[Fluoride uptake level of the enamel by a fluoride varnish and a fluoride gel [APF]]

Statement of Problem: Various forms of fluoride-contained products are used to increase the resistance of the tooth against caries for preventive purposes. Furthermore, studies demonstrated higher fluoride uptake with varnish and gel among the wide range of products

Purpose: This study compared fluoride uptake of Duraflor[registered sign] varnish [Practicon Dent, USA] with fluoride gel [APF, Sultan[registered sign]], used on the enamel surface of the intact teeth

Materials and Method: In this experimental in-vitro study, 20 intact pre-molar teeth extracted for orthodontic purposes were randomly assigned to two groups of 10 teeth. The teeth were sectioned into two mesial and distal halves as the control and experimental sides. Defined semi-circular areas on the enamel surface of the experimental halves were treated with gel or varnish for 1 hour. The sample halves were stored in artificial saliva for 24 hours at 37[degree sign]c, etched for 30 seconds by 0.5 M perchloric acid, and washed by 0.2 m KOH after each etching process. Biopsies of the samples were obtained by Acid Etch Enamel Biopsy technique and the fluoride and calcium concentrations were calculated by potentiometer and spectrophotometer, respectively. Kolmogorov-smirnov, Paired t-test and Student t- test were used for statistical analyses

Results: The results demonstrated an increase in the enamel fluoride content after exposure of the teeth to both Duraflor[registered sign] varnish and APF gel [Sultan[registered sign]]. The results of the paired t-test revealed significant differences between the experimental and control halves in both groups [varnish: p =0.002, gel: p =0.039]. The fluoride uptake value in varnish and gel groups was 2069.78 ppm and 1050.99 ppm, respectively. The student t-test showed a statistically significant difference [p =0.01]

Conclusion: Both APF gel and Duraflor[registered sign] varnish increased the fluoride content of the tooth enamel after application, although Duraflor[registered sign] varnish had a higher fluoride uptake level than APF gel

[Incontinentia pigmenti: report of a case]

The rare case of Incontinentia Pigmenti [IP] also known as Bloch-Sulzberger Syndrome was first introduced by Garrod [1906]. This genetically condition involves the skin followed by the teeth. It is also known as a sex linked dominant trait. Brownish gray spots are routinely seen on abdominal and limber skin. The aim of this report is to illustrate the clinical feature of IP cases with reference to earlier reports. An 8.5 year old girl was referred to the pedodontic department for her lack of teeth. Several missing teeth were noted in both jaws with only a number of teeth being present in mouth with change in form. Patient chief complaint was malfunction in mastication and esthetics. Present teeth in clinical exam were as follows: 51,52,61,62,72,73,83. Patient was available for a follow up appointment after 1.5 year. Both upper permanent central incisors were semi erupted at this stage along with newly erupted upper primary canines. Clinical consultation was obtained from departments of oral pathology, oral pediatrician medicine and medical genetics. The condition was agreed as Bloch-Selzberger Syndrome also named as Incontinentia Pigmenti. Based on the collected clinical evidences including the lack of several teeth Incontinentia Pigmenti was diagnosed in association to hyper pigmented spots on skin of abdominal sides. Preventive and intermediate dental treatments are encouraged in such cases

[Effect of locally delivered phenytoin 1% on improvement of chronic periodontitis parameters]

Different adjunctive treatment options have been proposed for treating periodontal diseases other than standard scaling and root planning due to higher incidence of periodontal conditions. Phenytoin is a drug primarily used for the treatment of epilepsy. However, its positive effect on wound healing process has encouraged researchers to recommend it for patients with periodontitis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Phenytoin 1% gel in the improvement of periodontal parameters in chronic periodontitis. In an experimental split-mouth study, 18 patients with moderate periodontitis having at least 2 contra lateral teeth, pocket depth of 4-5 mm and no history of systemic disease were selected. After standard scaling and root planning treatment, both right or left side of the oral cavity was randomly assigned for local delivery of phenytoin 1% gel and, the other side was selected as control. Pocket depth [PD] and connective tissue adhesion [CTA] indices were assessed at the baseline and also two, four and eight weeks after the first injection. The data were analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA and Paired T-tests, considering the baseline measures as covariates. Using baseline PD and CTA values as covariates, significant reduction was observed in mean PD [P<0.05] and significant increase in mean CTA [P<0.001] during the study period. Also there were significant difference between the control experimental sites in terms of mean PD index and CTA [P< 0.001 for both]. Using Phenytoin after standard scaling and root planning can relatively improve the status of Pocket depth and connective tissue adhesion

