BACKGROUND:Root surface caries is an increasingly important public health concern as populations age and retain more natural teeth. Exposed root surfaces, periodontal attachment loss and social and behavioural factors interact to shape disease patterns. This study investigated root surface caries experience and its associated indicators among community-dwelling adults aged 65-74 years in Ghaziabad District, Uttar Pradesh. METHODS:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 820 dentate participants selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and standardized clinical examinations following World Health Organization criteria. Root surface caries experience was quantified using the Root Caries Index (RCI). Sociodemographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, tobacco use, and periodontal indicators were recorded. Associations were investigated using descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression. FINDINGS:Root surface caries was identified in 37.7% of participants. Prevalence was higher among males and among those aged 70-74 years. The prevalence of root surface caries was higher among participants with gingival recession, fewer remaining teeth, tobacco use, and lower socioeconomic position. In multivariable analysis, gingival recession and selected behavioural factors remained independently associated with root surface caries. CONCLUSIONS:A substantial burden of root surface caries was observed among older adults in this North Indian community. The findings highlight the close relationship between periodontal status, behavioural factors, and root surface caries, underscoring the need for integrated preventive and periodontal care strategies for ageing populations.

INTRODUCTION:Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and mortality worldwide. Survivors can experience a range of physical and emotional challenges, often leading to depression, anxiety, and a poorer quality of life. Creative arts therapies (CATs), an umbrella term encompassing music, art, dance/movement, drama, and creative writing therapies, have increasingly been explored in stroke survivor populations as interventions to improve psychological outcomes. Qualitative analysis suggests these therapies can be helpful, but the exact efficacy of CATs in stroke rehabilitation, as well as the optimal intervention types and treatment protocols, has yet to be established. This systematic review and meta-analysis plans to evaluate the effect of CATs on depression, anxiety, and quality of life among adults recovering from stroke. METHODS:This protocol has been prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251237926). Eligible studies will include primary quantitative research involving creative arts interventions. Searches will be conducted in Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo from inception to December 2025. Two reviewers will independently screen records, extract data, and assess study quality and the certainty of the evidence using the RoB 2, ROBINS-I, and GRADE tools. Restricted maximum likelihood random-effects meta-analyses of Cohen's d effect sizes and risk ratios will be performed to calculate pooled effect sizes for each outcome. Subgroup analyses will explore moderators such as the effect of study design, intervention type, session frequency, and patient setting. DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS:Results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, conference presentations, and clinical networks to inform evidence-based guidelines on the use of CATs in multidisciplinary stroke care.

INTRODUCTION:The Alternate Uses Task (AUT), where participants generate multiple novel uses for everyday objects, is one of the most widely used measures of creative potential. While many creativity studies report statistically significant effects on AUT outcomes, the robustness of these findings has not been systematically evaluated. Given concerns about over-reliance on p-values and the risk of fragile results, this systematic review aims to assess the statistical fragility of AUT-based findings using the continuous fragility index (CFI). METHODS:This protocol has been registered in Open Science Framework (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/KFQGU). Eligible studies will include two-arm experimental designs (randomized or non-randomized) that report statistically significant between-group differences on AUT outcomes. We plan to conduct a comprehensive search of databases, including Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, and ERIC, up to July 21, 2025. Two reviewers will independently screen studies and perform data extraction. The primary outcome will be the median CFI across included studies, calculated using a simulation-based method developed for continuous outcomes. As a secondary objective, we plan to conduct a multivariable linear regression and subgroup analyses to explore study-level predictors of fragility. DISSEMINATION:We will disseminate results through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentations at academic conferences. The findings aim to raise awareness of statistical fragility in creativity research and encourage stronger reporting and methodological practices for studies using the AUT.

Oropharyngeal cancers are a prevalent form of the disease that affects approximately 1 in 60 men and 1 in 140 women. The tonsils are the most common site of oropharyngeal cancer, accounting for 23.1% of all cancers in this region [1]. In over 50% of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC), the p53 gene is mutated [2,3]. This mutation on chromosome 17q13 can lead to a lack of growth control which prevents cells from responding to stress or DNA damage [2,3]. This viewpoint explores risk factors that are increasing the prevalence of OPSCC. Novel approaches for clinical treatment of oropharyngeal cancers are reviewed and compared to current treatments. Limitations for all treatment methods are discussed, demonstrating the need for continued research in the field.

