Aim: The purpose of this research is to measure the prevalence of the symptoms of depression in undergraduate dental students. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in September and October 2017 among the dental graduates. A total of 154 students participated in the research. The participants were surveyed through a self-administered questionnaire that included the validated center for epidemiological studies-depression scale as the assessment tool and questions about demographic characteristics. Results: The prevalence of depression was 60.4% in dental graduates. The prevalence of depression was higher in female (62.4%) dental undergraduates than males (57.4%). Overall, First-year students had a higher prevalence of depression than other class years. Conclusion: The high prevalence of depression among dental students highlights the significance of providing support and assistance programs along with the implementation of preventive measures. These measures will help particularly those who have a higher degree of susceptible elevated levels of these psychological conditions. Clinical Significance: The prevalence of depression was higher in dental students with higher prevalence in female particularly the first-year students. Year of study and gender were the risk factors for depression in students. Counseling sessions of depression for susceptible students should conduct yearly basis to manage the symptoms promptly.

Aim: The objective of the study to assess the prevalence of oral hygiene practices, types of tools using for cleaning teeth, and frequency of cleaning teeth associated with the self-reported bleeding gums in the residents of Karachi. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 364 sampled among the patients visiting outpatient dental clinic aged 17 years or above, mean age was 35 years. Information were collected by questionnaires related to cleaning of teeth, frequency of cleaning teeth, self-perceived bleeding gums, and betel nut chewing. Frequency and percentage used for descriptive analysis and Chi-square test was used for difference in categorical variable. Stata 11 was used for statistical analysis. Total number of 364 patients was surveyed. Results: Prevalence of cleaning teeth among the sample was 86.8%. Frequency of cleaning teeth once a day was 58.79%. Toothbrush used as an instrument for oral hygiene among population was 84.2%. 87.36% of the participants clean their teeth at morning. Self-perceived bleeding gums among the sample were 38%. Chewing of betel nut prevalence was 31.8%. Conclusion: Regular cleaning of oral cavity prevents the initiation of dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis. Selection of tool for cleaning oral cavity was appropriate on the other hand <60% of the sample was practicing oral hygiene per day which was not satisfactory, further investigation and awareness programs are needed to evaluate the overall practices of oral hygiene among the population on larger sample size. Clinical Significance: The present study demonstrates the oral hygiene practices of a selected group of population. The results could be used to educate the patients about maintaining proper oral hygiene which could lead to a decrease in the prevalence of oral and dental diseases.

Background: Areca nut chewing in different forms is getting more prevalent among the south Asian inhabitants. Its uses are progressing from adults to adolescents and especially its frequent use among the school going children. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of areca nut chewing and its effect on the oral health of school going children.