This paper assessed the periodontal status of inpatients at Government Mental Hospital, Vadodara, India, and studied the possible relationship between periodontal status and age, length of hospitalization, type of mental illness, and medication and tobacco use. Information about psychiatric diagnosis, length of hospitalization, and prescribed medication was obtained from hospital records. We interviewed 165 inpatients and recorded their chief dental complaints (if any) and relevant histories. Periodontal status was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used. The most prevalent periodontal condition was shallow pockets (47.27%). Some subjects (10.3%) had loss of attachment (LOA) of 9-11 mm. Age and length of hospitalization were significantly associated with periodontal status. Multiple logistic regression revealed that only age was significantly associated with periodontal pockets. Male gender, age, and tobacco-related habits were significantly associated with LOA of more than 0-3 mm.

Rice bran oil when used in oil pulling was effective in reducing halitosis. It performed comparably and marginally superior to other agents tested in the study when change in halitosis postintervention was considered.

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The novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) is a pandemic and has been declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. There is a need for consolidation of global guidelines to prevent and reduce the transmission of this disease at individual, community, national and international level. Health care workers on one hand shoulder the responsibility of mitigation and on the other hand are themselves vulnerable, given the possibility of improper case detection and unascertained modes of transmission of this not well- known viral strain. This review provides a synthesis of facts, news and information on published and unpublished forums about COVID-19 and also throws light upon the various standards and protocols for prevention and management of patients through public health action, meticulous precautions recommended in clinical and community settings, as applicable to dental and other health care professionals.

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