Introduction: Oral health literacy (OHL) represents far more than a healthy mouth, a pleasing smile, and freedom from pain and infection which contributes positively to self-esteem leading to a healthy oral health outcome. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the OHL level and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among the adult population visiting the outpatient department of a hospital in Ghaziabad district. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ghaziabad district. A total of 300 study subjects aged above 18 years visiting the outpatient department of the hospital were included in the study. OHL level was assessed with the help of a bilingually adapted Hindi OHL tool, and the OHRQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 scale. Results: The mean age of the study subjects was 43.9 ± 14.36 years. Majority (150, 50%) of the study subjects had inadequate OHL level followed by marginal OHL level which was seen among 90 (30%) subjects and 60 (20%) subjects had adequate OHL level. OHL level was slightly higher among females as compared to male subjects although the results were not statistically significant. A highly statistically significant negative correlation was found among OHL scores and OHRQoL scores of any individual. Conclusion: This study concluded that raising OHL scores can have a significant impact on OHRQoL of any individual.

Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE) cause major morbidity and mortality. A PE develops from a DVT. Surprisingly there are very few reports of a DVT and a PE being documented together, and there are no reports of a simultaneous treatment of both by a CDT.

Introduction: The highly contagious nature of the coronavirus and improper management of biomedical waste (BMW) may have severe ill effects on the ecosystem. Hence, a study was conducted to evaluate dental health professional knowledge, attitudes, and practice regarding biomedical waste management (BWM) during COVID-19 in the National Capital Region of India. Materials and Methods: A structured, self-administered questionnaire was developed regarding BMW management during COVID-19 and distributed among dental health professionals in dental teaching institution. The collected data was analyzed using Chi-square test along with the one-way analysis of variance, and P < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: More than half of the participants were unaware of the correct disposal of pharmaceutical waste and did not change their masks according to the guidelines given by the Central Pollution Control Board during pandemic. The mean knowledge score of faculty was found to be significantly higher when compared to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Conclusions: This study revealed that the level of knowledge regarding BMW management was inadequate among all the participants in the survey. Hence, dental health professionals should be educated regarding the hazards associated with improper waste disposal at all levels and trained in proper BMW management.

Background: Social media is frolicking as an utmost priority in today's livelihood, and it is such a milieu today to see people browsing and surfing social networking sites, reading blogs, or chatting by using laptops, mobile phones, or other sophisticated devices anywhere and at any time and enjoying with their favorite social apps – Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, etc., Aim: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of social media usage and addiction among dental students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among 360 students of a dental teaching institute in Uttar Pradesh, India. A questionnaire was prepared which had three sections - related to demographic details and usage and frequency of social media apps based on “Social Media Addiction Scale,” developed by Arslan A and Kırık. These were used as the data collection tool to measure social media addiction among dental students. Responses were recorded in 5-point Likert scale – strongly agree, agree, neutral, disagree, and strongly disagree. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23. Results: Out of total 360 participants, 276 (76.70%) were female while 84 (23.30%) were male. 238 (66.11%) were undergraduates (UGs) followed by 122 (33.89%) postgraduates (PGs). A significantly higher number of UGs were engaged with their patients in personal conversation on social media platform, while a significantly higher number of PGs believed that social media had a positive effect on dentistry. Questions on social media addiction scale by Arslan A and Kırık revealed that out of total study participants, 48.7% of UGs agree on the belief that new media technologies change human life, whereas 39.4% of PGs agree on the same and the result was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Social media networking sites and apps have attracted students in its digital web and hold strong position with new horizons whether in comprehensive or educational, interacting, entertainment, or spending leisure time.

Introduction: Dental fluorosis is a clinical situation that leads to changes in esthetic appearance in teeth. Oral health problems can cause problems in performing daily activities and social well-being, which may affect individual's quality of life (QOL). Aim: To assess the effect of dental fluorosis on oral health-related QOL and condition-specific oral impact on daily performance (CS-OIDP) among 12- and 15-year-old children residing in high and low fluoridated areas of Meerut district, UP. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 12- and 15-year-old school-going children residing in high- and low--fluoridated areas of Meerut district. Dean's fluorosis index was used to evaluate dental fluorosis. A pretested questionnaire, CS-OIDP index, was used to assess the dental fluorosis effect on the oral health-related QOL and daily performances. Results: The mean CS-OIDP score among high-fluoridated area was 39.85 and a significant correlation was found between dental fluorosis, CS-OIDP, and oral health-related QOL (P < 0.005). Conclusion: The results of the present study can act as an alarm for dentists to carry out epidemiological investigation at village and district level to evaluate the risk factors and possible treatment and preventive measures.

