An analysis of concentration of sucrose, endogenous pH, and alteration in the plaque pH on consumption of commonly used liquid pediatric medicines.

Background: Many parents are often unaware of the hidden, added sugars in many foods and drinks including pediatric liquid medicines; thus, hidden sugar in the form of pediatric medications has not been focused upon as cariogenic agents. Objective: (i) assess concentration of sucrose in six pediatric drugs, (ii) determine endogenous pH of these drugs, and (iii) estimate drop in the plaque pH in the oral cavity in first 30 minutes after consumption of the drugs. Materials and Methods: Ten adult volunteers with mean age of 22 years were double blinded for the study. Concentration of sucrose was assessed by volumetric method at Department of Chemical Branch of Engineering. Endogenous pH and drop in the plaque pH after consumption of the drugs were assessed using digital pH meter. Statistical analysis: SPSS software was used to assess the pH level at different time intervals and expressed as mean +/- SD. Changes in pH were assessed by one-way ANOVA followed by Wilcoxons signed rank test. P-value was set at 0.05. Result: There were varying amounts of fermentable sucrose detected in the drugs; all the drugs were acidic. There is a significant drop of plaque pH after consumption of the drug. Conclusion: These sweeteners along with their low endogenic pH form a high cariogenic formulation. Thus, nonsucrose (noncariogenic) or sugar-free medications are needed to be prescribed along with proper oral hygiene care to the children under medication.

Comparative evaluation of shear bond strength of two self-etching adhesives (sixth and seventh generation) on dentin of primary and permanent teeth: An in vitro study.

Aim: The present study was undertaken to compare and evaluate shear bond strength of two self-etching adhesives (sixth and seventh generation) on dentin of primary and permanent teeth. Materials and Methods: Flat dentin surface of 64 human anterior teeth (32 primary and 32 permanent) divided into four groups of 16 each. Groups A and C were treated with Contax (sixth generation), while groups B and D were treated with Clearfil S3 (seventh generation). A teflon mold was used to build the composite (Filtek Z-350) cylinders on the dentinal surface of all the specimens. Shear bond strength was tested for all the specimens with an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA for multiple group comparison, followed by student's unpaired 't' test for group-wise comparison. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in shear bond strength among the study groups except that primary teeth bonded with Contax exhibited significantly lesser shear bond strength than permanent teeth bonded with Clearfil S3. Conclusion: This study revealed that Clearfil S3 could be of greater advantage in pediatric dentistry than Contax because of its fewer steps and better shear bond strength in dentin of both primary and permanent teeth.

Comparison of digital radiography, decalcification, and histologic sectioning in the detection of accessory canals in furcation areas of human primary molars.

Although the terms lateral secondary and accessory canals are often used interchangeably they mean different things. The accessory canal is derived from the secondary canal branching off to the periodontal ligament in apical sections. Different methodology was used to study the accessory canals. Decalcification method appeared to the important in studying the accessory canals as compared to digital radiography and histological sectioning.

Chocolate mouth rinse: Effect on plaque accumulation and mutans streptococci counts when used by children.

Background: Glucosyltransferases (GTF) play an important role in the adherence of bacteria to acquired pellicle. Cocoa bean husk extract (CBHE) has been shown to possess anti-glucosyltransferase and antibacterial activity. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CBHE on plaque accumulation and mutans streptococcus count when used as a mouth rinse by children. Materials and Methods: Scaling of the teeth of the selected children was done and the children were instructed to refrain from their routine oral hygiene practices till the morning of the fourth day; they were instead given a placebo mouth rinse for use during this period. On the fourth day, saliva was collected from each subject for microbiological analysis and plaque was disclosed and scored using the modified Quigley and Hein plaque index; later, the teeth were cleaned. After 1 week, scaling of the subjects was done and they were given CBHE mouth rinse to rinse their mouth, following the above protocol. The data was statistically analyzed using Wilcoxon's signed rank test. Results: There was a 20.9% decrease in mutans streptococci counts and a 49.6% decrease in plaque scores in the CBHE group as compared to the placebo group, which was highly significant (P value Conclusion: CBHE is highly effective in reducing mutans streptococci counts and plaque deposition when used as a mouth rinse by children.

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome: Report of two cases in the same family.

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome is a very rare syndrome of autosomal recessive inheritance characterized by palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis and early onset of a severe destructive periodontitis, leading to premature loss of both primary and permanent dentitions. Various etiopathogenic factors are associated with the syndrome but a recent report has suggested that the condition is linked to mutations of the cathepsin C gene. Two cases of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome in the same family, having all of the characteristic features, are presented. An 11-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy presented with the complaints of loose teeth. Both expressed hyperkeratosis of palms, soles, and knees. Severe generalized periodontal destruction, with mobility of teeth, was evident on intraoral examination; orthopantomograph examination showed severe generalized loss of alveolar bone in both the patients.

Comparison of antibacterial activity of three fluorides- and zinc-releasing commercial glass ionomer cements on strains of mutans streptococci: an in vitro study.

