Baltic Dental and Maxillofacial Journal
Main page Back issues Editorial board Information

December, 2013, Vol. 15, No. 4

CONTENTS

SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES

Expression of growth factors and growth factor receptors in human cleft-affected tissue
Benita Krivicka, Mara Pilmane, Ilze Akota
115-118

Radiographic assessment of findings in the maxillary sinus using cone-beam computed tomography
Ilze Dobele, Ligija Kise, Peteris Apse, Gints Kragis, Andris Bigestans
119-122

Influence of restorative techniques on fracture load of endodontically treated premolars
Ana Amélia Bianchi e Silva, Paula Cristine Ghiggi, Eduardo Gonçalves Mota, Gilberto Antonio Borges, Luiz Henrique Burnett Júnior, Ana Maria Spohr
123-128

Apoptosis and MMP-2, TIMP-2 expression in cleft lip and palate
Liene Smane, Mara Pilmane, Ilze Akota
129-134

Toothache among dental patients attending a Nigerian secondary healthcare setting
Clement Chinedu Azodo, Oritseweyemi Ololo
135-140

© 2014 Stomatologija

Stomatologija 2013; 15 (4): 135-140 150 KB

Toothache among dental patients attending a Nigerian secondary healthcare setting

Clement Chinedu Azodo, Oritseweyemi Ololo

Summary

Introduction. Pain intensity and oral health practices among patients with toothache, a major dental public health problem is necessary information for the formulation of preventive and interventional oral health policies
Objective. To assess the pain intensity and oral health practices among dental patients attending a Nigerian secondary healthcare setting with toothache.

Materials and Methods. This study was a prospective study of adult patients attending the dental clinic of Rasheed Shekoni Specialist Hospital, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. Interviewer-administered questionnaire which elicited information include demography, pain intensity using visual analogue, tooth brushing behaviour and previous dental treatment was the tool of data collection.

Results. The majority of the respondents were males and young adults. More than half (60.5%) of the respondents reported pain of moderate to severe intensity and 42.6% have engaged in self medication for the toothache. More than one-third (34.2%) had experienced the pain for ≥ four weeks and the major factor that prompted the decision to visit dentist were unbearable nature of the pain and sleep disturbances. Almost half (46.2%) of the respondents had previously visited the dentist and the common received treatment was tooth extraction. A total of 57.9% of the respondents indulge in twice-daily tooth cleaning.

Conclusion. Data from this study revealed that respondents with toothache had history of dental visit and visited dental clinic when the pain is unbearable and disturbed sleep. There is a need for proper patient education at any encounter with dentist.

Key words: oral health, pain, patient.

Received: 05 02 2013

Accepted for publishing: 23 12 2013


1Department of Periodontics, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

2Dental Department, Rasheed Shekoni Specialist Hospital, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Clement Chinedu Azodo1 – BDS, MSc Physio., MPH, FMCDS

Oritseweyemi Ololo2 – BDS

Address correspondence to Dr. C. C. Azodo, Department of Periodontics, Prof. Ejide Dental Complex, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, P. M. B 1111 Ugbowo, Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria 300001.

E-mail address: clementazodo@yahoo.com