stress are the potential risk indicators for the development of periodontal disease among socially deprived women

Objective: to evaluate the oral hygiene habits among patients experiencing fixed orthodontic treatment Material and method: The study was conducted in the orthodontic department of Multan medical and dental college, Multan. One hundred and five patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment were included in the study. Duration of study was 5months and 12 days. Patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire about the reason for undergoing treatment, the importance of orthodontic treatment in life, and oral hygiene practice after having fixed orthodontic treatment. Statistical data were analyzed by SPSS version 22 to determine the frequency distribution and percentage ratio for each variable. A Chi-square test was applied to compare gingivitis and frequency of brushing and a p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of participants was 20± 4.7 years, with females predominant (71%). Most of the patients were undergoing treatment due to a friend’s suggestion (32%) and a dentist’s suggestion (17%). Most patients brushed twice daily (25%) or after every meal (24.4%) and still have gingivitis which represents brushing alone is not enough. Chi- square test was utilized between frequency of brushing and gingivitis and p- value was > 0.05 which is considered insignificant. The most preferred toothbrush was the general toothbrush (28%) and unspecified brush (23%). Which means proper knowledge of the type of brush was lacking. Only 41% of patients were sure about using fluoridated toothpaste which again shows a lack of awareness. 35% of patients were using a toothpick and 22% were using pins to clean their teeth in absence of a brush which again shows a lack of proper knowledge. 37% of patients were using their mouth wash and 24% were using interdental brushes occasionally. Conclusion: orthodontic treatment itself causes plaque retention and gingivitis so in order to maintain good oral hygiene self-motivation and proper knowledge given by the care provider is very necessary to improve gingival outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects of Salvadora persica oral rinse and commercial Phenolic mouth wash on oral health status of socially deprived madrasa girls after six months of a triple blind randomized clinical trial. METHODOLOGY: Girls aged 18-22 years living permanently in a madrasa of Multan city were recruited. After determining the sample size and trial duration participants were randomized into group A and Group B and were provided with freshly Salvadora persica oral rinse and commercial Phenolic mouth washes respectively. Pre, mid and post-interventional examinations were executed by a single, blind and calibrated examiner using Turesky Quigley Hein Plaque and Loe and Silness Gingival indices. Statistical analysis was carried out by descriptive statistics, two sample independent t-tests and ANOVA. The p-value of <0.05 was considered significant at 95 % confidence level and 80% power. RESULTS: Sixty subjects were enrolled for the present trial. The mean age of the participants was found out to be 21.5±0.76 years. No statistically significant difference was identified between the mean Plaque and Gingival scores of the two interventional groups at any of the examination phase. CONCLUSION: Salvadora persica oral rinse is suggested to be equally effective as the commercial Phenolic mouth wash for the control of plaque deposition and prevention of gingival inflammation. KEYWORDS: Dental plaque, Gingivitis, Miswak, Mouthwash

Objective: To assess the skills of the undergraduate dental students in performing Atraumatic Restorative Treatment and the one year survival of this restoration. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Department of Community Dentistry, Multan Medical & Dental College, Multan. Period: Sept 2021 to Aug 2022. Material & Methods: Through convenient purposive sampling selected 2nd year dental students were assigned to collect the extracted teeth to perform ART according to the given guidelines using Glass Ionomer Cement. The research supervisor assessed the characteristics of the filling and keeping in view the status of the restoration it has given Alfa, Bravo or Charlie score. The students who scored Alfa were then allowed to perform ART on patients in Out Patient Department. The demographics of the patients along with caries assessment (Class I, II & III) were recorded. Patients were kept on telephonic contact and were recalled after 1 year to evaluate the survival rate. Results: A total 100 ART restorations were done on extracted teeth. Around 76 fillings were found to be perfect while 24 fillings were associated with any one or two defects. Later 100 patients were included having any of the 3 classes of caries. Mean age of the patients was 32 years. The success rate of ART restorations at 12 months was found to be 89% with highest success rate of 62% was reported in Class I ART restorations. Conclusion: Extraordinary high survivals rates of Atraumatic Restorative Treatment found in this study represented the reliability of this method as an affordable preventive and curative treatment for dental caries particularly in developing countries.