Background: Orthodontics is a dental specialty focusing on correcting dental irregularities and malocclusion. Knowledge and attitudes towards orthodontic treatment are crucial for promoting oral health and overall wel...Background: Orthodontics is a dental specialty focusing on correcting dental irregularities and malocclusion. Knowledge and attitudes towards orthodontic treatment are crucial for promoting oral health and overall well-being. Education and awareness play a vital role in ensuring optimal treatment outcomes and improving quality of life. Aim: This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) pre-clinical dentistry students concerning orthodontic therapy. Methodology: This research is a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. The research used a non-random convenience sampling method to form the desired sample. For data collection, an interview-administered questionnaire was used over one month. The study set its sights on pre-clinical dental students in KNUST. A total of 150 questionnaires were printed to meet the sample size. Results: The results of the research showed that the knowledge level of KNUST pre-clinical students on orthodontic treatment and its nuances is quite limited. They however had a fair level of knowledge on the disease or ailment that orthodontic treatments solved (especially malocclusion). Their interest in orthodontic treatments on the other hand was quite significant, with a large number having interest in it. Conclusion: To conclude, KNUST pre-clinical students in Ghana although having a limited level of knowledge on orthodontic treatments have a keen interest in undergoing them regardless of the discomforts or the length of time.展开更多
Background: The most prevalent non-communicable disease worldwide is oral health-related disease, with dental caries and periodontal conditions being common. Oral health status significantly impacts overall health and...Background: The most prevalent non-communicable disease worldwide is oral health-related disease, with dental caries and periodontal conditions being common. Oral health status significantly impacts overall health and quality of life. Barriers to dental care affect children with special needs. This study evaluates the oral health status and treatment requirements of people with special needs. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study in Kumasi, Ghana examined oral health status among people, 121 children with special needs over two months, in June-July 2022. Dental caries, periodontal changes, malocclusion, and trauma were assessed. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Results: The oral health status among people with special needs in this study was generally moderate, with a range from very good to very poor. The prevalence of dental caries was 37%, with a mean DMFT score of 2.82. Periodontal health showed unsatisfactory indicators such as mobile teeth, poor gingival health, high plaque scores, and the presence of halitosis. Conclusion: This descriptive study aimed to provide baseline data on the oral health status of special needs students in Kumasi, addressing the lack of knowledge in this area. It highlighted the importance of dental care in maintaining good oral health and overall well-being in individuals with special needs. Coordinated efforts by dental professionals are needed to provide dental health education and preventive interventions for these children.展开更多
BACKGROUND: The route of most systemic diseases begins in the oral cavity. Oral health knowledge of mouthwashes and their uses is indispensable for the general population and especially adolescents. The use of mouthwa...BACKGROUND: The route of most systemic diseases begins in the oral cavity. Oral health knowledge of mouthwashes and their uses is indispensable for the general population and especially adolescents. The use of mouthwash by adolescents can be a beneficial adjunct to their oral hygiene routine, providing additional protection against dental diseases and promoting fresher breath. Overuse or misuse of mouthwash, particularly those containing alcohol or other potentially irritating ingredients, may lead to adverse effects such as oral mucosal irritation, dry mouth, or alteration of the oral microbiome. OBJECTIVES: To determine the knowledge, attitude, and use of mouthwash among senior high school students in Kumasi. METHODOLOGY: 120 students responded to a standard questionnaire by a convenient sample technique. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0 and MS Excel were used for data management and analysis. The results of the study were presented using tables, bar charts, and pie chart. RESULTS: The ages of the respondents ranged from 14 to 20 years. Out of the 120 participants, 71 students that represent 59.2% of the total, used mouthwash. Majority of the participants (63%) utilized a mouthwash after brushing their teeth. 49% of the participants reported using mouthwash to address halitosis, 37% used it to combat periodontal disease, and 10% used it for relief from a sore throat. CONCLUSION: In general, most of the participants who use mouthwash had excellent knowledge and a positive attitude toward the use of mouthwash.展开更多
