ABSTRACT
Background: Plaque-induced chronic inflammatory gingival enlargement is a reversible consequence of prolonged bacterial plaque accumulation and poor oral hygiene that may impair aesthetics, comfort and masticatory function if untreated. Although its association with plaque is well established, comparative clinical evidence on the effectiveness of routine plaque control in community dental settings, particularly among South Asian populations, remains limited. This study evaluated the effectiveness of structured plaque control measures in reducing plaque-induced chronic inflammatory gingival enlargement. Methods: This prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted by the Department of Dental Public Health, Outpatients Department of Pioneer Dental College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from August 2025 to February 2026. A total of 50 adult outpatients with clinical evidence of plaque-induced chronic inflammatory gingival enlargement were enrolled and followed for twelve weeks after a structured plaque control intervention. Participants received oral hygiene instruction, professional scaling and reinforced brushing guidance and were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks using the Gingival Index, Modified Plaque Index and gingival enlargement score. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Following intervention, the mean Gingival Index reduced from 2.14 to 0.68, Modified Plaque Index from 2.31 to 0.72 and gingival enlargement score from 2.85 mm to 1.10 mm, corresponding to reductions of 68.2%, 68.8% and 61.4% respectively (p<0.001 for all). Severe enlargement fell from 42.0% to 4.0%, while participants with no enlargement rose from 4.0% to 36.0%. Improvement was consistent across all oral hygiene habit subgroups. Conclusion: Structured plaque control measures produced substantial and statistically significant improvement in gingival health and enlargement severity within twelve weeks, strongly supporting their integration into routine preventive periodonta

ABSTRACT
Access to oral healthcare remains a significant challenge for vulnerable populations due to social, economic, geographic, and cultural barriers that limit the availability and utilization of dental services. In response to these challenges, the Faculty of Dentistry Mexicali of the Autonomous University of Baja California developed the Friendly Dental Services Program, a university-based community oral health model designed to promote equitable access to oral healthcare through a people-centered, inclusive, and community-oriented approach. The program integrates oral health promotion, disease prevention, clinical care, referral systems, community participation, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a framework grounded in human rights, social inclusion, interculturality, and health equity. Through the operation of a Mobile Dental Unit and the establishment of collaborative partnerships with governmental institutions, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders, the program seeks to extend oral healthcare services beyond traditional clinical settings and reach populations facing barriers to care. The operational framework consists of six phases: health promotion and education, community and clinical assessment, primary dental intervention, referral and secondary care, clinical and community follow-up, and program evaluation. In addition to improving access to oral healthcare, the program contributes to professional training, community engagement, and the development of sustainable strategies aimed at reducing oral health disparities. This article describes the development, implementation, and operational structure of the Friendly Dental Services Program as a university-based model for community oral healthcare. The experience highlights the potential role of higher education institutions in promoting oral health equity, social inclusion, and community well-being through accessible and culturally sensitive dental services.

ABSTRACT
Background: Dental wear is a multifactorial condition characterized by the progressive and irreversible loss of dental hard tissues due to attrition, abrasion, erosion, or a combination of these processes. Although commonly associated with aging, increasing evidence suggests that dental wear may have important consequences beyond structural tooth loss, affecting oral function, aesthetics, and overall well-being. Objective: To review the available scientific evidence regarding the relationship between dental wear and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adult populations and to discuss its clinical implications for patient-centered dental care. Review Findings: Current evidence indicates that dental wear may negatively influence multiple dimensions of oral health-related quality of life. Functional limitations, dentin hypersensitivity, masticatory difficulties, aesthetic concerns, and psychological discomfort have been identified as factors that may affect patients' perceptions of oral health and well-being. Patient-reported outcome measures, particularly the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), have become valuable tools for assessing the broader impact of dental wear beyond traditional clinical indicators. Conclusion: Dental wear should be recognized not only as a clinical condition involving the loss of dental tissues but also as a factor that may influence quality of life. The incorporation of patient-centered assessments into routine dental practice may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of dental wear and support preventive and therapeutic strategies aimed at improving oral health outcomes and overall well-being.