Background Human beta defensin-3 (HβD-3) is an antimicrobial peptide present in saliva that protects tooth surfaces from microbial attack. These peptides are part of innate immunity so levels may be affected by different systemic diseases like anemia. Therefore, anemia may predispose an affected child to an increased risk of dental caries. The objectives of this study were to determine the association of early childhood caries (ECC) with HβD-3 levels and observe the association of HβD-3 levels with childhood anemia. Methods A total of 80 children admitted in a pediatric medical ward, age 48–71 months, of either sex were included in the study. The included children were categorized as cases (children with ECC n = 40) and controls (children without ECC n = 40). Children were further segregated into the anemic and non-anemic sub-groups based on the hospital record of hemoglobin level. The salivary concentration of HβD-3 was measured by Enzyme-Linked Immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). IBM SPSS version 20 software was used for statistical analysis. Two sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare mean values while spearman was used for correlations at p < 0.05. Results The mean Salivary HβD-3 level in cases (8.87 ± 4.30) was significantly higher (p = 0.042) as compared to controls (7.23 ± 2.57). Salivary HβD-3 level in patients with caries and without anemia was highest (10.80 ± 4.50) whereas salivary HβD-3 level in the presence of caries and anemia was lowest (6.94 ± 3.13) amongst all groups. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Salivary HβD-3 level was found to be moderately correlated with cases (p = 0.002). An inverse correlation was found between salivary HβD-3 level and anemia (r = -0.479, p = 0.002). Conclusion Anemia may affect the innate immunity of children, and may result in a decreased level of salivary HβD3, thus increasing vulnerability to decay.
Parents have a significant role in educating their children about oral hygiene, therefore their knowledge and attitude influences their children oral health status. METHODOLOGY: In this cross-sectional study questionnaires were distributed to 300 mothers from Dow Dental College OPD to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice towards their children oral health. Questionnaire assessed demographic data, literacy level, importance of primary dentition and aspects of early childhood decay. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20. P Values was considered significant at p<0.05. Associations between multiple variables were assessed by using chi square and multinomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Majority (n=167, 55.7%) had fair knowledge, 23.3% (n=70) reported to exhibit fair attitude while 47% (n=141) reported acceptable oral hygiene practices. While majority mothers (96.7%, n=290) knew that sugar is the main cause of caries but in practice many of them were giving their children sweet upon demand (60.7%, n=182). Only 127 participants (42.3%) knew about the role of fluoride. Positive attitude towards primary dentition was shown by 169 participants (56.3%). CONCLUSIONS:Overall very few mothers had good knowledge towards their children's oral health which resulted in the poor practices of oral hygiene.
Obesity is a state of abnormal accumulation of fat in adipose tissues of the body to the level that one's health is adversely compromised. Tripathi et al. state (according to WHO) that obesity is now considered the fifth leading cause of mortality in the world. Caries is a multifactorial disease and one of the major oral health issues of the modern era affecting people around the globe. Rise in dental caries has been observed in developing countries as a result of factors including increased intake of carbohydrates. The present study aims for assessing the association of DMFT with BMI, age, and gender. This study was conducted in the dental OPD of the Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from February 2016 till January 2017. A custom-made interview-based questionnaire was used to assess BMI, DMFT, and sociodemographics. The sample size was kept at 385. Age was reported as a strong predictor (R 2 0.641) of DMFT followed by BMI and gender as the weakest predictors. Age and BMI had statistically significant association with DMFT scores, which shows that diet patterns may affect general health. High caloric intake over long periods affects BMI and also oral health.
Objectives: To evaluate the individuality of palatal rugae patten and correlate them in males and females in different age groups by using Trobo’s classification. Study Design: Cross Sectional. Setting: Department of Prosthodontics, Dow Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences. Period: September 2019 to January 2020. Material & Methods: This study comprised of ninety-four participants with equal number of males and females from 10 years to 70 years, visiting the Prosthodontic department. Study casts included were free of dental abnormality, trauma, malocclusion, orthodontic problems, and deformity in palatal rugae area. Sample size was calculated from software name openepi.com with 95% confidence interval. Data was tabulated and SPSS version 22.0 was used to identify the results. Results: Frequency distribution was performed among age groups in which second group (20 to 39 years) has highest frequency with 52 in number. The cross tab between age group and type of rugae was made which showed group II, having age between 20 to 39 years, had the highest number of palatal rugae configurations amongst all. Conclusion: Sinuous or type E was the predominant type of palatal rugae found in this study. The study did not show significant difference in gender, however number of rugae were found consistently more in young adults with propensity towards individuality. Their use can thus be justified for dental identification in forensic odontology.
In Pakistan, where the vaccination rate is dismally low and where the huge population remains unvaccinated, vaccination in children might be considered a privilege and a luxury. But with several countries such as Canada, United States, China, Indonesia, and Israel forging ahead with vaccinating children and the United Kingdom slowly following their footsteps and with mounting evidence, it might not be prudent to keep children side-lined from vaccination in Pakistan. This paper presents some evidence for vaccination in children and highlights the need and urgency for vaccinating children in Pakistan. Clinical trials of Pfizer/NBiotech, Moderna and SinoVac’s CoronaVac has shown promising results and higher antibody titres in children as compared to adults. For herd immunity to be effective and to curb this pandemic, it is prudent to initiate vaccination in children in Pakistan at the earliest.
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