Comparative Evaluation of Conventional Toothbrushing with Traditional Miswak for Oral Hygiene Maintainence in a Socially Disadvantaged Young Muslim Population.

Background: Chewing sticks were used throughout the Greek and Roman empires and by many communities till date. Many people do not use modern oral hygiene aids such as toothbrushes due to reasons like cost, customs and religious reasons and accessibility. The miswak, obtained from the twigs of the Salvadora persica tree, may be beneficial due to its mechanical cleaning. The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the oral hygiene status and gingival conditions following the use of conventional tooth brushing and miswak in socially disadvantaged subjects over a period 100 days. Methods: The study was conducted in an orphanage in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Out of the total 354 subjects, 180 subjects who were within this selected age group were followed and examined After acquiring the permission and the information to the subjects a total of 148 subjects, were voluntarily willing to participate in the study. Out of these subjects 72 subjects were using miswak (Group I), 46 subjects were using tooth brush and tooth paste (Group II) while 30 subjects (Group III) accepted that they were using both miswak as well as tooth paste and tooth brush as an oral hygiene aid. All of these subjects were evaluated for Gingival and Plaque status on 50th and 100th day following oral prophylaxis. The Mean, Standard Deviation, One way ANOVA test and Scheffe test were performed to reveal the statistical significance. Results: Both Group II and Group III showed a significant difference (p≤0.05), at 50th and 100th day in their mean plaque scores. The mean gingival scores recorded for subjects using only miswak and those subjects using both miswak as well as tooth brush and tooth paste increased from 50th day to 100th day and showed a statistical difference between the two means. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that miswak can be used as an effective adjunct for oral hygiene maintenance along with toothbrush and tooth paste as it is readily available and inexpensive.

Prevalence of Unclassified Root Canal Configuration in Permanent Maxillary First Molar in Indian Population.

Background: If a canal is left untreated, it is a foci of infection. Therefore, it is critical to know the usual configuration of the root canal along with the variations in root canal anatomy, in order to keep the cause of endodontic failure to a minimum. Aim: This study investigated the canal configuration in maxillary first permanent molar mesiobuccal root radiographically followed by histological evaluation in Indian population. Methods: Endodontic access preparation was performed on 100 human permanent maxillary Ist molars and all the canals were explored. The mesiobuccal root was separated and radiographed in mesiodistal and buccolingual direction. India ink dye was injected actively in the root canal of each sample. The root samples were prepared for histological viewing. The slides made were observed under light microscope and canal configurations were tabulated. Results: The radiographic interpretations by observers were correlated with histological findings and analyzed statistically (p value). The radiographic findings revealed a good inter observer agreement (Cohen kappa). On matching histological and radiographic interpretations, it revealed 69.2% Vertucci type I predominance. New unclassified canal configurations were also observed. Conclusion: To divulge three dimensional architecture of the root canal, application of alone conventional radiography is not enough.

Short Term Effects of Magnetised Water and Chlorhexidine on Plaque Accumulation and Gingival Inflammation- A Randomised Clinical Study.

Background: The beneficial uses of magnetized water in medical sciences has been tried but its application in the field of dentistry is still at its infancy. Magnetized water can be a cheaper alternative to adjuncts used for chemical plaque control. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of conventionally prepared magnetized water and 0.2% Chlorhexidine on gingival and plaque status among children attending a Government Dental College. Methods: The present double blinded randomized control clinical study was carried out in Department of Pedodontics, Govt. Dental College, Srinagar. A total of 75 children between 12-15 years were randomly allocated into 3 groups A, B and C, each comprising of 25 subjects who were asked to rinse with Mint Water (Control Group), Magnetized water and 0.2% Chlorhexidine respectively. Examination was carried on day 0 (Baseline), 14 days (2 weeks) and 21 days (3 weeks) whose Turesky- Gilmore Modification of Quigley Hein Plaque Index and Gingival Index were assessed. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean PI and GI scores of magnetized water and Chlorhexidine groups when compared with that of Control group, both at 14 days (2 weeks) and at 21 days (3 weeks). Conclusion: It was concluded that both Magnetized water and 0.2% Chlorhexidine showed less plaque accumulations as well as improvement in the gingival status as compared to the control group.

Practices and usage of computers in dental settings by dentists – A cross sectional study

Medical informatics is the rapidly developing scientific field that deals with resources, devices and formalized methods for optimizing the storage, retrieval and management of biomedical information for problem solving and decision making. It is the branch of science concerned with the use of computers and communication technology to acquire, store, analyze, communicate and display medical information and knowledge to facilitate understanding and improve the accuracy, timeliness and reliability of decision-making. This study was aimed to asses if the dentists in Kashmir use computers at their practices and hospitals. A self-designed questionnaire was used to conduct the survey. The questionnaire was randomly distributed to 446 dental professionals working as interns and teaching staff and dental practitioners. It was noted that 88.5% of the dentists did not use any practice management. Those who are using computers at their practices most frequently use it to store patient information (18.7%). While 22.6 % use it for scheduling appointments, 9.8% for treatment planning, 28.9% use it for diagnosis as radiographs. Many barriers for the use of technology have been put forth. Five categories of barriers to technology integration are time, expertise, access, resources and support.