[Students' impressions on clinical applications of basic science courses [2003-5]]

Basic science courses have long been the subject of debate for its usefulness among many clinicians. This investigation was conducted over the period of 2003 to 2005 in order to evaluate the views of graduating dental students on the quality, quantity and clinical applications of basic science courses on their daily clinical practice. A group of 175 final year dental students [both Male and Female] were asked to participate in this cross sectional investigation. A questionnaire was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative information about different basic science materials that were thought to them. Participants were dental students of Tehran, Shahed and Shaheed Beheshti Universities, the three major dental schools located in Tehran, the capital city. Mann-Whitney as well as Kruskal Wallis tests were used for data analysis. Based on the collected information, most of the students had a common belief that courses like [Human Anatomy], [General Pathology] and [Human Physiology] had the greatest influence in their daily practice while [Biochemistry], [Biophysics] and [Genetics] had contributed the least. They also thought that the two courses of [Biochemistry] and [Microbiology] have been the focus of too much attention, while more emphasis needed for [Biostatistics], [Human Anatomy], [Genetics] and [Psychology] courses by the school curriculum committee and the teaching staff. Analysis of data revealed significant group differences between Shaheed Beheshti dental students and others in relation to importance of [Anatomy] [Psychology] and [Biochemistry] courses [P=0.005]. The overall satisfaction was observed among all students of the three dental schools for[Microbiology], [Pathology], [Public Health], [Physiology], and [Biophysics] courses to some extent. There seem to be a slight difference in the amount of value and emphasis put forward by different schools on the basic science courses offered to dental students

Correlation between periodontal diseases and mouth breathing

Some studies have reported direct relationship between mouth breathing and increased susceptibility of patients to develop periodontal diseases. The present study was designed to evaluate the correlation between periodontal diseases and mouth breathing in Iranian population. This historical cohort study was conducted with 90 participants aged 20-35 years-old, who were referred to Isfahan Dental School and few other private dental clinics in the city of Isfahan in the year 2003. All participants had to be free of relevant systemic conditions. The cases were defined as patients with mouth breathing, having dome-shaped palate and open mouth [lips] when in rest position. Oral examination was conducted using 3 diagnostic criteria. Forty-five patients who were confirmed by all three criteria were included in the study as cases. The control group was composed of subjects who had normal breathing from their nose. The gingival index was determined for posterior and anterior regions of all participants. The statistical analysis was conducted and Mann- Whitney U tests was used in order to determine group differences. The gingival indices in the anterior region of cases were determined. The number of individual with scores 1, 2 and 3 were five [11.1%], 36 [80%] and four [8.9%] respectively. The scores in control group for five subjects [11.1%] was [0] or had no gingival condition, 32 [71.1%] subjects had score one and eight [17.8%] had score 2. The group differences were statistically significant [P < 0.001]. No significant difference was detected in posterior gingival indices [P > 0.05]. Mouth breathing can be a contributing factor in increasing the risk of periodontal diseases

Assessment of pathogens microorganisms of periapical abscess in primary teeth

Dental abscess is considered as one of the most common complications of untreated caries in children. Microorganisms are known as major causes for the pulp and periradicular pathosis. Black - pigmented, gram -negative anaerobes, belonging to species of porphyromonas and prevotella [bacteroides] play an important role in causing clinical signs and symptoms related to pulp and periradicular disease. The aim of this investigation was to assess the presence of two main pathogenic microorganisms named porphyromonas gingivalis and prevotella melaninogenica in abscessed primary teeth. Forty children aged 4-10 years were selected with no systemic disease and no antibiotic consumption during the last two weeks of sampling. Selected teeth were presenting swelling and pain at observation stage as signs of acute abscess. The diagnostic technique of porphyromonas gingivalis and prevotella melaningenica was the use of DNA formulation reading by means of PCR technique. Results showed that of the 40 samples, 35 [%87.5] were positive for porphyromonas gingivalis, 34 [%85] were positive for prevotella melaninogenica. However, it seems that more work is required for more precise antibiotic therapy of dental abscess in children. The presence of two well known species of microorganisms in periapical abscess of primary teeth was confirmed

Approach of family physician towards asthma

To assess the approach of family physician towards asthma [who look after majority of the patients], a survey was conducted. A designed proforma was distributed among the participant doctors of an "Asthma Workshop". Sixty-six% treated less than five cases per day. Thirty three% considered disease to be inflammatory in nature. Three% suggested inhaled therapy to every asthmatic. Sixty-three% monitored progress clinically. Majority advised dietary restriction. Thirty% thought that hyposen-sitization has a role to play. The majority of family physicians still need to be educated about this disease