Non-Invasive Management of Natal Tooth.

The first primary tooth erupts in the oral cavity at around 6 months of age and is one of the important milestones of oral development. But in rare cases, there may be accelerated eruption much earlier than the ideal time of eruption. Such eruption is termed as precocious eruption/ premature eruption.1 It was Massler and Savara in the year 1950, who gave a definite terminology namely natal and neonatal teeth based on the timing of eruption of these teeth. Natal teeth refers to the teeth present at the time of birth whereas neonatal teeth refers to those that erupt within the first 30 days of life.2

Hormonal fingerprints: A key to early diagnosis of caries.

Background: 6‑n‑propylthiouracil (PROP) is one of the widely used anti‑hyperthyroid drug used for the treatment of grave’s disease. A medicated tool despite being non‑invasive, economical and giving reliable results presented with some difficulties, which became prevalent in our subsequent studies, thus prompting us to formulate a new method for predicting oral health status and diseases like diabetes occurring in India. Aim and Objectives: The current paper would be focusing on the new biological marker‑Hormonal Fingerprint that is under trial to predict children for their caries risk susceptibility. Materials and Methods: A total of 250 children were selected of age group 6‑16 years and PROP sensitivity test was carried out by placing a strip on the dorsal surface of the subject tongue. The hormonal fingerprint was made by measuring the length ratio of the index and ring finger with the help of digital vernier caliper. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical method employed to compute the results were Pearson’s Chi‑square test and analysis of variance. Results: Overall results suggested positive correlation between low second‑to‑fourth digit ratio(2D:4D), i.e. high prenatal androgen levels and high caries index in an Indian population. Conclusion: The research confirms the impact of hormones on human perception of taste and dietary preferences, which in turn influence their caries index and could also extend way beyond it.

Total Antioxidant Concentrations of Breastmilk—An Eye-opener to the Negligent.

The balance between free radical production and antioxidant defenses in the body has important systemic and oral health implications. There is convincing evidence that breastmilk containing antioxidants is important in the prevention of diseases in infancy. This study compared the total antioxidant concentration of human breastmilk expressed at different stages of lactation, stored at various temperatures and durations. Expressed breastmilk (EBM) samples of the third, seventh and 30th day were collected from women who had term and preterm deliveries (n=20). Another cohort of women (n=20) was also assessed; these women were more than five months postpartum and lactating. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of EBM was assessed at zero hours at room temperature, at 48 hours, one week post-refrigeration (4 °C), and freezing (-8 °C) respectively using the phosphomolybdenum method. The highest antioxidant levels were found in colostrum. The TAC of EBM reduced with time and at post-refrigeration and after freezing (p<0.0005). No significant difference in the mean TAC was observed between the EBM samples obtained from women with either term or preterm deliveries. The progressive loss of antioxidant content of EBM emphasizes the need of awareness and curtailment of the practice of storing and later use of EBM.

Mineral trioxide aggregate as a pulpotomy agent in primary molars: An in vivo study.

The retention of pulpally involved deciduous tooth in a healthy state until the time of normal exfoliation remains to be one of the challenges for Pedodontists. A scientific noise has been generated about several materials some of which have been popular pulpotomy medicaments. Concerns have been raised about the toxicity and potential carcinogenicity of these materials, and alternatives have been proposed to maintain the partial pulp vitality, however to date no material has been accepted as an ideal pulpotomy agent. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a biocompatible material which provides a biological seal. MTA has been proposed as a potential medicament for various pulpal procedures like pulp capping with reversible pulpitis, apexification, repair of root perforations, etc. Hence the present study was done to evaluate the efficacy of MTA as a pulpotomy medicament. A clinical and radiographic evaluation was done on children where MTA was used as pulpotomy medicament in primary molars for a period of 6 months and it was found to be a successful material.