Comparison of changes in salivary pH levels after consumption of plain milk and milk mixed with sugar

Studies of dietary effects on saliva were common in the early part of this century, but it is now understood that such studies are of little value because the effects of other physiologic variables, such as time of day, were seldom controlled in the experimental design. The main salivary factors that, from theoretical considerations, might be expected to influence the process of caries are flow rate and the concentrations of calcium, phosphate, bicarbonate, hydrogen ions, fluoride, urea, and protein (particularly amylase). As the mankind has evolved, a drastic change has been seen in the dietary fermentable carbohydrate which eventually is associated with increased prevalence of dental caries. Milk is consumed with sugar syrups or honey to add flavor which eventually increases sugar content of milk, putting the children at a higher risk of dental caries. This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the acidogenic potential of milk as compared to milk and sugar at various time intervals. A total of 230 children aged 12 to 15 years were examined, 60 children which equal number of males and females (30 each) who satisfied the inclusion criteria were randomly selected and assigned to two groups, Group I: Plain milk (250 mL) and Group II: Milk and sugar (250 mL + 1 table spoon sugar =12.50 gm). After recording the resting pH, the change in the salivary pH in the respective groups after consuming the test meal was recorded after 5 minutes, 10 minutes, after 15 minutes, after 30 minutes and 120 minutes. The results show that there was no statistical significant difference in pH between the two groups. Statistically significant difference was seen at 10, 15, 30 minutes with highest at 15 minutes (p = 0.001) between plain milk (group I), milk and sugar (group II). The milk group showed a significant decrease in pH at 10 minutes. However, pH returned to normal at 15 - 30 minutes in group II. The study concluded that milk when added with sugar as did not pose a risk of demineralization as there was no decrease of pH below the limit of critical pH of 4.5 to 5.5

Comparative Evaluation of Bioactive Glass in Treatment of Intra Osseous Periodontal Defects: A Clinical and Radiographic Study.

Background: The present clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effects of bioactive glass in treatment of periodontal intra-bony defects. Methods: 25 patients 23-55 years of age with intra-bony defects completed 1 year study. After completion of initial therapy, defects were randomly assigned to either a test or control procedure. Following flap reflection root planning and removal of chronic inflammatory tissue in both groups test defects were restored with bioactive glass, while open flap debridement was done in control sites. Muco-periosteal flaps were replaced sutured and periodontal dressing was used. Follow up was carried out weekly, 3 months 9 months and 1 year post surgery. Plaque score, sulcus bleeding score probing pocket depth were recorded at baseline, 3 months and 1 year. Standardized radiographs using RVG was taken at baseline, immediately post operatively and at 1 year. Results: Radiographs showed a significant increase in radiographic density and volume between defects treated with bioglass when compared with open flap debridement alone. Probing pocket depth, probing attachment level showed improvement in test and control site with greater trend to improvement in test site. Conclusion: It was concluded that bioglass is effective as an adjunct to conventional surgery in treatment of intra-bony defects.

Osteo-Odonto-Keratoprosthesis (OOKP) for patients with corneal blindness: A review.

Anatomically, the cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and is primarily responsible for light refraction which allows for central and peripheral vision. Corneal diseases are among the major causes of global blindness, secondary to cataracts. This paper intends to review Osteo-odonto Keratoprosthesis (OOKP), which is a two stage procedure whereby dental and buccal tissue is auto-transplanted into eye to serve as a synthetic cornea. Our purpose is to inform readers about the relevant anatomy, two-stage producer, surgical inter-professionalism, indications, contraindications, complications, long-term functional and anatomical results and patient outcomes of OOKP. The present manuscript was constructed by extensive review of literature of various review articles and case reports and the data was collected from 32 review articles and case reports.

Management of a maxillary second premolar with an S-shaped root canal – An endodontic challenge.

Knowledge of dental anatomy and its variations is essential for the success of endodontic treatment Complex and unusual root canal morphology is an often occurring phenomenon. One such variant root canal morphology is the ‘S’ shaped or bayonet shaped root canal. The unique morphology of S-shaped root canals often pose utmost challenges in their endodontic management routine periapical radiographs aids in assessing these morphological variations in the root canal system This case report discusses endodontic treatment of a maxillary second premolar with an ‘S’ shaped root canal.

Prevalence of early childhood caries among preschool children of low socioeconomic status in district Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Introduction: Dental caries is also one of the major issues which interfere with the healthy life of an individual, especially in children. Due to its high prevalence worldwide, caries in children has often been described as a ‘pandemic’ disease. In preschool age children, this disease is called Early Childhood Caries (ECC), but is commonly known as “baby bottle tooth decay” or maxillary anterior caries. About 90% of school children worldwide experience dental caries with the disease being most prevalent in Asia and Latin American countries and least prevalent in African countries. This study was undertaken with the aim of assessing prevalence of ECC among preschool children of low socioeconomic status in Srinagar city. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study, approved by the institutional Ethical Committee was designed. Children were selected from various Anganwadi centres in Srinagar city, Jammu and Kashmir, India. All children 24–59 months old, attending the selected Anganwadi centres, forming a total of 466 were selected. Clinical examination was carried out at Anganwadi centres or concerned schools by a single calibrated examiner. Data was analysed using SPSS version 16.0 software. Results: Out of the 466 children examined, 229 (49.1%) were boys and 237 (50.9%) were girls. The prevalence of ECC was 39.9% (186 out of 466) out of which 102 (54.8%) were boys and 84 (45.2%)were girls. Whereas prevalence of ECC was significantly higher among 36-47 month months old children as compared with other groups (χ2 = 14.03, P = 0.001). The overall mean deft for ECC was 1.80 ± 3.18 ranging from 0 to 17 teeth. Mean deft was significantly higher in 36-47 months age group as compared with others (F = 10.89,p=0.000). Conclusion: There is an urgent need to implement Preventive and Curative Oral Health Programs for children. As Anganwadis are run by State Government, a public-private partnership between government, Private Dental Colleges, and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) would prove useful toward providing oral health care to these children.