Context: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) has been consumed in India since times immemorial. It is the need of an hour to emphasise about awareness and harmful effects of SLT in relation to periodontium. Aim: The aim of the study was to access the prevalence of periodontitis and its association with SLT amongst the adult population of Greater Noida, India. Settings and Design: Hospital-based study and cross-sectional design. Methods and Material: This cross-sectional study included 512 SLT subjects between the ages of 18 and 79 years. The study was carried out from December 2019 to January 2022. A self-designed questionnaire was used for recording demographic details, forms of SLT, frequency, duration of use, and sites of retention of SLT products. The clinical periodontal parameters such as periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded in a given point of time. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of periodontitis among SLT was 81.6% with the highest occurrence of Stage III Periodontitis (35.4%). The use of SLT for ≥10 years [odds ratio (OR) = 3.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.86–6.27] showed threefold the risk for periodontitis compared to others who consumed SLT for 4–5 years. Gutkha consumers [OR = 2.56 (95% CI = 0.75–3.48)] were 2.56 times more prone to have periodontitis as compared to other forms of SLT. Conclusions: Periodontitis is positively associated with SLT use. Awareness, timely intervention, and periodic screening in the SLT users will help to prevent the progression of periodontitis.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a rising public health concern in India. It has become one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. Aim: This study aimed to assess and correlate oral health status, socioeconomic status (SES), and oral hygiene practices among Type 2 Diabetic and nondiabetic adult population of Muradnagar. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the Community Health Center of Muradnagar among 250 (Type 2 diabetic) and 250 (nondiabetic) adult study subjects from October 2019 to March 2020. A interview-based questionnaire assessed demographic details, body mass index, and SES of study subjects. The family history, type, and duration of diabetes as well as knowledge on diabetes, its systemic and oral manifestations, and medications were assessed among diabetic study subjects. WHO Oral Health Assessment Questionnaire 2013 was used. Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified and Community Periodontal Index using WHO Oral Health 2013 Criteria were also used. Results: The mean age of diabetic study subjects was found to be 45.81 ± 5.05 years, whereas of nondiabetic study subjects, it was 40.85 ± 7.7 years. The mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth is statistically higher among diabetics (10.23 ± 4.73) than nondiabetics (5.34 ± 3.316). Periodontal pocket was present among 67.2% of diabetic study subjects with a mean number of teeth affected, with a pocket depth of about 4–5 mm in 4.68 ± 2.94 and 6 mm or more in 3.76 ± 2.83 which was comparatively higher than the nondiabetic study subjects. The prevalence of attachment loss among diabetic study subjects was noted as 28.4%, whereas among nondiabetic study subjects, it was 18%. Conclusion: The study concluded a strong association between diabetes and poor periodontal conditions and leaves an impact on overall oral health status of diabetic study subjects compared to the nondiabetics.

Objective: To evaluate the role of dental parameters that may contribute to increasing apneic activity in patients with or without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Materials and Method: The study comprises a total of 120 patients (60 diagnosed with sleep apnea visiting a sleep center at Delhi and 60 controls). Patients were assessed based on body mass index, age, neck circumference, and gender (BANG), which were recorded for both the patients and controls. Oral and general examination was carried out using predetermined criteria for Angle’s class of malocclusion, maxillary arch constriction, facial profile, Mallampati score for uvula, tongue size, depth of palatal vault, mouth breathing, and periodontitis. Results: Among 120 study subjects, 92 were males and 28 females, with a mean age of 49.08 + 13.13 years in the study group and 45.28 + 14.78 years in the control group. All the variables except Angle’s class of malocclusion, periodontitis, mouth breathing, and hypertension showed significant differences in the study group. Multivariate analysis for patients with OSA revealed that obese patients were almost 1.5 times more possibly to report OSA symptoms than their non-obese counterparts. It was also found that patients with OSA were 4.12 times more likely to have neck circumference >40 cm, 2.25 times more likely to have maxillary arch constriction, 1.43 times deeper palatal vault, 8.7 times macroglossia, and 1.7 times class III & IV Mallampati score for uvula. Conclusion: The oral structural findings appear to be more closely related with OSA.