Background: Orthodontic treatment poses challenges such as discomfort, aesthetic concerns, dietary restrictions, time commitment, and financial considerations for patients. These challenges can deter individuals from ...Background: Orthodontic treatment poses challenges such as discomfort, aesthetic concerns, dietary restrictions, time commitment, and financial considerations for patients. These challenges can deter individuals from pursuing treatment or cause anxiety during the process. However, patients are motivated by the desire to improve their appearance, boost self-confidence, and enhance oral health. They also value the long-term benefits of treatment, including improved dental function and overall well-being. Professional recommendations from dentists and orthodontists, along with social support from family and friends, further encourage patients to undergo treatment. Understanding these challenges and motivating factors is crucial for orthodontic professionals to tailor treatment plans and ensure positive experiences and successful outcomes for their patients. Objective: To determine the challenges and motivating factors of orthodontic treatment among patients attending Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Method: The study was conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, with a sample size of 60 orthodontic patients. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS software. Ethical approval was obtained, and the findings were shared with stakeholders. Results: Findings showed a higher representation of females (63.3%) seeking orthodontic treatment. Common motivations for seeking orthodontic treatment included aesthetic Concerns (38.2%), misaligned teeth (28.1%) and recommendation from dentist (19.2%). Challenges reported included pain and discomfort (36.7%), difficulty chewing (15%), expensive treatment (14.4%) and missed appointments (11.7%). Factors motivating treatment continuation were visible improvements (30%), achieving optimal results (23%), reducing pain and discomfort (17%). External influences, such as family pressure, also played a role. Patients appreciated the support of healthcare providers during treatment but suggested better pain management and education. Conclusion: The study provided valuable insights into patient motivations, challenges and factors influencing satisfaction and adherence to orthodontic treatment at KATH.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Dental anomalies are variations from the established well-known general anatomy and morphology of the tooth as a result of disturbances during tooth formation. They can be developmental, congenital, or acq...BACKGROUND: Dental anomalies are variations from the established well-known general anatomy and morphology of the tooth as a result of disturbances during tooth formation. They can be developmental, congenital, or acquired and may be localized to a single tooth or involve systemic conditions. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of dental anomalies in patients who report to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) dental clinics. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used with a sample size of 92 patients aged 18 or older, obtained through convenience sampling. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: The study included 92 patients aged 18 to 72 years, with 47.8% males and 52.2% females. Dental anomalies were observed in 51.1% of participants, with a higher prevalence in females (55.3%). The most common anomalies were diastema (48.3%), impacted teeth (22.0%), dilaceration (11.9%), and peg-shaped lateral teeth (6.8%). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of conducting thorough dental examinations to identify and address dental anomalies, which may have implications for treatment. Early detection and correction of these anomalies are crucial to prevent future complications.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Permanent tooth avulsion is one of the severe forms of dental traumatic injuries. The immediate action taken at the site of the accident is crucial to the prognosis of the tooth. Replantation is considered...BACKGROUND: Permanent tooth avulsion is one of the severe forms of dental traumatic injuries. The immediate action taken at the site of the accident is crucial to the prognosis of the tooth. Replantation is considered as the treatment of choice. OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to assess the knowledge of parents who accompany their children to the pediatric dental clinic, KATH on the pre-hospital management of avulsed permanent tooth in children. METHODS: A researcher administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the knowledge of pre-hospital management of avulsed permanent tooth from 83 parents who accompanied their wards to the pediatric dental clinic at KATH. RESULTS: A total of 83 parents were involved in the study. 30 (36%) were males while 53 (64%) were females. The majority of the parents (57%) were either university trained or had attended college of education. Only 32 parents (39%) were aware of the possibility of replantation. Majority of the parents chose non-physiologic media as the transport media of choice and only 10% would attempt self-replantation before seeking professional help. 76 parents (92%) had no previous education on pre-hospital management of avulsed tooth. CONCLUSION: The results obtained from this study indicate that parental knowledge on pre-hospital management of avulsed permanent tooth is low hence the need for massive public educational campaigns.展开更多
