1.Dental Knowledge and Self-reported Oral Care Practices Among Medical, Pharmacy and Nursing Students
Tuti Ningseh Mohd-Dom ; Shahida Mohd Said ; Zamirah Zainal Abidin
Malaysian Journal of Health Sciences 2009;7(1):13-23
A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the level of dental knowledge among senior medical, pharmacy and nursing students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and to determine self-reported
practices of oral care. Students were invited to complete a set of questionnaires on knowledge related to causes, prevention, signs and treatment of dental
caries and periodontal disease; and practices related to oral hygiene and dental visits. A total of 206 questionnaire forms were distributed. 204 forms
were returned complete (response rate = 99%). Dental knowledge scores ranged from 0 (no correct answer given) to 16 (gave all correct answers). The mean knowledge scores between the groups were statistically different
(p < 0.05): pharmacy students scored highest (mean = 12.29, 95% CI 11.44, 13.14) followed by the medical students (mean = 12.02, 95% CI 11.33, 12.71)
and nursing students (mean = 10.83, 95% CI 10.40, 11.26). Areas that had lowest knowledge scores were signs and treatment of gum disease. With regard
to oral care practices, majority cited that they brushed teeth at least twice a day (94.6%) and used toothbrush and toothpaste (97.5%). Not many (21.8%)
used dental floss and about half (54.2%) reported visiting the dentist more than twelve months ago. Reasons for dental visits included getting check-ups
(64.6%), restorations (45.6%) and emergency care such as extractions (24.0%). In general students had at least a moderate level of dental knowledge
but demonstrated poor knowledge in some areas. While most reported good oral hygiene habits, behaviour related to dental visits need to be improved.
Findings suggest a need for inclusion of oral health education in the medical, pharmacy and nursing curriculum.
2.Antibacterial Activity of Phenolic Compounds in Olive Oil Extracts on Periodontopathogenic Oral Bacteria
Wahidatunur Musa ; Nurulhuda Mohd ; Zamirah Zainal-Abidin ; Mazlina Mohd Said ; Badiah Baharin
Archives of Orofacial Sciences 2022;17(SUPP 1):21-33
ABSTRACT
Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites of plants metabolism and can be found in olive oil.
They exhibit antimicrobial activity towards both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. However,
little is known about the antibacterial activity of the compounds towards periodontopathogens. The
study aimed to investigate the potential of these compounds as antibacterial agents towards pathogens,
specifically Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum.
Phenolic compounds were extracted from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) through liquid-liquid separation
using methanol:water (70:30), and hexane. It was then prepared in various concentrations to determine
its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against
the periodontopathogens. The anti-adhesion activity was quantified using crystal violet staining while
the effects on the morphology were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The
MICs of the phenolic compounds on A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were
31.25 mg/mL, 62.5 mg/mL and 125 mg/mL, respectively. The MBCs of the phenolic compounds on
A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum were 62.5 mg/mL and 125 mg/mL, respectively suggesting
this compound can eradicate these bacteria. There was no bactericidal effect on P. gingivalis. The
adhesion of all the bacteria was interrupted by the compounds at the lowest concentration (1.95 mg/mL).
SEM findings showed disruption of bacterial cell surfaces such as blebs and disintegration of cells after
exposure to this extract. Phenolic compounds of olive oil exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested
pathogens, with bactericidal effects on A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum and bacteriostatic
effects on P. gingivalis.
Anti-Bacterial Agents
;
Phenols
;
Periodontal Diseases
;
Olive Oil