Introduction: Along with other healthcare indicators, psychological well-being of the population worldwide has been greatly affected after outbreak of covid-19. Almost all states in India including Jammu and Kashmir suffered during COVID-19. Thus this study was planned to determine the association of anxiety and its impact on oral health-related quality of life (14-item Oral Health Impact Profile [OHIP-14]) among residents of four districts of Jammu and Kashmir state during COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire consisting of OHIP-14 along with a 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7 Scale) was distributed among the residents of Kashmir via e-mails, WhatsApp groups, and Facebook using Google Forms. Results: Majority of the participants were males (53%) over 18 years of age. The most frequently experienced problems were discomfort during eating food (75%) and physical pain in the mouth such as aching in the mouth (60%). A highly statistically significant negative correlation was found between OHIP-14 and GAD among painful aching in the mouth (−0.044) (0.154**) **p<0.001. Half (50%) of the participants reported minimal anxiety. Conclusion: There is an unmet and immediate need to escalate the mental health services in Jammu and Kashmir state of India, which consisted of community participation, awareness programs, and mental health rehabilitation services.

A rise in the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increase in biomedical waste (BMW) all over the globe that leads to the perilous situation. Hence, this review has made an attempt to gather all the guidelines for appropriate BMW management in dental practice during COVID-19 pandemic. The keywords such as Biomedical waste management guidelines, COVID-19, dental waste management, and India were used in the literature search engines such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar along with the various guidelines provided by international, national agencies and verified government websites with a focus on the BMW management in dentistry during COVID-19. The result enumerated that Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, categorizes the bio-medical waste generated from the health-care facility into four categories based on the segregation pathway and color code. These guidelines were reshaped in 2018, 2019, and in 2020 for COVID-19 pandemic. Collection and segregation of biomedical waste separately before handling it to the Common Bio-medical Waste Treatment and Disposal Facility was highly recommended that should be labeled with “COVID-19” both in medical and dental waste management guidelines. This review revealed that BMW management guidelines should be followed by all the health-care fraternities including oral health professionals as they are at a heightened risk of COVID-19, it is vital that they are informed of the most up-to-date protocols for BMW disposal in this pandemic.

Background: There is the presence of plenty of evidence supporting the unidimensionality of hygiene behaviors inferring oral hygiene and general hygiene is correlated. More than two-third of India's population still lives in rural areas; therefore, this study is also conducted in the rural areas only. Rural areas generally tend to have poor general hygiene behaviors because of sociodemographic and educational factors and that directly affect the oral hygiene behaviors. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the impact of general hygiene behaviors on oral hygiene among adolescents of Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 800 adolescents among 510 households from all the four blocks of Ghaziabad district. A pretested questionnaire was used to assess the demographic variables, oral hygiene, and general hygiene behaviors. Oral hygiene was assessed using oral hygiene simplified index, and general hygiene behaviors were recorded using the four indices related to drinking water index (score 0–3), food index (score 0–3), personal hygiene index (score 0–3), and domestic household hygiene index (score 0–6) and one summary hygiene index (SHI; range 0–15). Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0. Results: More than 50% of the study participants had a low level of general hygiene. A significant association was observed between general hygiene (SHI) and oral hygiene of the individuals. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates significant association between general hygiene and oral hygiene behaviors among adolescents.

Background: Good oral health during pregnancy can not only improve the health of the pregnant mother, but also potentially the health of her child. There is inconclusive and contrasting nature of evidence regarding the effect of pregnancy on oral health. So the purpose of this study was to systematically review the dental considerations during Pregnancy for further investigation. Methods: For the identification of the studies included in this review, we devised the search strategy for each database. The search strategy used a union of controlled vocabulary and free text terms. The main electronic database used to access the studies were PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane Review, Embase and Google Scholar. Results: A total of 28 articles fulfilled the criteria and were selected for the review. Some prenatal oral health conditions have adverse effects on the child. Periodontitis is associated with preterm birth, low birth weight infants and high level of cariogenic bacteria in pregnant mother can lead to increased risk of dental caries in the infant. Oral lesions such as gingivitis and pregnancy tumours are benign in nature and require only reassurance and monitoring. Conclusion: It has been suggested that some oral conditions may have adverse consequences on their children awareness related to oral health during pregnancy. Oral health care services should be routinely integrated with prenatal care services for all the pregnant women and specific preventive oral health care program should be made an integral part of antenatal care.

