Background: Xerostomia is a multifactorial condition with significant consequences for oral function and quality of life. While conventional diagnostic and treatment strategies remain essential, rapid advances in salivary diagnostics, imaging technologies, artificial intelligence, and regenerative therapies have expanded the clinical landscape. However, the clinical utility and translational readiness of these emerging approaches remain incompletely synthesised. Objectives: To review conventional and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for xerostomia and evaluate their clinical utility, translational readiness, and limitations. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases. English-language publications from 2000 to 2025 were retrieved using combinations of keywords related to xerostomia, diagnosis, management, biomarkers, imaging, and emerging therapies. Clinical studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and relevant narrative reviews were included. Results: Conventional diagnostic methods, including symptom assessment, clinical examination, and sialometry, remain essential but have limitations. Emerging approaches such as salivary biomarkers, advanced imaging, wearable sensors, and artificial intelligence show improved diagnostic potential. Traditional treatments focus on symptom relief and salivary stimulation, while novel therapies—including acupuncture, low-level laser therapy, intraoral devices, and regenerative approaches—demonstrate promising outcomes. However, their clinical application is limited by cost, accessibility, and insufficient validation. Conclusion: Conventional and emerging approaches should be viewed as complementary rather than competing strategies in xerostomia management. Although novel technologies offer substantial promise for improving diagnostic precision and therapeutic outcomes, further clinical validation and long-term evidence are required before widespread integration into routine practice. Keywords: Xerostomia; Hyposalivation; Salivary gland dysfunction; Diagnosis; Salivary biomarkers; Emerging therapies
Background: Local anesthetic (LA) chairside buffering has been documented to reduce injection pain, shorten onset time, and improve patient comfort during dental procedures. Consequently, dental practitioners' knowledge and practice of LA buffering could significantly improve dental practice and enhance patients' attendance at dental clinics. This study assesses the knowledge and willingness among dental practitioners in Nigeria to practice chairside LA buffering. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months (November 2024 to April 2025). Participants were recruited after obtaining consent and completing a self-administered questionnaire consisting of two domains: knowledge and willingness to practice. The knowledge domain consisted of 10 questions asking participants to select "Yes," "No," or "I do not know" for each question, and each correct response was scored 1 mark, while a wrong or "I do not know" answer scored 0 mark. Total knowledge scores were categorized as low (≤50%), fair (51–69%), or good (≥70%). Five questions were asked in the willingness to practice domain, and responses were analyzed in the order they were asked. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 25. Results: A total of 158 respondents completed the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 98.1%. The sample comprised 106 (67.1%) males and 52 (32.9%) females. Most respondents, 96 (60.8%), were in the age range of 31–40 years, and 155 (98.1%) had been practicing for more than 2 years. Resident doctors constituted the highest respondents (80, 50.6%), and the majority (125, 79.1%; 95% CI: 72.0–85.1%) were aware of LA chairside buffering. The overall mean knowledge score was 38.4%, and the majority of respondents (153, 96.8%; 95% CI: 92.9–98.8%) had never practiced chairside buffering of LA, with only 54 (34.2%; 95% CI: 26.9–42.1%) willing to practice it. No statistically significant difference was found between gender and willingness to practice chairside LA buffering (χ² = 0.632, df = 1, p = 0.426). The main reason for not willing to practice buffering of LA was extra cost of treatment (45, 43.3%). Conclusion: While the benefit of chairside LA buffering in providing less painful, more reliable, and comfortable anesthesia has been established, knowledge, practice, and willingness to practice this technique among dentists were found to be low. Keywords: Local anesthetic buffering, Chairside, Knowledge, Dental practitioners