The purpose of present study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of three commercially available fluoride- and zinc-releasing glass ionomer cements on strains of mutans streptococci. Three glass ionomers (Fuji II Conventional, Fuji II Light Cure, and Fuji IX) were used. The antibacterial effect of glass ionomer cements were estimated by anaerobically growing mutans streptococci on a selective medium by inoculating human saliva and measuring the inhibition zones around the glass ionomer discs on the medium. Fluoride and zinc release were measured and compared with the antibacterial activity. The results, when statistically analyzed, showed a direct correlation between fluoride release and antibacterial activity, but there was no correlation between zinc release and antibacterial activity.

Orthodontic uprighting of impacted mandibular permanent second molar: a case report.

The mandibular second molars can become impacted beneath the crown of the first molars due to various causes and fail to erupt normally. Presented herewith is a case report of orthodontic uprighting of a mesioangular impacted mandibular right permanent second molar. Though various treatment options were available, an uprighting push spring appliance was used as it is easy to fabricate and produces distal tipping and uprighting of the impacted tooth without the necessity of surgical assistance, bone removal, or splinting. The uprighting of the mandibular second molar was achieved within two months.

Assessment of atmospheric microbial contamination in a mobile dental unit.

INTRODUCTION: Bioaerosols are important considerations in infection control as well as in occupational health. Bioaerosols may carry potentially hazardous microbes, viruses, fungi, allergens, and other toxic substances that may harm the dental operator, patient, and the dental assistant by causing nosocomial infections. OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of atmospheric microbial contamination before, during, and after dental treatment procedures in the dental operatory of a mobile dental unit (MDU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included three treatment sessions on different working days, with an interval of one month. The MDU was fumigated before the start of the study. Brain Heart Infusion Agar with 5% sheep blood was used to collect the gravitometric settling of aerosols produced before, during, and after dental treatment procedures. The agar plates were sent for aerobic and anaerobic culture. RESULTS: The results showed that atmospheric microbial contamination (CFUs/plate) was 4 times higher during working sessions as compared to the levels before the working sessions. At the end of the working day, aerosols decreased by almost 3 times that seen during work. CONCLUSION: The aerosols increased during and after work sessions. This shows the increased risk of transmission of infectious agents to the dentists who work in the MDU. Hence, all necessary preventive measures should be advised and need to be followed strictly.

Estimation of trace elements in sound and carious enamel of primary and permanent teeth by atomic absorption spectrophotometry: an in vitro study.

The influence of trace elements on the prevalence of caries is a complex subject. However, the demonstration of an inverse relationship between caries prevalence and fluoride (F) intake indicates the potential effect of trace elements on caries. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study sought to estimate and compare the trace element concentrations in sound and carious enamel of primary and permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty sound and carious primary and permanent teeth, extracted from children and adolescents of Davangere city, were collected. The teeth were divided into four groups (of ten each) and enamel samples were prepared by mechanical grinding. The trace elements were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study showed the presence of 18 trace elements (F, Sr, K, Al, Si, Ni, B, Fe, Cu, Mn, Co, Cr, Zn, Mg, Se, Pb, Mo, and V) in the enamel of sound and carious primary and permanent teeth. The mean, standard deviation, and range (at 95% confidence level) were calculated for each element. The concentrations of F, Sr, and K were significantly ( P <0.05) higher in sound enamel of permanent teeth than in sound enamel of primary teeth. The concentrations of F, Sr, K, Al, and Fe were significantly ( P <0.05) higher in sound enamel of permanent teeth than in carious enamel of permanent teeth. The concentrations of F, K, and Si were significantly ( P <0.05) higher in sound enamel of primary teeth than in carious enamel of primary teeth.

Garre's sclerosing osteomyelitis.

Garre's sclerosing osteomyelitis is a specific type of chronic osteomyelitis that mainly affects children and young adults. This disease entity is well-described in dental literature and is commonly associated with an odontogenic infection resulting from dental caries. This paper describes a case of Garre's osteomyelitis in a 10-year-old boy, in whom the condition arose following pulpoperiapical infection in relation to permanent mandibular right first molar. Clinically the patient presented with bony hard, non-tender swelling and the occlusal radiograph revealed pathognomic feature of "onion skin" appearance. The elimination of periapical infection was achieved by endodontic therapy and the complete bone remodeling was seen radiographically after three months follow-up.

Comparative evaluation of trace elements and residual bacterial contents of different brands of bottled waters.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the comparative levels of cariostatic and caries potentiating trace elements and to detect residual coliform bacteria in six different bottled waters. Trace elements and fluoride were estimated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer and fluoride ion electrode respectively. Coliform bacteria were detected by multiple tube method. It was found that, trace elements were below the significant caries potentiating or cariostatic levels and none of the samples showed coliform bacterial growth. It can be concluded from the present study that these water samples can be safely consumed without any dental ill effects.

Reactive fibrous hyperplasia associated with a natal tooth.