Background: Good oral health during pregnancy can not only improve the health of the pregnant mother, but also potentially the health of her child. There is inconclusive and contrasting nature of evidence regarding the effect of pregnancy on oral health. So the purpose of this study was to systematically review the dental considerations during Pregnancy for further investigation. Methods: For the identification of the studies included in this review, we devised the search strategy for each database. The search strategy used a union of controlled vocabulary and free text terms. The main electronic database used to access the studies were PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane Review, Embase and Google Scholar. Results: A total of 28 articles fulfilled the criteria and were selected for the review. Some prenatal oral health conditions have adverse effects on the child. Periodontitis is associated with preterm birth, low birth weight infants and high level of cariogenic bacteria in pregnant mother can lead to increased risk of dental caries in the infant. Oral lesions such as gingivitis and pregnancy tumours are benign in nature and require only reassurance and monitoring. Conclusion: It has been suggested that some oral conditions may have adverse consequences on their children awareness related to oral health during pregnancy. Oral health care services should be routinely integrated with prenatal care services for all the pregnant women and specific preventive oral health care program should be made an integral part of antenatal care.

Background and Objectives: Covid-19 is highly contagious disease and has today become a major public health concern in the developing countries worldwide. This study attempted to assess the knowledge, attitude, anxiety experience, perceived mental healthcare, and oral health among adult Kashmiri population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: An anonymous online questionnaire was developed using Google forms to avoid person-to-person contact. The structured questionnaire consisted of questions covering several areas: sociodemographic data, knowledge, awareness, attitude about the COVID-19 , the anxiety level, oral hygiene habits during confinement, care and disinfection control behaviours in the dental environment. Results: Due to continuing conflict in Kashmir during the last 18 years there has been a phenomenal increase in psychiatric morbidity. The results reveal that the prevalence of depression was high 46.3% among Kashmiri residents who were anxious with the thought of COVID-19 virus. In our study it was also found that 66.2% of the responders had a moderate level of knowledge about being getting quarantined and 97.7% of the participants had an adequate knowledge about its preventive aspects. The anxiety levels identified in the study were high i.e. more than 70% of the participants were preoccupied with the COVID-19 pandemic over the past months. Approximately, 42.6% of the participants have been angered and distressed due to being worried about the ongoing pandemic. Oral hygiene and last visit to the dentist were found highly significant in our study i.e. approximately 36.6% of the participants had visited a dentist among which 35.2% had visited only due to consultation advise. Conclusion: Population of Kashmir had a better mean knowledge score regarding this virus but yet mental health is an integral part of overall health and quality of life. Substantial and sustainable improvements can be achieved only when a comprehensive strategy for mental health which incorporates both prevention and care elements is adopted. There is a need to intensify the awareness and address the mental health issues, and importance of oral hygiene of people during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Smokeless tobacco (ST) being a crucial determinant of oral health and oral health-related quality of life is a part of many religious and cultural rituals which has gained a degree of social acceptance in the Indian subcontinent. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adult ST users and nontobacco users of Ghaziabad. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was designed to determine the oral health status and OHRQoL of ST users and nontobacco users. A sample of 620 adult individuals was taken. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the demographic variables. Oral health status was assessed using the World Health Organization 2013 Oral Health Assessment Form, and OHRQoL was measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile-14. Statistical analysis was done by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0. Chi-square test, Spearman's correlation coefficient, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Kruskal–Wallis test were applied. Statistical significance was considered atP< 0.05. Results: In ST users, 90.3% had gingival bleeding, whereas 58.4% of the nontobacco users had gingival bleeding; 53.2% of the ST users had periodontal pocket compared to 47.7% of the nontobacco users. ST users had higher mean scores on the handicap (1.96 ± 1.29), psychological disability (1.89 ± 2.66), psychological discomfort (1.44 ± 1.31), functional limitation (0.92 ± 1.35), physical pain (0.79 ± 0.91), and social disability (0.52 ± 0.70) when compared to the nontobacco users. A ST user has a higher (8.03 ± 4.14) mean score when compared to nontobacco users (4.56 ± 4.01) (P < 0.001) in all subscales of OHRQoL. A statistically significant difference in the oral OHRQoL between ST users and nontobacco users was observed. Conclusion: Hence, the study revealed that ST users definitely had an influence on OHRQoL, with a statistically significant increase in oral health problems in ST users compared to nonusers.