Objectives To assess the oral findings of patients who screen high and no risk for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) reporting to outpatient department of a dental college. Methods: Patients coming to dental Out Patient Department (OPD) were screened using STOP questionnaire and were categorized into high (n=130) and no risk (n=130) OSA groups. BANG (body mass index, age, neck circumference and gender) was recorded for both the OSA risk group patients. Following this oral and general examination was performed using predetermined criteria for temporomandibular disorder (TMD), Angle’s Class of Malocclusion, maxillary arch constriction, facial profile, Mallampati score for uvula, tongue size, depth of palatal vault and periodontitis. Chi-squared statistics was applied to know the significant difference among the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression model was run by including the significant variables. Results: 94 females and 166 males were present in the study with a mean age of 43.67±11.89 in both the risk groups. All the variables except Angle’s class of malocclusion and periodontitis showed significant difference among high and no risk OSA groups. Logistic regression confirmed that neck circumference, Class 3 or 4 Mallampati score, large tongue and deep palatal vault were commonly observed among high risk OSA group and were independent risk factors for developing high risk of OSA. Conclusion: Neck circumference>40cm, large tongue, Class 3 or 4 Mallampati score and deep palatal vault were found to be independent predictors of developing high risk of OSA. Dentist can play a vital role in screening such patients as he comes in close vicinity of oral cavity and thus can refer the patients to sleep physician to promote interdisciplinary approach.

Background: Dental caries affects all age groups, although children are affected to a greater extent. Several studies have assessed the prevalence of dental caries in the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region. However, prevalence data for dental caries have not been pooled for all countries in the Region. Aims: To estimate by meta-analysis the pooled prevalence of dental caries among children aged 5-15 years in the Region. Methods: The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42016037157. Twenty-one studies (37 estimates) were identified through systematic search for articles published between 1 January 2005 and 5 July 2018. The required data from each article were extracted into the datasheet. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed for the overall age group and for age 5, 12 and 15 years individually. Results: Data were available for only 9 of the 21 countries in the Region. Heterogeneity between studies was high (I 2 >98%). There was considerable variation among the countries for the prevalence of dental caries at different ages. The pooled prevalence for deciduous dentition in children aged 5 years was 65% (45-85%); 61% (50-72%) for permanent dentition in children aged 12 years; 70% (64-75%) for children aged 15 years; and 66% (59-73%) for children aged 6-15 years. The most common index used for oral examination to calculate caries experience was WHO Basic Oral Health Survey Criteria, 1997. Conclusions: Dental caries continues to be an oral health concern among children in 9 countries in the Region.

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Green tea-based mouthwashes can be considered an alternative to CHX mouthwashes in sustaining oral hygiene, especially because of the added advantages provided by such herbal preparations.