Background: Maxillofacial injury may vary from simple soft tissue lacerations to complex fractures of the orofacial region. Soft tissue injuries, whether isolated or in combination with other injuries, form part of th...Background: Maxillofacial injury may vary from simple soft tissue lacerations to complex fractures of the orofacial region. Soft tissue injuries, whether isolated or in combination with other injuries, form part of the frequent traumatic craniofacial injuries seen at the emergency department. The force of impact and the injury type is directly related to the severity of the injury sustained. This study aimed to analyze the etiological factors, prevalence, and management of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue injuries at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Methods: This was a prospective study that involved children presenting with oral and maxillofacial injuries at the Accident and Emergency Department and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi between the period of April to October 2020 (6 months). Patient selection was by convenience sampling targeting all children with injuries who met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were children below the age of 18 years whose parents or caregivers consent to participation. Children with maxillofacial injuries as a result of burns were excluded from the study. Results: During the study period a total of 134 children were reviewed with oral and maxillofacial injuries at KATH. Of these, 107 (78.9%) were recorded cases of orofacial soft tissue injuries. There were 63 (58.9%) males and 44 (41.1%) females and the male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1. The age range of patients studied was 8 months – 17 years, with mean age ± SD being 9.5 ± 5.3 years. Road Traffic Crash (50.5%) was the most common etiology of which Motor cycle crash constituted 24.3% and Pedestrian knockdown was 19.6%. Falls (42.1%) were the next most common etiology. The lips (19.8%) and the forehead (18.5%) were the most frequently injured sites on the face whiles the tongue (3.3%) had the most injuries intraorally. Laceration (45.7%) was the most frequent injury reviewed, followed by abrasions (35.8%). Most of the soft tissue injuries underwent primary closure (56.3%). A complication rate of 21.2% was recorded in this study and hypertrophic scarring (11.3%) was the most observed.展开更多
<strong>Background: </strong>Aesthetics is a primary consideration for patients seeking dental treatment. The size and shape of the maxillary anterior teeth have significant effects not only on the dental ...<strong>Background: </strong>Aesthetics is a primary consideration for patients seeking dental treatment. The size and shape of the maxillary anterior teeth have significant effects not only on the dental aesthetics, but also on the complete facial aesthetics of a person. To satisfy this expressed need, the “Golden Proportion” is a numerical value that is used as a rule in achieving dental aesthetics. In the last two decades, several studies have questioned the application of this rule in dentistry. <strong>Aim:</strong> The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of “The Golden Proportion in the maxillary anterior teeth widths of clients visiting the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s (KATH) Oral Health Directorate, Kumasi”. <strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 100 dentulous subjects comprised of 50 males and 50 females, with ages ranging between 18 and 37 years were chosen using convenience sampling. Their dental casts were evaluated for apparent width by digital calliper. <strong>Results:</strong> The results of the study were expressed in relation to gender and tooth laterality. The results revealed that the golden proportion existed in 14% and 20% for the left and right respectively between the central incisor and the lateral incisor for males, 12% and 16% respectively for the left and right sides of females, 8% and 20% for the left and right sides respectively for males between the lateral incisor and canine and 16% and 20% for the left and right respectively for females. Conclusion: Comparison of our results with the established golden value shows differences between 1.618 and from the range that was acquired from this study. The results suggest that the rule of the golden proportion should not be strictly applied when restoring anterior teeth of patients in the dental clinic.展开更多