Objectives This in vitro study aimed to compare the amount of apically extruded debris generated during root canal preparation using three contemporary nickel–titanium file systems with different design features and kinematics: TruNatomy, HyFlex EDM, and WaveOne Gold. Methods Eighty-seven extracted single-rooted mandibular premolars were randomly assigned to three groups (n = 29). Canal preparation was performed according to the manufacturers' instructions for each system. Irrigation was standardized using 10 mL of distilled water per canal. Apically extruded debris was collected in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes, dried at 70 °C for 5 days, and weighed using an analytical balance. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with appropriate post hoc tests or the Kruskal–Wallis test, depending on data distribution. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results A statistically significant difference in the amount of apically extruded debris was observed among the groups (P < 0.001). TruNatomy produced significantly less debris (mean ± SD: 0.018 ± 0.006 g) compared with HyFlex EDM (mean ± SD: 0.031 ± 0.006 g) and WaveOne Gold (mean ± SD: 0.027 ± 0.008 g). No significant difference was detected between the HyFlex EDM and WaveOne Gold systems (P > 0.05). Conclusion Within the limitations of this in vitro model, apical debris extrusion differed among rotary systems with distinct design characteristics and kinematics. TruNatomy was associated with lower debris extrusion than HyFlex EDM and WaveOne Gold under standardized laboratory conditions. These findings should be interpreted as comparative experimental data, as periapical tissue resistance and clinical irrigation dynamics were not simulated. Keywords: Apical debris extrusion; Root canal preparation; Nickel–titanium instruments; TruNatomy; WaveOne Gold; HyFlex EDM
Background: New denture wearers are reported to seek professional advice more frequently than individuals with longer denture experience. It is unclear, however, whether this translates into better adherence to recommended recall visits, which are critical for maintaining oral health. Objective: To determine whether new denture wearers are more likely to maintain regular recall visits compared to those with longer-term use of removable partial dentures (RPDs). Methods: This cohort study was conducted over two years and included consecutive patients seeking RPDs at four teaching hospitals in Nigeria: Lagos, Benin, Maiduguri, and Kano. Data on demographics and socioeconomic status were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire (Questionnaire 1). Information on recall visits, factors influencing maintenance attendance, and motivators for compliance were gathered using a second questionnaire (Questionnaire 2). Participants were categorized into three groups: new RPD wearers (0–2 years), old denture wearers (>2 to <4 years), and older denture wearers (≥4 years). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Of the 381 participants (mean age: 46.25 ± 17.81 years; 50.7% male), only 132 (34.6%) attended one or more recall visits after denture insertion. No significant associations were found between sociodemographic variables and recall attendance. However, frequency of brushing and noticing changes in the oral mucosa were significantly associated with recall visits (p = 0.026 and p = 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: This study found that both new and long-term removable partial denture wearers showed low adherence to recall visits, with no significant difference between the groups. The primary reasons for attending recall visits were to prevent further tooth loss and to follow the doctor's instructions, while the main barriers were a lack of instruction and a perceived lack of necessity. The most actionable finding is that 42% of non-attendees reported simply not being instructed to return for recall visits, representing a clear target for quality improvement. Additionally, noticing changes in the oral mucosa was linked to even lower adherence, highlighting poor dental health and denture maintenance-seeking behavior among participants. The null hypothesis remained unchallenged. Keywords: Removable, partial, denture, recall visit, adherence, motivation
Background: Tooth loss (edentulism) affects millions of Nigerians, with consequences that extend beyond oral function to psychosocial well-being.¹ However, the link between oral microbes—the primary agents of tooth loss—and the social identity consequences of edentulism remains underexplored, particularly in African contexts. Objective: This review synthesizes available evidence on oral microbiology, psychosocial impacts of tooth loss, and cultural dimensions of edentulism to examine whether edentulism can be understood as a social identity crisis mediated by oral microbes, and to identify implications for Nigerian dental practice. Methods: This narrative review followed the SANRA (Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles) guidelines.¹² We systematically searched high-impact journals indexed in PubMed and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed publications published between 2000 and 2026. Articles that did not undergo peer review, articles published in languages other than English, or those that were not accessible because access was closed unless key information was available through abstracts or summaries were excluded. Findings: Oral microbes including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans drive the caries and periodontitis that lead to tooth loss.