A natal tooth is that which is present in the oral cavity at the time of birth. Fibrous hyperplasia is a non-specific reactive lesion of soft tissues of unknown etiology usually associated with trauma or local irritation. Natal teeth can occur as an isolated dental finding, but many times they are associated wilh syndromes and developmental disturbances. This is a rare case, where in a natal tooth has led to the formation of a reactive fibrous hyperplasia in a four and half month old infant, a relationship not reported previously.

"Moebius syndrome": a case report.

Moebius syndrome is an extremely rare disorder characterized by a lifetime facial paralysis, involving sixth and seventh cranial nerves with malformations of orofacial structures and the limbs. In this case, an 8 year old girl with Moebius syndrome is presented, clinical findings are described and management aspects are discussed. Early dental evaluation and parental counselling as a part of preventive dental regimen can go a long way in providing complete psychosocial rehabilitation for such physically disabled children.

Inverted central incisor--a case report.

An unusual case of inverted central incisor in a nine year old girl is reported here. The case was diagnosed as an infected dentigerous cyst. The unerupted central incisor was placed inverted almost near the ethmoid bone. The cyst was enucleated successfully.

Labial talon cusp on permanent central incisor: a case report.

Talon cusp is a supernumerary crown structure, a developmental disturbance in the shape of teeth that causes various diagnostic, functional and esthetic problems. Some synonyms for talon cusp are dens evaginatus of anterior teeth, interstitial cusp, tuberculated tooth, odontoma of the axial core type, evaginated odontoma, enamel pearl, supernumerary cusp etc. The lingual location on incisors, which frequently affects occlusion, is pathognomonic of the talon cusp. This report describes a rare odontogenic, isolated anomaly rather than an integral part of any disorder, a case of talon shaped cusp projecting from the labial surface of a maxillary permanent central incisor.

Herniation of the buccal fat pad into the oral cavity: a case report.

An interesting lesion is presented, wherein a tiny traumatic perforation of the buccal mucosa and buccinator muscle forced a large portion of the buccal fat pad to extrude into the oral cavity. Such a situation can alarm any clinician & reinforces the importance of careful history taking and thorough examination, before treating patients.

Fluoride uptake by enamel and dentin from bonding agents and composite resins: a comparative study.

The present study was performed to compare the amount of in vitro fluoride uptake by enamel and dentin from fluoridated bonding agent with non-fluoridated composite (Group I), non-fluoridated bonding agent with fluoridated composite (Group II) and fluoridated bonding agent with fluoridated composite resin (Group III). Sixty extracted premolars were selected and divided into three groups of 20 teeth each. Restorative materials were applied according to manufacturer's instructions into standard windows created in the teeth, cured and placed in de-ionised water for three months. The fluoride content of successive acid etch biopsy was determined by specific ion-electrode analysis. Although significant amount of fluoride uptake occurred in all the test groups, fluoride uptake was found to be highly significant in dentin when compared to enamel in Group, I, II and III (P<0.001). The fluoride uptake was greater by both enamel and dentin in Group III ie fluoridated bonding agent with fluoridated composite resin.

Congenital muscular dystrophy--a case report.

A rare case of congenital muscular dystrophy with unique oro-facial manifestations is presented. Dental considerations and successful management techniques are discussed.

Comparison of the effect of topical fluorides on the commercially available conventional glass ionomers, resin modified glass ionomers and polyacid modified composite resins--an in vitro study.

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of a single application of three professionally applied topical fluoride agents (Sodium fluoride 2%, Stannous fluoride 8% and APF 1.23%) on the surfaces of six modern esthetic restorative materials used in pediatric dentistry viz., two conventional glass ionomers (Fuji II and Shofu-restorative), two resin modified glass ionomers (Vitremer, with and without glaze, and Photac-fil Quick) and two Polyacid modified composite resins (Luxat and Hytac Aplitip). Mean surface roughness and surface micro hardness (SMH) measurements were the parameters employed for comparison. Results showed that APF gel applications significantly increased the surface roughness measurements and decreased SMH of all tested materials, which was pronounced in conventional glass ionomers when compared with resin modified glass ionomers and polyacid modified composite resins. NaF and SnF2 produced a statistically significant increase in the surface roughness of conventional glass ionomers without any significant change in surface roughness and SMH on rest of the materials tested, except for NaF on SMH values of Fuji II, which was statistically significant.

Comparison of resin-dentine interface in primary and permanent teeth for three different durations of dentine etching.

Hybridization of dentine is identified as a basic bonding mechanism between resin and dentine, hence studying the micro morphology of hybrid layer may explain lower bond strength that has been observed in primary teeth. The aim of the present study was to compare the thickness and micromorphology of Hybrid layer formed in primary and permanent teeth for 3 different durations of dentine etching time (5, 10 and 15 sec) with 10% phosphoric acid as etchant. Thickness and micromorphology of hybrid layer was observed on SEM photographs obtained at 750X. Results indicated that primary teeth presented with a significantly thicker hybrid layer compared to permanent teeth at 10 sec (P<0.05) and 15 sec (P<0.01) of dentine etching. It was concluded that owing to the high reactivity of primary teeth to etchants, the etchants be applied for shorter period on primary dentine compared to permanent dentine for better performance of composite restoration in primary dentition.