<strong>Background: </strong>The theory of Oral Health Related Quality Of Life (OHRQOL) has manifold qualities. It endeavors to address social and/or emotional concerns as well as any symptoms or functiona...<strong>Background: </strong>The theory of Oral Health Related Quality Of Life (OHRQOL) has manifold qualities. It endeavors to address social and/or emotional concerns as well as any symptoms or functional problems related to the teeth and jaws from the patients view point. The difficulty of utilizing any one standard evaluation tool to determine how the patient feels about problems with malocclusions or arising from them, led to the development of this construct/theory. <strong>Aim:</strong> To evaluate the impact of malocclusion on the socio-functional and psychological wellbeing of persons 7 - 25 years old. <strong>Method: </strong>100 patients within the ages of 7 - 25 years who visited the Orthodontics Unit of the Oral Health Directorate of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, were conveniently sampled and surveyed. Participants were given questionnaires to assess the effects of malocclusion on their Oral Health Related Quality of Life and also to determine if their educational status had any influence on the impact of malocclusion on their oral health related quality of life. <strong>Results:</strong> The modal age of the participants was 10 - 15 years with 40% as it frequency followed by 7 - 9 years while the age with least frequency was 16 - 25 years which stood at 22.0%. 28 respondents reported negative effects on their functional domain. 71 of the participants reported negative effects on psychological well-being and 49 of them reported negative effects on social well-being. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Malocclusion has an overall negative impact on Oral Health Related Quality of Life and its related purviews. It was observed to be highest for the psychological discomfort domain and the lowest in the functional well-being domain.展开更多
Background: Many oral bacterial species forming the normal flora present as a biofilm in the oral cavity. Dental caries results when there is an imbalance of pathogenic bacteria within these biofilms. Aim: This study ...Background: Many oral bacterial species forming the normal flora present as a biofilm in the oral cavity. Dental caries results when there is an imbalance of pathogenic bacteria within these biofilms. Aim: This study sought to isolate and identify the bacterial species associated with extracted carious teeth and their susceptibility pattern towards commonly employed antimicrobial agents used at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on thirty-three extracted carious teeth samples collected by convenient sampling from patients attending the Oral Health Directorate-KATH. All samples were collected from the 11th of March 2019 to the 6th of April 2019. Data was collected using 5 ml peptone water and a case study form. Analysis was done using SPSS version 25 and Microsoft Excel version 10. Results: Twenty (61%) samples were obtained from female patients and thirteen samples (39%) from male patients. Streptococcus spp had the highest occurrence (32.25%) with the least isolated being Pseudomonas and E. coli spp (6.45%). Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed Pseudomonas spp was resistant to all the eight antibiotics used in this study. All bacterial isolates were resistant to Cefuroxime and penicillin except Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp. Conclusion: The commonest isolates associated with dental caries in KATH were Streptococcus, Bacillus and Staphylococcus spp. In this study most of the isolated species were resistant to common antibiotics employed in the Oral Health Directorate in KATH (amoxicillin/clavulanic, ampicillin and penicillin). From the current study the most effective antibiotic observed was meropenem (23%) with penicillin (3%) being least effective in treating infections of caries.展开更多
文摘Background: Orthodontics is a dental specialty focusing on correcting dental irregularities and malocclusion. Knowledge and attitudes towards orthodontic treatment are crucial for promoting oral health and overall well-being. Education and awareness play a vital role in ensuring optimal treatment outcomes and improving quality of life. Aim: This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) pre-clinical dentistry students concerning orthodontic therapy. Methodology: This research is a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. The research used a non-random convenience sampling method to form the desired sample. For data collection, an interview-administered questionnaire was used over one month. The study set its sights on pre-clinical dental students in KNUST. A total of 150 questionnaires were printed to meet the sample size. Results: The results of the research showed that the knowledge level of KNUST pre-clinical students on orthodontic treatment and its nuances is quite limited. They however had a fair level of knowledge on the disease or ailment that orthodontic treatments solved (especially malocclusion). Their interest in orthodontic treatments on the other hand was quite significant, with a large number having interest in it. Conclusion: To conclude, KNUST pre-clinical students in Ghana although having a limited level of knowledge on orthodontic treatments have a keen interest in undergoing them regardless of the discomforts or the length of time.