³˒⁴ Synthesized evidence from quantitative studies shows that 45–49% of edentulous individuals report difficulty coming to terms with tooth loss, with documented emotional effects including sadness (12.9%), depression (6.4%), and feeling of lost body part (14%).¹ Visible caries operate as social stigma, with experimental studies showing lower ratings of intelligence, social skills, and happiness based solely on visible decay.²³ Halitosis from microbial metabolism causes documented social avoidance and workplace discrimination.¹⁹˒²⁵ A Yoruba proverb captures this understanding: "Bi eyin ba ti ka, ile erin a wo" (when teeth are lost, the house of laughter collapses). Current evidence indicates that no published Nigerian studies have tested whether cultural frameworks interpret edentulism as self-mutilation or norm violation.⁷ Conclusion: Available evidence supports understanding edentulism as a social identity crisis mediated by oral microbes. Research gaps include the absence of qualitative Nigerian studies on patient experience and untested cultural hypotheses.⁷ Keywords: Edentulism, oral microbiota, social identity, psychosocial impact, Nigerian dentistry
Background: Retention of a primary tooth due to congenital absence of its permanent successor presents a unique restorative and endodontic challenge. In such situations, preservation of the retained primary tooth for as long as possible is desirable to maintain function, arch integrity, and alveolar bone support. Although gutta-percha (GP) is conventionally used as an obturating material in permanent teeth, its use in primary teeth is uncommon because of the physiologic root resorption necessary for the exfoliation of primary dentition. However, in cases where the permanent successor is congenitally absent, gutta-percha may serve as a suitable non-resorbable obturating material. Case Report: This case report describes the management of a 15-year-old female who presented with recurrent spontaneous pain associated with a retained mandibular left primary second molar. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed dental caries with irreversible pulpitis in tooth 75 and congenital absence of the permanent mandibular left second premolar (35). A two-visit pulpectomy was performed, and the canals were obturated with gutta-percha. The tooth was subsequently restored with glass ionomer cement and a stainless-steel crown. Clinical and radiographic follow-up over 12 months demonstrated the absence of pain, swelling, mobility, sinus tract formation, or periapical pathology, indicating a successful treatment outcome. Conclusion: This report highlights the potential use of gutta-percha as an obturating material in retained primary teeth without permanent successors, where long-term tooth preservation is desired. Keywords: Gutta-percha, retained primary tooth, hypodontia, pulpectomy, congenitally missing tooth
Background: Root canal treatment (RCT) is a cornerstone of restorative dental practice, and the choice of instrumentation system may influence clinical outcomes. Despite global advances in rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) technology, manual instrumentation persists in many resource-constrained teaching environments. This study evaluated the types of instrumentation and techniques used in RCT across different caregiver designations at a tertiary teaching hospital in Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted involving 357 RCT cases performed at University College Hospital, Ibadan, from January 2020 to December 2022. Data were extracted from standardized endodontic records using a structured form. Variables included caregiver designation (resident, house officer, consultant, student), instrumentation type (manual, rotary, combined), and technique (step-back or crown-down). The association between caregiver designation and instrumentation type was assessed using chi-square analysis, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Residents performed the majority of procedures (88.2%). Manual instrumentation was used in 353 cases (98.9%), while rotary and combined techniques were each used in 2 cases (0.6%). The step-back technique predominated (97.8%). A statistically significant association was found between caregiver designation and instrumentation type (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Manual instrumentation remains overwhelmingly dominant at this teaching hospital, with rotary NiTi systems confined to more experienced clinicians. Targeted strategies to integrate rotary instrumentation into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula are urgently needed. Keywords: Root canal treatment; rotary instrumentation; nickel titanium; manual instrumentation; caregiver designation; endodontics; Nigeria
Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global public health threat, with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in dentistry contributing to its acceleration. Understanding the knowledge and awareness of dental students is critical to inform educational interventions. Objective: To assess the awareness, knowledge, and ability to identify antibiotics among dental students in six Nigerian universities and evaluate associated demographic and academic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students in clinical classes (years four to six) across six Nigerian universities: University of Nigeria, University of Port Harcourt, University of Maiduguri, Bayero University, University of Jos, and Obafemi Awolowo University. Pre-tested questionnaires were distributed electronically to each clinical class to assess demographics, awareness, and knowledge of AMR. Completed forms returned numbered 247. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, logistic regression, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey HSD post hoc tests, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Overall, 53.5% of students demonstrated poor knowledge of AMR. Knowledge improved with academic year (Year 4 vs. Year 6; OR = 2.449, 95% CI: 1.192–5.033; p = 0.015). No significant association was observed between gender and knowledge (p > 0.05). Significant inter-university differences were observed, with higher knowledge levels at University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Misidentification of antibiotics was common, with only 12.1% correctly identifying commonly used antibiotics. Conclusion: AMR knowledge and awareness among Nigerian dental students are suboptimal and influenced by academic year and institution rather than gender. Curriculum harmonization, structured AMR modules, and enhanced clinical exposure are essential to address these gaps. Key words: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR); Dental students; Antibiotic knowledge; Awareness.
Background: Effective infection control protocols are imperative in dentistry to mitigate the risk of occupational and cross-infections, particularly among dental surgery technician students during their clinical rotations. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of infection control among Dental Surgery Technician students at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among Dental Surgery Technician students using convenience sampling. Data were collected from February to May 2025 using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. A total of 112 questionnaires were distributed, and all were returned, giving a response rate of 100%. Information was obtained on sociodemographic characteristics and on knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding infection control. Knowledge scores were categorized as good, fair, or poor. Associations were assessed using Chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age was 21.00 ± 1.98 years, with most participants being female (83.9%) and in the preclinical phase of training (67.9%). Overall, 84.0% of respondents had good knowledge of infection control. Age (p = 0.007) and level of study (p = 0.017) were significantly associated with knowledge score. Attitudes toward infection control were generally positive, with clinical students demonstrating more favorable attitudes than preclinical students. Clinical students also reported significantly better practices in hand hygiene, glove use, surface disinfection, and sharps disposal (p < 0.05). Awareness of hepatitis B vaccination was comparatively low. Conclusion: Although infection control knowledge, attitudes, and practices were generally satisfactory, targeted interventions—particularly early training and hepatitis B vaccination—are necessary to improve compliance, especially among preclinical students. Keywords: Infection control; Dental surgery technician students; Knowledge; Attitude; Practice
ABSTRACT Background: Oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures are associated with varying degrees of postoperative disability, affecting patients’ physical function and psychosocial well-being. Although socioeconomic and demographic factors are known to influence health outcomes, their role in postoperative oral health outcomes in resource-limited settings remains unclear. Objectives: To assess the association between demographic and socioeconomic factors and postoperative oral health outcomes among patients attending the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of Alimosho General Hospital, Igando, Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study involved 96 patients who underwent oral and maxillofacial surgery between August 2025 and April 2026. A consecutive sampling method was used, and eligible participants were recruited during postoperative follow-up visits within six months after surgery. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included the Facial Disability Index (FaDI) to assess physical and social disability. The primary surgical procedures performed and primary clinical indications for surgery were recorded as separate variables. The questionnaire was interviewer-administered in English and, where necessary, translated verbally to improve comprehension. FaDI scores were summarized and categorized for analysis. Associations were tested using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests at p < 0.05. Results: A high prevalence of postoperative disability was observed. No statistically significant associations were found between most demographic or socioeconomic variables and outcomes. Employment status was significantly associated with physical function outcomes (p = 0.028). In contrast, the indication for surgery was associated with both physical function (p = 0.039) and social well-being outcomes (p = 0.023). Conclusion: Postoperative disability remains high. Clinical factors, particularly surgical indication, were more strongly associated with postoperative outcomes in this study population. Structured rehabilitation and psychosocial support should be integrated into postoperative care. Larger, multicentre longitudinal studies are recommended. Keywords: Postoperative oral health outcomes, maxillofacial surgery, socioeconomic factors, postoperative disability, Nigeria
Background: Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Pregnancy-related oral pain can affect emotional well-being, oral health-related quality of life, and general health. If left untreated, poor oral health may lead to premature delivery, pre-eclampsia, epulis gravidarum, tooth mobility, and other complications. Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of oral pain, evaluated oral impacts on daily performance (OIDP), and examined associations between oral health, service utilization, and parity status during pregnancy. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used, incorporating data on sociodemographic characteristics, pain symptomatology, oral impact on daily performance (OIDP), and clinical examination. Sociodemographic and pain variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, proportions, summary statistics). Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The median age was 30 years; most respondents (71%, n=149) had post-secondary education and were primigravida. Oral pain during pregnancy was reported by 29% (n=61) of respondents, predominantly mild and most commonly affecting the gingiva (16%, n=33). Pain, site of pain, and OIDP were significantly associated with parity (p=0.04, 0.010, 0.037, respectively), and OIDP was also related to trimester (p=0.04). Dental service utilization was 24% (n=50), with 17% (n=36) satisfied; satisfaction was higher among multigravida compared to primigravida (p=0.01). More women in the third trimester reported OIDP, while none in the first trimester did so (p=0.04). Conclusion: Mild oral pain is a frequent experience during pregnancy, most often gingival in origin, and is associated with parity and trimester. These findings emphasize the need for routine oral health assessment during antenatal care, with timely management to reduce oral impacts on daily functioning.
Abstract Objectives: Teledentistry is an emerging practice with a potential to significantly impact both the evolving landscape of dental clinical practice and public health delivery. The practice typically includes a variety of components and activities such as the use of electronic data and audiovisual communication technologies in diagnosis and delivery of oral health care, dental care delivery despite geographical distances, (especially in rural, and remote areas) among others. The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness and use of teledentistry, in oral health care delivery among dental professionals of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals’ Complex, (OAUTHC) Ile-Ife. Osun State, Nigeria Materials and Method: A structured self-administered questionnaire designed with four-point Likert scale ideal was administered to all dental health care professionals in the hospital. The questionnaire had relevant sections, designed to elicit unbiased and honest responses from the participants, about their demographics, level of awareness and use of teledentistry, knowledge of teledentistry, and perceptions on the potential uses of teledentistry, ethical consideration and possible barriers to the use of teledentistry. Results: All professionals in the hospital (100%) completed the questionnaire. Participants were 65 males, and 36 females, aged 20 -70 years. They were mostly Resident Doctors (44.6%) aged 30 - 40years. The level of awareness and use of teledentistry among dental professionals in this study was 49.9% and 4.1% respectively. 51.1% of respondents had no prior concept of the idea on the use of teledentistry in oral health care delivery. The Resident doctors appear to be the most informed than all other categories while the Dental therapists appear to be the least informed. Conclusions: The overall level of awareness about the use of teledentistry among all dental health care professionals in the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex was below average. It is important to stimulate and encourage the optimum application of teledentistry in the studied population in order to ensure improvements of oral health care delivery among them and numerous trainees passing through the teaching hospital.
