Oral hygiene practices, periodontal conditions, dentition status and self-reported bad mouth breath among young mothers, Tanzania.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the oral hygiene practices, periodontal conditions, dentition status and self-reported bad mouth breath (S-BMB) among young mothers.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 302 postpartum mothers, aged 14-44 years, were interviewed on oral hygiene practices and S-BMB using structured questionnaire. Oral hygiene, dentition and periodontal status were assessed using the Community Periodontal Index probe and gingival recessions (GR) using Williams Periodontal probe.


RESULTS
Tooth brushing practice was 99%; tongue brushing (95%), plastic toothbrush users (96%), chewing stick (1%), wooden toothpicks (76%), dental floss (<1%); and toothpaste (93%). The prevalence of plaque and gingival bleeding on probing was 100%, gum bleeding during tooth brushing (33%), calculus (99%), probing periodontal pocket depth (PPD) 4-5 mm (27%), PPD 6+ mm (3%), GR 1+ mm (27%) and tooth decay (55%). The prevalence of S-BMB was 14%; the S-BMB had higher mean number of sites with plaque compared to the no S-BMB group (P=0.04). Factors associated with S-BMB were gum bleeding on tooth brushing (OR=2.4) and PPD 6+ mm (OR=5.4).


CONCLUSIONS
Self-reported bad mouth breath is a cause of concern among young mothers, and associated significant factors were gum bleeding on tooth brushing and deep periodontal pockets of 6+ mm. Further research involving clinical diagnosis of bad mouth breath and intervention through oral health promotion and periodontal therapy are recommended.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides baseline information on oral health status and the complaint on bad mouth breath which necessitates in the future need for objective assessment, diagnosis and management of bad mouth breath for enhanced social and professional interaction without embarrassment.
Mumghamba
E G S
EG
Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, and Dental Department, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. egmumghamba@yahoo.com
Manji
K P
KP
Michael
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000453:epidemiology; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000453:epidemiology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000453:epidemiology*; D020073:Gravidity; D006209:Halitosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers; D016017:Odds Ratio; D009910:Oral Hygiene / Q000379:methods*; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D012647:Self-Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology