Probiotics in Health and Disease

Importance of normal microbial flora in human bodies to maintain optimal health cannot be under estimated. Probiotics or live microorganisms confer health benefit in various diseases. Thus potential of probiotics to maintain health and prevent many disorders without significant adverse effects has opened new options for treating various diseases.

The Effect of Supplementation of Standard Antibiotic Therapy with Oral Probiotics for Bacterial Vaginosis

Background: Bacterial vaginosis is a common cause of vaginal infection worldwide in women of child bearing age. It can be asymptomatic or mild infection but can lead to many complications especially during pregnancy. Recurrence is also frequently seen in women suffering from bacterial vaginosis. This infection usually occurs when normal lactobacillus flora in vagina is disrupted and replaced by pathogens. Administration of probiotics will restore normal vaginal flora and maintain normal pH and it could prove to be a reliable alternative to antibiotics in future. Objective: To assess the effect of supplementation of standard antibiotic therapy with oral probiotics (Lactobacillus) for treatment of bacterial vaginosis. Material Methods: It was an open labeled prospective study in which 100 women diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis were randomly divided into two groups. Diagnosis was made using Amsel’s criteria and Nugent scoring was done. Group A was given Oral Metronidazole, 400 mg BD for 7 days along with oral probiotic tablet containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus BD for 6 weeks whereas Group B was administered Oral Metronidazole, 400 mg BD for 7 days. Patients were assessed at 7 days for symptomatic improvement and again at the end of 6 weeks using Nugent scores. Results obtained were then compared. Results: Out of all patients 2 patients in Group A and 5 patients in Group B could not complete the study. At the end of 7 days, there was improvement in symptoms ie decrease in itching, odour and discharge. There was a significant difference in mean Nugent score before and after treatment between group A and group B at the end of 6 weeks. Conclusion: This study concluded that improvement in patients taking probiotics along with standard antibiotic therapy was significantly more as compared to antibiotics alone.

New ray of hope for psychosis in parkinson’s: Pimavanserin.

Parkinson’s disease is often associated with hallucinations and psychosis. Till now typical and atypical antipsychotics (Clozapine & Quetiapine) are being used to manage these symptoms. Recently US FDA has approved a new drug Pimavanserin for the treatment of hallucination and delusion associated with parkinson’s disease psychosis in a dose of 34 mg.

Comparative in vivo evaluation of restoring severely mutilated primary anterior teeth with biological post and crown preparation and reinforced composite restoration.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to compare the success rate of biological and composite restorations when used to replace structural loss of primary anterior teeth using intracanal post for radicular support of the restoration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients aged between 3-5 years presenting with early childhood caries (ECC) received at least one or more composite and biological restorations for comparative evaluation. A total of 150 restorations were done (75 biological restorations and 75 composite restorations). The restorations were evaluated single-blind according to a modified USPHS system. Assessment of the patient's response in accepting a biological restoration, psychological impact of the restorations, view of the parents, and peer group reviews, etc. were recorded in a response sheet in presence of the child and the parents. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS: In vivo clinical performance of biological post and crown restorations and intracanal reinforced composite restorations was comparable with respect to shade match, marginal discoloration, marginal integrity, surface finish, gingival health, retention, and recurrent carious lesions. The cost effectiveness of biological restorations was certainly a positive attribute. CONCLUSION: The biological restoration presented as a cost effective, clinician friendly, less-technique sensitive, and esthetic alternative to commercially available restorative materials used for restoring deciduous teeth affected by ECC.

The effect of fissure morphology and eruption time on penetration and adaptation of pit and fissure sealants: An SEM study.

This study was designed to examine the effect of fissure morphology on penetration and adaptation of fissure sealants and their relationship with the eruption time of tooth. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty extracted molars and premolars were divided into two groups on the basis of their eruption time. The two groups were further divided into five subgroups on the basis of fissure morphology. An scanning electron microscopic analysis of penetration and adaptation of sealant was done. Observations and Results: V- and U-shaped fissures were found to have the maximum penetration. Penetration was very poor for I- and IK-types of fissures. No significant difference in penetration was found in relation to eruption time. Adaptation of sealant was not affected by any of the factors. Conclusion: Even the well-applied sealant does not necessarily provide complete obturation of pits and fissures, thus necessitating periodical clinical observation to determine the success or potential failure of the sealant treatment.