文摘Background: The most prevalent non-communicable disease worldwide is oral health-related disease, with dental caries and periodontal conditions being common. Oral health status significantly impacts overall health and quality of life. Barriers to dental care affect children with special needs. This study evaluates the oral health status and treatment requirements of people with special needs. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study in Kumasi, Ghana examined oral health status among people, 121 children with special needs over two months, in June-July 2022. Dental caries, periodontal changes, malocclusion, and trauma were assessed. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Results: The oral health status among people with special needs in this study was generally moderate, with a range from very good to very poor. The prevalence of dental caries was 37%, with a mean DMFT score of 2.82. Periodontal health showed unsatisfactory indicators such as mobile teeth, poor gingival health, high plaque scores, and the presence of halitosis. Conclusion: This descriptive study aimed to provide baseline data on the oral health status of special needs students in Kumasi, addressing the lack of knowledge in this area. It highlighted the importance of dental care in maintaining good oral health and overall well-being in individuals with special needs. Coordinated efforts by dental professionals are needed to provide dental health education and preventive interventions for these children.
文摘BACKGROUND: The route of most systemic diseases begins in the oral cavity. Oral health knowledge of mouthwashes and their uses is indispensable for the general population and especially adolescents. The use of mouthwash by adolescents can be a beneficial adjunct to their oral hygiene routine, providing additional protection against dental diseases and promoting fresher breath. Overuse or misuse of mouthwash, particularly those containing alcohol or other potentially irritating ingredients, may lead to adverse effects such as oral mucosal irritation, dry mouth, or alteration of the oral microbiome. OBJECTIVES: To determine the knowledge, attitude, and use of mouthwash among senior high school students in Kumasi. METHODOLOGY: 120 students responded to a standard questionnaire by a convenient sample technique. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0 and MS Excel were used for data management and analysis. The results of the study were presented using tables, bar charts, and pie chart. RESULTS: The ages of the respondents ranged from 14 to 20 years. Out of the 120 participants, 71 students that represent 59.2% of the total, used mouthwash. Majority of the participants (63%) utilized a mouthwash after brushing their teeth. 49% of the participants reported using mouthwash to address halitosis, 37% used it to combat periodontal disease, and 10% used it for relief from a sore throat. CONCLUSION: In general, most of the participants who use mouthwash had excellent knowledge and a positive attitude toward the use of mouthwash.
文摘Background: Orthodontic treatment poses challenges such as discomfort, aesthetic concerns, dietary restrictions, time commitment, and financial considerations for patients. These challenges can deter individuals from pursuing treatment or cause anxiety during the process. However, patients are motivated by the desire to improve their appearance, boost self-confidence, and enhance oral health. They also value the long-term benefits of treatment, including improved dental function and overall well-being. Professional recommendations from dentists and orthodontists, along with social support from family and friends, further encourage patients to undergo treatment. Understanding these challenges and motivating factors is crucial for orthodontic professionals to tailor treatment plans and ensure positive experiences and successful outcomes for their patients. Objective: To determine the challenges and motivating factors of orthodontic treatment among patients attending Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Method: The study was conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, with a sample size of 60 orthodontic patients. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS software. Ethical approval was obtained, and the findings were shared with stakeholders. Results: Findings showed a higher representation of females (63.3%) seeking orthodontic treatment. Common motivations for seeking orthodontic treatment included aesthetic Concerns (38.2%), misaligned teeth (28.1%) and recommendation from dentist (19.2%). Challenges reported included pain and discomfort (36.7%), difficulty chewing (15%), expensive treatment (14.4%) and missed appointments (11.7%). Factors motivating treatment continuation were visible improvements (30%), achieving optimal results (23%), reducing pain and discomfort (17%). External influences, such as family pressure, also played a role. Patients appreciated the support of healthcare providers during treatment but suggested better pain management and education. Conclusion: The study provided valuable insights into patient motivations, challenges and factors influencing satisfaction and adherence to orthodontic treatment at KATH.
