ABSTRACT
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative methods for toothbrush disinfection. Methods - 50 children of age grp 6-12yrs were included in the study. The new toothbrushes were given to children and were asked to brush in the morning and nigh for 1week under the supervision of parents. 2% chlorhexidine, 100% and 50% synthetic vinegar, 25% eucalyptus oil were tested. The head of both morning and night toothbrush were covered with sterile gauze and immediately transferred to microbiology department for microbial decontamination efficacy testing. Results :All disinfectant solutions used had equal antimicobial action for tooth brush disinfection. No difference in colonies or antimicrobial efficacy was seen between different disinfectants and morning and night toothbrush. Conclusion- These agents can be cost-effective, easily accessible, and comparatively effective for toothbrush disinfection. Because these agents are nontoxic, cost-effective and easily accessible, they may be appropriate for household use.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: To assess and compare the effect of commonly prescribed pediatric syrup formulations on primary tooth enamel hardness over a period of 7 days. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was done on 40 noncarious deciduous molar teeth. 10 teeth in each group were dipped in 4 pediatric syrups (Amoxicillin, Metronidazole, Paracetamol,Ibuprufen + paracetamol) for 1 min thrice daily for 7days and the enamel surface micro-hardness was checked at baseline and at the end of 7th day by Vickers hardness testing machine. Results: ANOVA test indicated that the reduction in mean micro hardness at the end of 7th day was maximum in Group A(Amoxicillin) and least in Group D(Ibugesic + Paracetamol).Conclusion: Pediatric liquid medicines can cause dental erosion and have a hazardous effect on the enamel hardness.
ABSTRACT
Aim: to evaluate the willingness of general dental practitioners to provide dental care to children of various age group, the ole dental education plays in shaping future dentists’ attitudes and behaviours concerning treatment and various treatment procedures carried out for child patients in private dental setup. Methods: A 24-item questionnaire survey was developed to determine the variables associated with the attitude of dentists towards treating children. Questions in the survey focused on the dentists’ willingness to treat child patients in general, whether they have specialist in clinic and practice regular follows up of 6 months for children, the barriers they face in treating children, their educational experiences, types of treatments rendered etc., Results and Conclusion: Majority of private practitioners participated in this study treat children and have a positive attitude towards them, even though time consumption and financial constraints was a major barrier. Recommendations could be made to modify undergraduate curricula to encourage dentists to provide treatment to child patients without any reluctance. Efforts should be made to promote the general dentists' willingness to treat children by overcoming the barriers or by referring the children to paediatric dentists as and when necessary.