A Survey on Knowledge about Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Disease among Dental Students

Abstract

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between production and accumulation of oxygen reactive species
in cells and tissues which can lead to various neuronal degenerative diseases and also oral diseases such as
periodontitis and dental caries. Long term inflammation can lead to an inflammatory disease which is also
due to impairment of the immune system in healthy tissue. In oral cavity it may cause conditions such as
periodontitis, gingivitis.The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge and awareness regarding oxidative
stress and inflammatory disease among dental students . A survey was conducted among 100 dental students
in a private dental college. The questionnaire was circulated through google forms. Ten questions related
to oxidative stress and inflammatory disease were included in the study and the responses were collected
and analysed using SPSS.Chi-Square test was carried out and p <0.05 was considered as significant. It was
observed that 80% of students were aware about increase in oxidative stress and 60% of students were aware
of oral disease such as periodontitis which helps in treatment plan of the patients .85% of students thinks that
stress was also one of the reasons for increasing oxidative stress.80% of students were with the opinion that
increased oxidative stress increase the chance of getting various inflammatory disease.50% of students were
aware that using antioxidant supplements increase the survival rate of patient and showed better therapeutic
response.It was observed that students were aware of clinical symptoms and the effects of oxidative stress in
oral health and various reasons for causing inflammatory disease. However, still more knowledge regarding
this will help in early diagnosing of disease caused by oxidative stress and inflammatory disease.