文摘BACKGROUND: Dental anomalies are variations from the established well-known general anatomy and morphology of the tooth as a result of disturbances during tooth formation. They can be developmental, congenital, or acquired and may be localized to a single tooth or involve systemic conditions. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of dental anomalies in patients who report to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) dental clinics. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used with a sample size of 92 patients aged 18 or older, obtained through convenience sampling. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: The study included 92 patients aged 18 to 72 years, with 47.8% males and 52.2% females. Dental anomalies were observed in 51.1% of participants, with a higher prevalence in females (55.3%). The most common anomalies were diastema (48.3%), impacted teeth (22.0%), dilaceration (11.9%), and peg-shaped lateral teeth (6.8%). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of conducting thorough dental examinations to identify and address dental anomalies, which may have implications for treatment. Early detection and correction of these anomalies are crucial to prevent future complications.
文摘BACKGROUND: Permanent tooth avulsion is one of the severe forms of dental traumatic injuries. The immediate action taken at the site of the accident is crucial to the prognosis of the tooth. Replantation is considered as the treatment of choice. OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to assess the knowledge of parents who accompany their children to the pediatric dental clinic, KATH on the pre-hospital management of avulsed permanent tooth in children. METHODS: A researcher administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the knowledge of pre-hospital management of avulsed permanent tooth from 83 parents who accompanied their wards to the pediatric dental clinic at KATH. RESULTS: A total of 83 parents were involved in the study. 30 (36%) were males while 53 (64%) were females. The majority of the parents (57%) were either university trained or had attended college of education. Only 32 parents (39%) were aware of the possibility of replantation. Majority of the parents chose non-physiologic media as the transport media of choice and only 10% would attempt self-replantation before seeking professional help. 76 parents (92%) had no previous education on pre-hospital management of avulsed tooth. CONCLUSION: The results obtained from this study indicate that parental knowledge on pre-hospital management of avulsed permanent tooth is low hence the need for massive public educational campaigns.
文摘Background: Maxillofacial injury may vary from simple soft tissue lacerations to complex fractures of the orofacial region. Soft tissue injuries, whether isolated or in combination with other injuries, form part of the frequent traumatic craniofacial injuries seen at the emergency department. The force of impact and the injury type is directly related to the severity of the injury sustained. This study aimed to analyze the etiological factors, prevalence, and management of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue injuries at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Methods: This was a prospective study that involved children presenting with oral and maxillofacial injuries at the Accident and Emergency Department and the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi between the period of April to October 2020 (6 months). Patient selection was by convenience sampling targeting all children with injuries who met the inclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria were children below the age of 18 years whose parents or caregivers consent to participation. Children with maxillofacial injuries as a result of burns were excluded from the study. Results: During the study period a total of 134 children were reviewed with oral and maxillofacial injuries at KATH. Of these, 107 (78.9%) were recorded cases of orofacial soft tissue injuries. There were 63 (58.9%) males and 44 (41.1%) females and the male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1. The age range of patients studied was 8 months – 17 years, with mean age ± SD being 9.5 ± 5.3 years. Road Traffic Crash (50.5%) was the most common etiology of which Motor cycle crash constituted 24.3% and Pedestrian knockdown was 19.6%. Falls (42.1%) were the next most common etiology. The lips (19.8%) and the forehead (18.5%) were the most frequently injured sites on the face whiles the tongue (3.3%) had the most injuries intraorally. Laceration (45.7%) was the most frequent injury reviewed, followed by abrasions (35.8%). Most of the soft tissue injuries underwent primary closure (56.3%). A complication rate of 21.2% was recorded in this study and hypertrophic scarring (11.3%) was the most observed.