Background: Oral health is an essential component of systemic health and significantly impacts quality of life and overall well-being. Oral health status reflects systemic health, as many diseases and medications affect the oral cavity; conversely, oral pathologies can also influence systemic health. This clinical audit aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of systemic diseases among adult patients attending a tertiary dental clinic. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using records of adult dental patients who presented at the Oral Diagnosis Clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, between January and June 2024. Demographic and systemic disease data were extracted from hospital records. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Results: Out of 1,885 patients seen during the study period, 274 had one or more systemic conditions, yielding a prevalence of 14.5%. There were more females (193, 70.4%) than males (81, 29.6%); the mean age (±SD) was 51.7 ± 18.1 years. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity, followed by peptic ulcer disease and diabetes mellitus. Single comorbidities were more frequent (216, 78.8%) than multiple comorbidities (58, 21.2%), though a higher proportion of males had multiple conditions. The majority (87.9%) of patients with multiple systemic diseases were above 40 years of age (p = 0.002). Conclusion: This study found a 14.5% prevalence of systemic diseases among adult dental patients, with hypertension being the most common. Multiple comorbidities were significantly more prevalent in patients above 40 years. These findings are limited by the retrospective design and reliance on record quality.
Background: Urban Informal Sector Workers face unique barriers to preventive healthcare; however, little is known about their oral health behaviors in rapidly growing market economies. This study examined the patterns, determinants, and perceived facilitators of dental service utilization among traders in an urban marketplace. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among traders and businessmen in Lagos State, collecting demographic, occupational, and behavioral data, along with self-reported oral health status, service utilization, and perceived barriers. Associations between occupational demands, symptom frequency, and care-seeking behaviors were analyzed using chi-square test. Open-ended responses were analyzed thematically. Results: Among the participants (n= 123), most were aged 30–39 years (45.5%), with a balanced gender distribution and predominant engagement in gadget and equipment sales (61.8%). Although 66.7% rated dental check-ups as important, 83.7% had not visited a dentist in the past year, with the absence of perceived dental problems (54.4%), work-related time constraints (22.3%), and cost (15.5%) cited as the main reasons. The most reported access challenges were the cost of care (34.5%) and long wait times (26.8%). Symptom frequency was significantly associated with dental visits (p=0.021) and treatment delays (p=0.002). Qualitative data revealed three main intervention priorities: financial accessibility (e.g., subsidized/free services, HMO inclusion), targeted outreach and education (e.g., quarterly market-based programs, workplace health promotion), and service innovations aligned with traders’ schedules (e.g., mobile clinics, extended/24-hour services). Mobile dental clinics (33.2%) and extended clinic hours (56.9%) were the most favored solutions, with 70.7% of the participants willing to participate in on-site outreach near their business premises. Conclusion: Despite awareness of the value of preventive dental care, utilization remains low among traders due to cost, time constraints, and symptom-driven care-seeking behavior. Interventions should integrate occupationally compatible service models, financial subsidies, and targeted outreach to bridge the knowledge–action gap in this population. Policy efforts addressing both perceptual and structural barriers may substantially improve preventive oral health care uptake in urban informal economies.
Temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) causes immobility due to fusion of the joint. It most often results from trauma or infection, but it may be congenital or a result of rheumatoid arthritis. The condition is very common in children and rarely seen in adults. Administration of effective and safe anesthesia to patients with TMJA often poses a serious challenge during surgical correction. Hence, we report a case of a 68-year-old Nigerian woman with no comorbidities who presented to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery clinic of our facility with a 5-year history of progressive limitation of mouth opening associated with a painful left cheek swelling. Examination revealed severely limited mouth opening with an interincisal distance of 6 mm. Computerized tomogram of the jaws and the TMJ showed fusion of the condylar head and the temporal articular fossa on the left TMJ. She underwent gap arthroplasty after successful awake nasotracheal intubation via fibreoptic bronchoscope and recovered uneventfully with no recurrence.
