Comparison of neutrophil apoptosis alpha-defensins and calprotectin in children with and without severe early childhood caries

The infectious nature of severe early-childhood caries[S-ECC] points to the possible participation of immunologic host responses including neutrophils and their antimicrobial products. The aim of this study was to determine the neutrophil apoptosis, alpha-defensins [HNP1-3] and calprotectin levels in the saliva of preschool children and the association with S-ECC. Oral examinations were performed on 87 children aged 3-5 years and non stimulated whole saliva samples were collected. Thirty of these subjects were considered S-ECC children, 30 with moderate caries [MC] and 27 were caries free [CF]. to detect apoptosis, cell staining was done with Annexin-V-Fluos and propidium iodide, and they were analyzed by fluorescent microscopy. The concentration of alpha-defensins and calprotectin were assessed using ELISA. There were no statistical differences between groups considering the HNP1-3 or calprotectin salivary levels[p=0.06 and p=0.23, respectively]. The HNP1-3 and calprotectin levels were negatively correlated and the correlation was significant in MC group [p=0.03]. Lower levels of apoptotic neutrophils were obtained from CF subjects as compared with S-ECC children [p=0.03]. Our findings establish that apoptotic mechanisms could be implicated in the immunity responses associated with S-ECC. We cannot yet determine if the level of salivary alpha-defensins or calprotectin is predictive of S-ECC

Contamination of dental unit water and air outlets following use of clean head system and conventional handpieces

Dental handpiece is a source of contamination because it is in constant touch with the oral cavity. Sterilization does not seem to be sufficient to prevent penetration of microorganisms into air and water lines of the unit, because negative pressure developed by valves [which are placed in water outlets] and post shut-off inertial rotation of handpiece result in water and debris being sucked into air and water outlets of dental unit. The aim of this study was to compare dental unit contamination following use of clean head system handpieces and conventional handpieces. Twenty-two dental units in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in Shahid Beheshti Faculty of Dentistry were used for the purpose of this study. A 1.5x10[8] cfu/mm[3] concentration of Staphylococcus epidermis [SE] was used to contaminate the air and water outlets of dental units. Ten clean head system handpieces and 10 conventional handpieces were used for 30 seconds in the above-mentioned suspension. Microbial samples were collected from the air and water lines. Culturing and colony counting procedures were carried out. Data was analyzed by t-test; a value of p < 0.01 was considered significant. demonstrated a significantly lower SE contamination in water outlets following the use of clean head system [p < 0.01]. A lower tendency of clean head system handpieces to transmit SE compared to conventional system makes them a better choice for infection control

[Epidemiological evaluation of DMFT index in 12 - year - old students of Qom city in 1383]

Knowledge of existing situation in each region plays great role in order to prevent oral and dental diseases in people. Meanwhile, DMFT index is one of the best epidemiological indices in dentistry representing oral hygiene situation in society. So, this study was conducted in order to evaluate DMFT index in 12- years-old students of Qom City. This descriptive study was done cross - sectionally using interview, examination and questionnaire among 12- years- old students of Qom city. Considering WHO criteria, 300 samples were selected for the study and the effect of variables such as gender, the order of children in family, mother education, tooth brushing and the use of mouthwash on DMFT were evaluated. The data were analyzed by SPSS software Version 10. DMFT rate was achieved 2.28 +/- 2.1 while it was 2.87 +/- 2.03 in females and 2.72 +/- 2.18 in males. The existed difference [0.71] was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. DMFT in students who were used to tooth brushing was 2.6 +/- 2.05 and 3.28 +/- 2.15 in students not using toothbrushes, the difference was statistically significant [P<0.009]. Caries free rate was estimated 10.7% in the study [6% in females and 4.7% in males]. The study showed SCI of 5.15 +/- 1.45. Considering WHO criteria, the achieved DMFT index in Qom city was acceptable. According to the aim of WHO for the year of 2015 for 12 - years- old people [SCI of less than 3DMFT<1], it is necessary to perform special program for the purpose