Heterogeneous Occlusal Traits among Monozygotic Twins from the Village of Twins – A Report of 3 Cases.

Research involving twins contributes much to the scientific world as they enable one to understand the complex morphological variations and the phenotypic expressions of various genes. Twin research study design illustrates and explains the relative contribution and interactions of genes and the environmental factors responsible for the development of a particular trait. Quantification of the genetic and environmental contributing factors enables researchers to explore the variations to various physical, behavioural disorders and dental diseases like dental caries, periodontal diseases and malocclusion. Research with monozygotic twins who share the same genetic pool and similar environmental factors estimates the expression of a particular trait by disentangling the shared genetic coding and environmental contributing features. Monozygotic twin pairs may not always be a look alike in resemblance or other features given that fact that the original zygotic genome might be altered due to epigenetic and environmental factors. This case report elaborates three monozygotic twins from a unique village of twins who differ in their occlusal characteristics.

A descriptive assessment of oral hygiene and salivary parameters among identical and non- identical twins

AIM: This study was to evaluate saliva parameters of identical and non identical twins with their dental caries and oral hygiene status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the oral health status and investigate the salivary parameters of identical and non­identical twins in Kodhini Village, Kerala. The WHO Oral Health Assessment Form was used to record the oral health status. The Simplified Oral Hygiene Index and Gingival Bleeding Index were also included. Unstimulated saliva was collected. Immunoglobulin A levels in saliva was estimated by Turbidimetric Immunoassay. Salivary Cortisol was analysed using ELISA method. For TAC thiobarbituric acid reactive from Fenton's reaction. RESULTS: Since the absolute difference of the salivary parameters between the pairs of twins was not symmetrically distributed, we report median and interquartile range to describe these differences. There were no observed significant variations in the above salivary parameters. CONCLUSION: The similarity in their environmental factors as well as perhaps the similar genetic predisposition on salivary factors has led to the similarity in the dental caries experience in these twin children.

Establishing an Eco-friendly Dental Practice: A Review.

Have dentists paused to think as to where the gloves, fixer, plastic waste, mercury waste, and X-ray films used in the clinic end up after disposal? Or considered how much water, electricity, and other resources our dental clinics use? Dentists need to take off their tinted glasses and consider the effects of their dental practice on the planet. Though individual dentists generate only small amounts of dental waste, the accumulated waste produced by the profession may have significant environmental impact. Thus the concept of “green dentistry” or “ecofriendly dentistry” has evolved. Eco-friendly dentistry is an environmentally friendly way of practicing dentistry by using techniques and equipment to reduce waste, conserve energy, decrease pollution, and reduce our carbon footprint. The incorporation of eco-friendly dentistry to the dental practice is not only effective from an environmental perspective but is cost-effective for the dentist too. If a dental practitioner is looking for a way to distinguish his clinic from the others, eco-friendly dentistry could be the answer. This article reviews the scientific literature on eco-friendly dentistry and suggests comprehensive steps to start an eco-friendly dental practice.

Wound healing activity of alcoholic extract of Kaempferia galanga in Wistar rats.

The wound healing effect of alcoholic extract of Kaempferia galanga (K. galanga) and its effect in dexamethasone suppressed wound healing was studied in Wistar rats. Three wound models viz. incision, excision and dead space wounds were used in this study. The parameters studied were breaking strength in case of incision wounds, epithelialization and wound contraction in case of excision wound and granulation tissue dry weight, breaking strength and hydroxyproline content in case of dead space wound. The dexamethasone treated group showed a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the wound breaking strength when compared to control group in incision type of wound model. Coadministration of K. galanga with dexamethasone had significantly (P < 0.001) increased the breaking strength of dexamethasone treated group. In excision wound model, the percentage of the wound contraction was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by K. galanga only on 16th day and also it reversed the dexamethasone suppressed wound contraction on the 16 day. K. galanga significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the time required for epithelialization and reversed the epithelialization delaying effect of dexamethasone significantly (P < 0.001).