Estimation and correlation of salivary thiocyanate levels in periodontally healthy subjects, smokers, nonsmokers, and gutka‑chewers with chronic periodontitis.

Aim: This study was conducted to estimate and correlate salivary thiocyanate (SCN) levels in periodontally healthy subjects, smokers, nonsmokers, and gutka‑chewers with chronic periodontitis. Methodology: The study population consisted of 40 systemically healthy subjects in the age group of 18–55 years that was further divided into four groups: Control, smokers, nonsmokers, and gutka‑chewers with chronic periodontitis. Gingival index (GI) (Loe and Silness‑1963), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss was assessed. Estimation of SCN was performed by ultraviolet spectrophotometer at 447 nm wavelength. Statistical analysis was performed using the one‑way ANOVAs Welch test and Pearson’s correlation test using SPSS version 17 software. Results: Results showed statistically significant increase in SCN levels in smokers as compared to gutka‑chewers with chronic periodontitis, control, and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis subjects. Significantly higher PD and loss of attachment were seen in smokers group compared with other groups. A negative correlation observed between the GI and thiocyanate levels. Conclusion: The present study revealed a significant increase in SCN levels in smokers with periodontitis as compared to nonsmokers.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a 5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate (Novamin®) containing dentifrice for the relief of dentinal hypersensitivity: A clinical study.

Context: Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a commonly encountered problem. Several products are used in management of DH with varying results. Need is felt in dentistry for a material that chemically reacts, physically occludes and adheres intimately to dentinal tubules to reduce the possibility of its recurrence. One such material is calcium sodium phosphosilicate-Novamin ® . Aim: To evaluate an efficacy of a 5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate (Novamin ® SHY NM TM ) containing dentifrice compared to placebo for the relief of DH. Settings and Design: Outpatients visiting Dept of Periodontics, Yenepoya Dental College with DH were deemed eligible for this case-control clinical trial after an informed consent. Materials and Methods: 30 patients having at least 2 sensitive teeth with a VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) of >3 cm after air blast stimulation, qualified to participate in the study. Test (SHY NM TM toothpaste containing 5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate) and control (Pepsodent toothpaste without a desensitizing agent) groups, each containing 15 participants, were subjected to cold water and air blast stimulation for an assessment of DH at baseline, 6 th and 8 th week using VAS. Statistical analysis used: Unpaired t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: 5% Novamin ® containing dentifrice significantly reduced DH within 6 th and 8 th week of usage when compared to a placebo dentifrice. Conclusions: A Novamin ® containing dentifrice significantly reduced DH when compared to a placebo dentifrice.

The efficacy of a herbal-based toothpaste in the control of plaque and gingivitis: A clinico-biochemical study.

Objective: A double-blinded controlled clinical trial with parallel groups was designed to investigate the effectiveness of a herbal-based toothpaste in the control of plaque and gingivitis as compared with a conventional dentifrice. The efficacy of Colgate Herbal over Colgate tooth paste was assessed in this study. Materials and Methods: Thirty subjects with gingivitis participated in the study. All participants had at least 20 natural teeth with no probing depths greater than 3 mm and a plaque index score of 2 or more at baseline. At baseline, the clinical parameters like gingival index, plaque index and salivary pH were estimated. Paired t-test was used to compare the difference within the groups and unpaired t-test was used to compare the difference between the groups at baseline and on the 30 th day. Results: At the end of the study, there were statistically significant reductions in the gingival index and the plaque index scores within the test group. However, there were no statistically significant differences between the test and the control groups. The salivary pH changes were not statistically significant in the test group but were displaced more toward the acidic range in the control group. Conclusion: It was however concluded that the herbal-based toothpaste was as effective as the conventionally formulated dentifrice in the control of plaque and gingivitis.

Efficacy of Chitra granule and powder (hydroxyapatite) in alveolar bone regeneration in rabbits. A histological evaluation.

The reconstruction or restoration of osseous defects caused by inflammatory periodontal disease is a continuing challenge in periodontal therapy. Great strides are being made to this effect using alloplasts such as hydroxyapatite. The present study was designed in Newzealand dwarf rabbits to observe the biologic response of periodontal tissues to synthetically prepared hydroxyapatite in both powder and granule forms by Srichitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Trivandrum and to compare it with that of a commercially available, pure resorbable hydroxyapatite, OsteoGen (HA Resorb). The test materials were implanted in the artificially created bonydefects in the mandible via an intraoral approach. The wounds were allowed to heal upto 26 weeks postimplantation. The clinical evaluation at 12 weeks and 26 weeks postimplantation revealed neither any evidence of inflammation, infection or abscess formation nor any exposure or exfoliation of test materials. The histological examination of the implant sites at 12 and 26 weeks postimplantation revealed varying extent of formation of new osseous tissue and periodontal fibers. A comparison between test materials and control suggested that Chitra granules exhibit a relatively greater potential for newbone and periodontal fibre formation.

Metastasis to maxillary gingiva from carcinoma of breast. A case report.

A rare case of metastatic infiltrating duct carcinoma involving gingiva in relation to maxillary left canine-premolar of a 40 year old female is presented. The unilateral gingival enlargement in canine-premolar region was quite unusual. Pertinent history and histological examination revealed that the tumor was a metastatic carcinoma, the primary lesion of which was in the breast. The differential diagnosis of gingival enlargements is discussed in this paper. The resemblance of this mass to an inflammatory hyperplastic condition reflects the need for a detailed case history and examination.