ABSTRACT
Context: Cleaning and shaping of the canals damages the root dentin which becomes a gateway to dentinal cracks and thereby causes failure of the treatment. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare dentinal crack formation caused by three different nickel–titanium (NiTi) rotary file systems in primary anterior teeth. Settings and Design: The present in vitro study is an experimental, comparative study. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty extracted primary anterior teeth were included in this study. The teeth were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1: Pedoflex rotary file system, Group 2: Prime Pedo™ rotary file system, Group 3: Kedo-S2 rotary file system, Group 4: K-files, and Group 5: no instrumentation. Roots were sectioned and viewed under a stereomicroscope for the presence of any cracks. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: In the coronal, middle, and apical thirds, Group 2 showed a maximum number of crack formations in the middle third (57%), followed by Group 3 (43.3%) and Group 1 (36.7%). Groups 4 and 5 showed no crack formation in all the root sections. The middle third showed a maximum number of crack formations compared to the coronal and apical thirds. Conclusions: Rotary systems render various benefits with an acceptable success in comparison to conventional hand instrumentation. Within the limitation of this study, it was found that Pedoflex rotary file system was the best with the least number of crack formations.
ABSTRACT
Context: Early childhood caries is one of the most widespread diseases affecting children in urban and rural India. Community health workers can bring about a quantum of change in improving the oral health in children. Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of oral health training imparted to Anganwadi and accredited social health activist (ASHA) workers on improving the oral hygiene of 148 children aged 1–6 years. Settings and Design: The preintervention followed by oral health training and postintervention assessment were done at three Anganwadi and ASHA centers of Rajasthan. Methodology: The preintervention data included Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth/decayed, extracted, and filled teeth, oral hygiene indices (Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified [OHI-S] and Oral Hygiene Index Simplified-Modified [OHIS-M]), plaque index, and caries activity using Oratest. The oral health training consisted of PowerPoint presentations, video presentations, live demonstrations on brushing technique, rinsing, plaque disclosure, and flossing technique. They were enlightened on deleterious oral habits, emergency protocol on trauma, etc. The postintervention data included outcome measures consisting of oral hygiene indices (OHI-S and OHIS-M), plaque index, and Oratest after 2 months to evaluate the impact of training. Statistical Analysis used: The data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, paired t-test, and one-way analysis of variance test. Results: There was a significant improvement in toothbrushing practices and rinsing (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in debris index, calculus index, OHI-S/OHIS-M, plaque index, and Oratest after intervention (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Empowering Anganwadi and ASHA workers can be a feasible approach in India, where oral health is not a priority in primary health care as yet.
ABSTRACT
Background: Propylthiouracil (PROP) (a medicated tool) and hormonal fingerprint (second to fourth digits [2D:4D]) ratio can be used for detection of caries which is most prevalent oral health disease. Aim: This study aims to determine the role of genetic taste sensitivity and hormonal fingerprint (2D:4D ratio) on caries risk susceptibility. Materials and Methods: The present study was an observational and cross-sectional study. It was conducted on 570 children aged 6–12 years. PROP sensitivity test was done by PROP impregnated filter paper strips and subjects were divided accordingly into supertasters, medium-tasters, and nontasters. 2D:4D ratio was obtained by measuring length ratio of index to ring finger using Vernier caliper. Dietary preferences of the subjects were recorded. The evaluation of decayed, missing, and filled teeth/deft indices was done. Statistical Analysis: Intergroup comparisons were performed using One-way ANOVA test, independent t-test and Chi-square test at 5% significance level. Results: Positive correlation between nontasters, low digit ratio, sweet likers, and high caries index was found with a high significant difference. Conclusion: Genetic taste sensitivity and hormonal fingerprint (biological marker) can be used for detection of caries as the present research confirmed impact of hormones on taste perception.