Background: The oral health condition of individuals with special health care needs have been reported in literature to be influenced by various sociodemographic factors, including living conditions and severity of impairment. This study was carried out to determine the oral health status and treatment needs of children and young adults attending a day institution for those with special needs.

Individuals with Down syndrome in Nigeria have poorer oral health and more treatment needs than controls. They would benefit from frequent oral health assessment.

Special Olympics (SO) athletes in many parts of the world were reported to have poor oral health and high unmet treatment needs. This study was carried out to determine the oral health condition and treatment needs of SO athletes in Nigeria and to suggest ways of improving access to oral healthcare. Consenting athletes who participated in SO events in Nigeria from 2007 to 2008 received oral examination and evaluation by trained volunteers, using standardized Special Smiles screening forms and procedures designed for the event. A total of 1,286 athletes aged 3 to 71 years, 480 (37.3%) females and 806 (62.7%) males, participated in the screening. The majority (86.1%) cleaned their mouths once daily, 12.2% complained of pain, 21.1% had untreated decay, 6.6% had dental injury, 48.1% had gingival signs suggestive of periodontal disease, 15.8% required urgent treatment, and 43.7% required non-urgent treatment. We found that the oral health of SO athletes in this study was poorer than that of the general population in Nigeria.

BackgroundTalon cusp is a supernumerary structure projecting from the dento-enamel junction to a variable distance towards the incisal edge of an anterior tooth. Studies have shown that it consists of enamel, dentine and a variable amount of pulp tissue. Hyperactivity of the enamel organ during morphodifferentiation has been attributed to its formation. Most previous reports have been made concerning the occurrence of this structure on primary and permanent teeth and mostly on the palatal aspect. Only few have been reported on the facial aspect of the teeth. When it occurs, the effects are mainly aesthetic and functional and so early detection and treatment is essential in its management to avoid complications.Case presentationAn unusual case of talon cusp on the facial aspect of a mandibular central incisor is reported. Its presence resulted in attrition of the opposing tooth. Reduction of the cusp and topical application of fluoride gel was initiated.ConclusionThe management and treatment outcome of talon cusp depends on the size, presenting complications and patient cooperation.

Aim: To assess the knowledge and oral health practices of a selected population of mothers in order to develop appropriate oral health promotion program for children in the area. Method: A cross sectional study was carried out among a convenient sample of mothers who attended two well-baby clinics-a tertiary and a primary health care centre in Lagos, Nigeria. A questionnaire requesting personal information, previous exposure to and source of oral health education (OHE), knowledge of oral health, diet and oral hygiene practices was administered. Results: There were 104 participants, aged 21 -46 years (mean 32.01 ± 4.85 years); 58.7% had received OHE, 23.1% from electronic media, 22.1% dentist and 9.6%, doctor or nurse. Only 44 (42.3%) had attended the dentist, 5 (4.8%) in <1 year and 10 (9.6%) within 1 -2 years. Most younger mothers, compared with older mothers had knowledge of fluoride (x 2 = 8.51, p = 0.014). Only 44 (42.3%) and 20 (19.2%) respectively believed the type of baby food and supplement affect the child's teeth. Conclusion: Participants in this study showed inadequate knowledge of preventive oral health care. Regular OHE is recommended for mothers at the well baby and immunization clinics where they can be easily reached by health professionals.