ABSTRACT Background: Dental school is known to be highly stressful, which sometimes affect student mental health, academic performance and professional development with differing opinion about the impact of age, gender, and educational level. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of perceived stress, identify the key stressors contributing to stress in dental student environment, examine the coping factors and relationship between Sociodemographic stress levels among undergraduate dental student Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun state. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the 2020/2021 academic year, among 123 dental students using a structured questionnaire. Dental Environment Stress (DES) was used to access the various stress levels, perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used to determine the perceived stress level. Results: 62.6% of the participants were male while 37.4% were females with the mean age of 22.31±3.31 years. Overall mean stress for the population was 23.32±5.95, female students reported significantly higher stress level than male (P = 0.034). Workload (3.79±1.01) and performance pressure (3.63 ± 1.00) were the most reported stressors those living in the hospital hostel or receiving mid-range allowance appeared to undergo more stress, while religious coping was the mostly reported coping strategy Conclusion: It was found that perceived stress in dental environment is still relatively high most especially among female students. There is no clear association between income and perceived stressed level. Major stressors identified were workload and performance pressure. Religion, active coping and planning were the coping strategies mostly utilized in the management of these stressors.
Objectives: Dental decay and associated toothache infection causes pains and discomfort; and are characterized by many symptoms. It may be due to bacterial infection or many other causes. This study determined the antimicrobial activities of methanol extracts of three selected Yoruba chewing sticks; Sorindeia warneckei, Garcinia kola, Veronia amygdalina and aqueous extracts of three branded toothpastes; NCT, MCL, and OLV on isolates of bacteria from cases of toothache infection Materials and Methods: A total number of thirty (30), comprising three different species, biochemically characterized isolates from tooth ache infection; Streptococcus oralis (10), Lactobacillus spp(10) and Streptococcus mutans(10) were collected on slant from a dental clinic in Ibadan and confirmed on Sheep blood agar medium fortified with serum, and deMan Rogosa Sharpe (MRS agar). The isolates were Gram stained, with other biochemical identification tests. The isolates were challenged with methanol extract of selected chewing sticks and aqueous extract of branded toothpastes using standard broth dilution method to determine its MIC’s and MBC’s. The chewing sticks extract were screened for secondary metabolites using standard methods. Results: The percentage crude extract yield from initial weight of 200g of Sorindeia warneckei was found to be 9. 25%, while Garcinia kola and Veronia amygdalina exhibited 6.8% and 5.7% Alkaloids, anthraquinones, tannins, flavonoids and saponins were present in 3 selected chewing sticks . Statistical analysis by Anova test of MIC and MBC methanol extracts for different concentrations of 3 chewing sticks and branded toothpastes evaluated showed significant inhibition of growth for 3.125, 12.56, 25 µg/mL as indicated in S.oralis1, Lactobacilli spp15 and S.mutans 30 for Sorindeia warneckei, 6.25, 3.125,6.25 µg/mL for Garcinia kola and 25, 12.5,25 µg/mL for Veronia amygdalina and when compared to 12.56 and 100 µg/mL MIC aqueous extract of 3 branded tooth pastes. The aqueous extract of toothpastes determined showed lesser antimicrobial activity than the methanol extract of the three chewing sticks from the MIC’s and MBC’s point of view. Conclusion: The methanol extract of selected chewing sticks explored showed competitive antimicrobial activity in comparison with branded toothpaste. The antimicrobial constituents in the methanol extracts of the selected chewing sticks hold the potential for clinical application and can be incorporated into conventional household tooth pastes.
Background: Surgical resection is the primary treatment for ameloblastoma but often causes facial disfigurement and complications. Conservative management of unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) may prevent these issues. Clinicians should note that combining marsupialization, enucleation, and Carnoys solution adjuvant therapy restores jawbone health, prevents complications, and improves patients quality of life. Presentation: Two pediatric casesa 13-year-old boy with a 3-month right mandibular ramus swelling and an 11-year-old boy with a 5-month anterior mandibular swellingpresented at General Hospital Ifako-Ijaiye. Clinical and investigative findings confirmed unicystic mural ameloblastoma. Intervention: Both underwent marsupialization followed by enucleation with Carnoys solution. Preoperative orthopantomograms showed unilocular radiolucent lesions; postoperative imaging revealed restored bony trabeculae. Outcome: Successful treatment with no recurrence after one year (ongoing monitoring). There was no clinical or radiographic evidence of recurrence at 1-year follow-up. Planned surveillance per IAOMS guidelines (≥5 years for mural UA)" Conclusion: Conservative UA management with regular follow-up prevents facial disfigurement and complications associated with resection, improving quality of life. These are Nigeria’s first documented pediatric UA cases. Keywords: unicystic ameloblastoma, marsupialization, enucleation, Carnoys solution.
