ABSTRACT
Background: Stevia is a natural, non-caloric sweetener with antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-cariogenic properties. Aim was to assess and compare the effect of 4.7% stevia solution, 4.7% sucrose solution and distilled water mouth rinsing on salivary pH. Methods: Randomized controlled trial with latin square design was followed involving 15 female participants aged 20-23 years. Participants were randomly allocated to three interventional groups; Group A: 4.7% stevia mouth rinse, Group B: 4.7% sucrose mouth rinse and Group C: distilled water mouth rinse. Salivary pH assessments were done at baseline and 1, 20 and 60 minutes post intervention using salivary pH indicator strips. For statistical analysis, significance level was fixed at p<0.05. One way and repeated measures ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post Hoc tests were used for data analysis Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in salivary pH post rinsing with stevia solution (at 1, 20 and 60 minutes respectively) compared to sucrose solution and distilled water mouth rinsing Conclusion: Stevia solution mouth rinsing showed significant increase in salivary pH at one hour from baseline compared to sucrose and distilled water mouth rinsing. Hence, it may serve as an anti-cariogenic sugar substitute.
ABSTRACT
Background: Laser photobiomodulation (LPBM), also called Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), has shown potential to reduce the pulpal inflammation and to preserve the dental pulp vitality, thereby improving healing. Lasers being minimally invasive, safe, and patient friendly prompt its application in pediatric dentistry. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic success rates of LPBM and formocresol pulpotomy at 9 months post intervention in human primary molars. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled, split-mouth study design was followed involving children aged 4–7 years with at least two primary molars indicated for pulpotomy. Sixty-eight eligible primary molars were randomly allocated to two interventions – formocresol pulpotomy (Group I) and LPBM pulpotomy (Group II). Statistical Analyses: Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis fixing significance level at P ? 0.05. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the clinical success rates between the formocresol group (97.05%) and the photobiomodulation group (94.1%) (?2 = 0.34, P = 0.55); however, the radiographic success rate was significantly high in the laser group (94.1%) compared to the formocresol group (58.82%) (?2 = 11.76, P = 0.001). Conclusion: LPBM could be a viable nonpharmaceutical alternative for formocresol pulpotomy in human primary teeth