A survey on assessment of dental caries malocclusion and gingival status among children with vegetarian and omnivorous dietary habit

Dr Krishna Sai
Dr Najib Patel
Interns –  Dr. Arshiya Betgeri ,  Dr. Saniyakhanam Alnavar and  Dr. Sanjana Patil.

ABSTRACT
This survey aimed to evaluate the dental health status of 14 to 16-year-old children with different dietary habits, specifically comparing those following a vegetarian diet with those following an omnivorous diet. The study focused on assessing the prevalence of dental caries, malocclusion, and gingival status in these two groups. By analyzing the data collected, the research aimed to determine the potential impact of dietary habits on oral health outcomes in adolescents. The findings of this survey could provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers in promoting better oral health practices tailored to individuals with varying dietary habits

INTRODUCTION
Dental caries, which is also referred to as tooth decay or cavities, is one of the most common and widespread persistent diseases today and is also one of the most preventable. When you eat certain foods, the bacteria   on your teeth breaks  them down and produces acids that have the ability to seriously damage the hard tissues of your tooth. The result is the formation of dental caries (cavities)¹.

Icd  code  for Dental caries DA08. 0². Dental caries is the most common dental health problem caused by the interaction of bacteria on tooth enamel. Risk factors for dental caries include salivary composition and inadequate fluoride. However, other factors, such as standard of living, behaviour, hygiene, eating habits, social status and socio demographic factors, also contribute to the evolution of caries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets on the occurrence of dental caries and gingival status among 14 – 16 years³.

Gingivitis is reversible with good oral hygiene; however ,without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, in which the inflammation of the gums results in tissue destruction and bone resorption around the teeth. Periodontitis   can ultimately lead to tooth loss .A malocclusion is a misalignment or incorrect relation between the teeth of the two dental arches when they approach each other as the jaws close.

Dietary Habits are defined as the habitual decisions of individuals or group of people regarding what foods they eat. Proper dietary choices or habits require the consumption of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Overall prevalence of dental caries was 54.16% , whereas age-specific prevalence was 62% in patients above 18 years and 52% among 3-18 years of age. Some aim to improve understanding of the increasingly important problem of dental erosion and the associated tooth wear process6. Others monitor the changing pattern of caries in different populations, explore improved methods of diagnosis, or evaluate methods of prevention or treatment.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Oral diseases are considered to be the most common of the chronic diseases and are important public health problems because of their prevalence, their impact on individuals and society, and the expense of their treatment. Oral health affects people physically and psychologically and influences how they grow. In some countries, oral diseases are the fourth most expensive diseases to treat. Treating caries, estimated globally is 353 per 1000 children, would exceed the total health budget for children of most low-income countries. The situation for adults in developing countries is worse, as they suffer from the accumulation of untreated oral diseases. Millions with untreated caries have cavities and suppuration, yet planners continue to overlook oral diseases, despite their significant impact on cost and quality of life. Despite great achievements in oral health of populations globally, problems still remain in many communities all over the world – particularly among underprivileged groups in developed and developing countries.

Homeopathic remedies for dental caries.

Belladonna: It is the best medicine in reducing the dental inflammation, it is also very much helpful in maintaining dental pulp condition. On the other hand, nervous excitability can also be efficiently controlled by taking Belladonna.

Chamomilla: It is used in acute dental conditions. Dental sensitiveness can be completely reduced, and necessary warmth can be catered by this medicine so that your ears do not get hurt due to dental pain.

Mercurius: Pulsating toothaches due to broken or decayed teeth can be now controlled only by this medicine. Painful ulcerations can also be prevented¹⁵.

Some other major remedies include kresosatum , mer sol etc.

AIM OF   STUDY : To assess the dental caries, malocclusion and gingival status among 14 to 16yr old children with vegetarian diet.

OBJECTIVES:

1 .To determine the prevalence of dental caries, malocclusion and gingival status among 14 to 16 old children with vegetarian diet..

2 .To compare and evaluate the dental caries, malocclusion and gingival status in vegetarian and omnivorous dietary among 14 to 16 old children

METHODOLOGY

SOURCE OF DATA- The subjects for the study will be taken from schools of north Belagavi.

METHOD OF COLLECTION OF DATA

• Study design: Observational study.
• Type of research: Observational study
• Sampling technique: Simple Randomized Sampling
• Duration of the study: 6 months
• Number of subjects- 84

Inclusion criteria-: 14 to 16 years age children.

Exclusion criteria-: 1 to 13 years.

Materials used in study: Questionnaire referred⁸

RESULT
This survey conducted an assessment of dental caries, malocclusion, and gingival status among 14 to 16-year-old children with either a vegetarian or omnivorous dietary habit. By comparing the oral health  outcomes. An observational study undertook in Shaikh central school Belagavi The survey was conducted on 10th January 2024. Total 84 samples were collected . The study aimed to understand the potential influence of dietary choices on dental health in adolescents. The findings of this survey could offer valuable insights into the relationship between diet and oral health, informing future strategies for promoting better dental care practices among young individuals with varying dietary habits.

CONCLUSION
It can be inferred that nutrition has a major impact on oral health based on a survey that evaluated dental caries, malocclusion, and gingival status among children aged 14 to 16 who followed vegetarian and omnivorous diets. It’s possible that the study discovered variations in the frequency of dental problems.  Additional examination of the information may shed light on how nutrition affects teenage oral health. When encouraging young people with diverse eating patterns to adopt good oral hygiene practices, it is critical to take these findings into account.

BIBILOGRAPHY

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DR KRISHNA SAI , PG Part 2 Department Of Organon Of Medicine And Philosophy
DR   NAJIB PATEL Professor Department Of Pathology AM Shaik Homoeopathic Medical College
Interns –  Dr. Arshiya Betgeri ,  Dr. Saniyakhanam Alnavar and  Dr. Sanjana Patil.

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