文摘<strong>Background: </strong>Aesthetics is a primary consideration for patients seeking dental treatment. The size and shape of the maxillary anterior teeth have significant effects not only on the dental aesthetics, but also on the complete facial aesthetics of a person. To satisfy this expressed need, the “Golden Proportion” is a numerical value that is used as a rule in achieving dental aesthetics. In the last two decades, several studies have questioned the application of this rule in dentistry. <strong>Aim:</strong> The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of “The Golden Proportion in the maxillary anterior teeth widths of clients visiting the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s (KATH) Oral Health Directorate, Kumasi”. <strong>Materials and methods: </strong>A total of 100 dentulous subjects comprised of 50 males and 50 females, with ages ranging between 18 and 37 years were chosen using convenience sampling. Their dental casts were evaluated for apparent width by digital calliper. <strong>Results:</strong> The results of the study were expressed in relation to gender and tooth laterality. The results revealed that the golden proportion existed in 14% and 20% for the left and right respectively between the central incisor and the lateral incisor for males, 12% and 16% respectively for the left and right sides of females, 8% and 20% for the left and right sides respectively for males between the lateral incisor and canine and 16% and 20% for the left and right respectively for females. Conclusion: Comparison of our results with the established golden value shows differences between 1.618 and from the range that was acquired from this study. The results suggest that the rule of the golden proportion should not be strictly applied when restoring anterior teeth of patients in the dental clinic.
文摘<strong>Background: </strong>The theory of Oral Health Related Quality Of Life (OHRQOL) has manifold qualities. It endeavors to address social and/or emotional concerns as well as any symptoms or functional problems related to the teeth and jaws from the patients view point. The difficulty of utilizing any one standard evaluation tool to determine how the patient feels about problems with malocclusions or arising from them, led to the development of this construct/theory. <strong>Aim:</strong> To evaluate the impact of malocclusion on the socio-functional and psychological wellbeing of persons 7 - 25 years old. <strong>Method: </strong>100 patients within the ages of 7 - 25 years who visited the Orthodontics Unit of the Oral Health Directorate of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Kumasi, were conveniently sampled and surveyed. Participants were given questionnaires to assess the effects of malocclusion on their Oral Health Related Quality of Life and also to determine if their educational status had any influence on the impact of malocclusion on their oral health related quality of life. <strong>Results:</strong> The modal age of the participants was 10 - 15 years with 40% as it frequency followed by 7 - 9 years while the age with least frequency was 16 - 25 years which stood at 22.0%. 28 respondents reported negative effects on their functional domain. 71 of the participants reported negative effects on psychological well-being and 49 of them reported negative effects on social well-being. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Malocclusion has an overall negative impact on Oral Health Related Quality of Life and its related purviews. It was observed to be highest for the psychological discomfort domain and the lowest in the functional well-being domain.
文摘Background: Many oral bacterial species forming the normal flora present as a biofilm in the oral cavity. Dental caries results when there is an imbalance of pathogenic bacteria within these biofilms. Aim: This study sought to isolate and identify the bacterial species associated with extracted carious teeth and their susceptibility pattern towards commonly employed antimicrobial agents used at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out on thirty-three extracted carious teeth samples collected by convenient sampling from patients attending the Oral Health Directorate-KATH. All samples were collected from the 11th of March 2019 to the 6th of April 2019. Data was collected using 5 ml peptone water and a case study form. Analysis was done using SPSS version 25 and Microsoft Excel version 10. Results: Twenty (61%) samples were obtained from female patients and thirteen samples (39%) from male patients. Streptococcus spp had the highest occurrence (32.25%) with the least isolated being Pseudomonas and E. coli spp (6.45%). Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed Pseudomonas spp was resistant to all the eight antibiotics used in this study. All bacterial isolates were resistant to Cefuroxime and penicillin except Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp. Conclusion: The commonest isolates associated with dental caries in KATH were Streptococcus, Bacillus and Staphylococcus spp. In this study most of the isolated species were resistant to common antibiotics employed in the Oral Health Directorate in KATH (amoxicillin/clavulanic, ampicillin and penicillin). From the current study the most effective antibiotic observed was meropenem (23%) with penicillin (3%) being least effective in treating infections of caries.
