Effect of different pH solvents on micro-hardness and surface topography of dental nano-composite: an in vitro analysis

Erosion of tooth surface is attributed to recent shift in diet pattern and frequent use of beverages. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of different beverages on surface topography and hardness of nano-filled composite material. Sixty flat disc shaped resin composite samples were fabricated and placed in distilled water for 24 hours. After 24 hours test samples were dried and divided into 4 groups. Group A [n=15] specimens were placed in tight amber bottle comprising 25 ml of artificial saliva. Similarly Group B, C and D were stored in equal amounts of orange juice, milk and coca cola drink respectively. Samples were checked for hardness and surface changes were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. There were strong significant difference observed in samples immersed in orange juice and artificial saliva. A strong significant difference was seen between Group D and Group A. Group A and Group C showed no significant difference. The micro-hardness test showed reduced values among all samples. Beverages consumed daily have a negative influence on hardness and surface degradation of nano-filled dental composite. Comparatively, nano-filled composites possess higher surface area to volume ratio of their fillers particle size may lead to higher surface roughness than other resin based dental biomaterials

Influence of mouth rinses on the surface hardness of dental resin nano-composite

Objective: The aim of this research was to assess the effect of mouth rinses with and without alcohol on the hardness of dental nano-filled composite

Methods: The micro-hardness of fifty circular disk shaped specimens of 7 mm x 2 mm were measured after 14 days. Specimens were immersed into alcohol containing [Listerine and Colgate Perioguard] and alcohol-free [Prodent and Sensodyne Oral antiseptic] mouth rinse solutions. Artificial saliva served as the control. Vickers Micro-hardness was measured with a 30gram load for 30 seconds dwell time by using a diamond indenter. Significant differences were represented by p<0.05, whereas highly significant difference represented by p<0.01. The level of significance [p] was calculated with the help of repeated measure ANOVA. For multiple comparisons, Tukey's multiple comparison test was used

Results: Statistical analysis revealed highly significant difference between specimens immersed in artificial saliva [control] and Listerine [p<0.01]. Whereas significant difference were observed between control and Colgate Periogard [p<0.05]. However, no significant difference was observed on comparing Prodent and Sensodyne Oral antiseptic mouth rinses with control group[p>0.05]. Control specimens depicted highest value of micro-hardness[60.5746 +/- 3.2703] compared to the lowest value seen in specimens immersed in Listerine solvent[54.4687 +/- 1.0937]

Conclusion: Alcohol containing mouth rinsing solutions have more deleterious effect on hardness of nano composites as compared to alcohol-free mouth rinses

Oral hygiene awareness among female Saudi school children

To evaluate the oral hygiene habits and utilization of professional dental health services by all the children in the primary schools, and to compare the differences in oral hygiene awareness [OHA] and dental health status of schoolchildren who are exposed to dental health education and those who are not. Participants included 400 Saudi children, randomly selected from the primary female schools in Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on April 2007. Two hundreds children [age 9-11] from the 25 schools, who were exposed to the dental health education program on April 2006, were randomly selected as the study group. Two hundred children [age 9-11] from the schools, which were not exposed to such program were also randomly selected as the control group. The required information about oral hygiene awareness was collected through an especially designed questionnaire. Tooth brushing for 2 times a day or after meals were more common among schoolchildren of study group, than schoolchildren of control group. A significant difference [p=0.00] was observed between study group and control group, with regard to never brush their teeth. There was no significant difference between study group and control group with respect to using dental floss, using mouthwash, and in relation to never visiting a dentist for check up. The main reason cited by study group, and by control group for visiting the dentist was that they had severe toothache. Both groups presently consume more sweetened soft drinks. A significant [p=0.00] higher frequency of good dental status was observed in the study group, as compared with that of the control group. The school which applied this program, showed improved OHA of children as compared with the control group. Systematic school-based oral health promotion programs are urgently needed in the Kingdom to target lifestyles and health needs of children

Infection control practice in private dental laboratories in Riyadh

In view of the risk of infection of dental health care workers and patients, interruption of possible chains of infection is to be demanded. The objective of this study was to assess infection control practice in private dental laboratories in Riyadh City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The study was conducted on thirty two private dental laboratories in Riyadh City regarding infection control practiced by these laboratories. The instrument of the study consisted of ten open-ended questions that were asked from the laboratories directors. A large percentage of the surveyed laboratories [87.5%] did not implement any infection control protocol during their practice. The mean number of impressions received per week was 16. Most of the surveyed laboratories [90.6%] had no way of communication with the clinics regarding the disinfection procedures. The results indicated that 62.5% of the laboratories reported that they were aware that they may get infection from non-disinfected items. Only a small percentage [6.2%] of the laboratories added disinfecting agent to pumice slurry. Wearing laboratory coats was reported by 75% of the laboratory workers. The use of gloves during work was reported by 59.3% of the laboratories while 56.2% reported the use protective eyewear. Only 21.8% of the laboratories use face masks during work. Construction of infection control manuals that contain updated and recommended guidelines to ensure aseptic practice in private dental laboratories is highly recommended. Also, a way of communication between dentists and dental technicians regarding disinfection of laboratory items should be strongly encouraged