Background: The first permanent molars (FPMs) are critical for maintaining normal masticatory functions and dentofacial harmony. However, they are highly susceptible to dental caries, especially in pediatric populations. This study aimed to radiographically assess the health status of first permanent molars in children aged 7 to 16 years at a Nigerian tertiary health institution, focusing on caries prevalence, structural anomalies, and periapical health. Study Design: A retrospective cross-sectional of study panoramic radiographs was conducted. Setting: Department of Oral Diagnostic sciences, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria from January 2022 to December 2023, following ethical approval from the hospital's research and ethics Committee (approval number NHREC/29/01/2025/AKTH/EC/4004). Participants: 317 children aged 7-16 years with mean age of approximately 11 years (SD = 3.26), 142 males (45.2%) and 172 females (54.8%) with artefact-free radiographs. Outcome Measures: Primary: Caries prevalence. Secondary: Restoration status, missing, periapical pathology (rarefying osteitis), and structural anomalies (hypomineralization/fusion/taurodontism). Key Results: Caries: Overall caries prevalence across all first permanent molars was 36.9% (117/314); highest in mandibular molars 17.2% in mandibular left first permanent molar and 11.8% mandibular right first permanent molar , suggesting a greater predisposition of mandibular molars to carious lesions. Restorative Interventions: were noted in only 5.4% (17/314) of the first permanent molars , with mandibular right first permanent molar exhibiting the highest frequency of restorations. Missing Teeth: was infrequent, with the highest incidence 2.5% (8/314) observed in mandibular right first permanent molar. Periapical Health: 95.2% (302/314) of cases were free of pathology, while 4.5% (14/314) predominantly ages 15-16, presented with rarefying osteitis, predominantly among individuals aged 15–16 years. Structural Anomalies: Low frequencies, including hypomineralization 1%, (3/314), fusion 0.6%, (2/314), and taurodontism 1%, (3/314). Conclusion: The findings suggest that while most first permanent molars remain structurally sound, caries prevalence is higher in mandibular molars, with limited restorative intervention observed. The low rates of periapical pathologies and structural anomalies indicate relatively good oral health, though older children showed increased susceptibility to dental decay and rarefying osteitis. These results highlight the need for preventive strategies, early intervention, and improved access to dental care to enhance pediatric oral health outcomes.
Background: Restorative dental treatments are essential for maintaining oral health. However, the demand for these services can vary throughout the week, impacting clinic operations and patient care. This descriptive analytical study aimed to investigate the influence of weekdays on the pattern of demand for restorative dental treatment and to identify peak and low-demand days. Methods: The study involved a secondary analysis of 4,200 patient records from the Conservative Clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (January 2022 - April 2023). Data on the day of the week, patient sex, visit status (new or recall), and monthly distribution were collected. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, generalized linear mixed models (GLMM), and analysis of variance (ANOVA), with p-values used to assess significant differences. Study Design: This retrospective cross-sectional study examined secondary data from clinic records. A total of 4,350 records were retrieved, but 4,200 were analyzed after excluding incomplete entries. Results: The highest attendance was recorded on Tuesday, followed closely by Wednesday, while Friday had the lowest. Statistically significant variations in attendance were found across weekdays. Monday's attendance was significantly higher than Friday's (Mean Difference: -3.21, 95% CI: -4.66 to -1.76, p<0.001). Female patients (58.1%) consistently demonstrated higher attendance than males. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights to help healthcare providers optimize scheduling and resource allocation, thereby improving overall service efficiency and patient care. Understanding these daily attendance patterns can inform decisions to reduce wait times and enhance patient satisfaction.