Root canal configuration of deciduous mandibular first molars - An in vitro study.

Root canal morphology of deciduous mandibular first molar was studied using roentgenographic and decalcification and clearing methods. Two groups of 15 teeth were formed. In the roentgenographic group, roots of the teeth were separated from the crown at the level of CEJ. Cut roots of the teeth were radiographed from both mesiodistal and buccolingual directions using separate IOPA films. In the decalcification and clearing group, teeth were decalcified and made transparent. Dye was injected later. The roots of the teeth were examined under 10 times for number, curvature, types and additional features of root canals. Deciduous mandibular first molar showed variability in root canal morphology. Four to five root canals were recorded. Majority of the teeth had 1-1 type of root canal anatomy, but 1-2 type anatomy was also reported. Straight, curved and S-shaped canal curvatures were recorded. Horizontal anastomosis, lateral canals and buccolingually broad root canals were also recorded.

Implementation of behaviour management techniques--how well accepted they are today.

Dynamic changes in society with working parents and smaller nuclear families have brought about a sea of changes in parental attitudes and anxieties towards their children. This has affected the perception and implementation of behaviour modification techniques by the dentist. Today, the significance of Tell Show Do technique and its efficiency in behaviour modification is questionable. Insistence of parents on conscious sedation is seen to be on the rise. This study aimed to assess the change in the utilization pattern of behaviour management techniques by pediatric dentists of Punjab in the past five years along with identification of change in parental attitude towards these techniques.

A comparative study of microleakage below cemento-enamel junction using light cure and chemically cured glass ionomer cement liners.

Posterior composite resins have gained considerable importance over last few years. However, improper placement techniques continue to be a prime cause of failure of these restorations. This study was done to compare the microleakage at the tooth restoration interface extending below cementoenamel junction when posterior composite restorations were placed directly in the cavity or when placed over a glass ionomer cement liner, both chemically cured and light cured. The results have shown that light cured glass ionomer when used as a liner under a composite restoration used below gingival cementum/dentin margin has the best sealing capability.

Retentive [correction of Preventive] efficacy of glass ionomer, zinc phosphate and zinc polycarboxylate luting cements in preformed stainless steel crowns: a comparative clinical study.

This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of three luting cements, namely, glass ionomer, zinc phosphate and zinc polycarboxylate in retainng the preformed stainless steel crowns in-vivo. Twenty subjects, with an indication for restoration of three primary molars with stainless steel crowns, were selected. Sixty teeth were taken up for the study, and twenty crowns were cemented with each of the three luting cements. After an eight month follow up the crowns were assessed for their presence/ absence or "rocking". Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test. The results have shown no significant difference in retentivity of stainless steel crowns with the use of either of the three luting agents.

Relationship of tongue-thrust swallowing and anterior open bite with articulation disorders: a clinical study.

A Paediatric dentist may be the first person consulted for professional advice concerning children with speech problems. A positive significant relationship has been hypothesized by some authors between tongue-thrust swallowing and articulation disorders in children. This study was undertaken to find out whether any articulation disorders are associated with the habit of tongue-thrust swallowing, or is it the type of anterior bite that plays an important role in the normal or abnormal speech production in tongue-thrust swallowers. Forty subjects with tongue-thrust swallowing in the age group of 7-16 years were examined. Of these 20 had normal anterior bite while rest had anterior open bite. A word articulation test was used and word level articulation testing was done for initial, medial and final positions. The sounds tested were: Linguoalveolars, Labiodentals, Linguodentals, Linguopalatals, Bilabials and Linguovelars. The results of the study have indicated that the presence of articulation disorders is strongly associated with the anterior open bite present in tongue-thrust swallowers but a simple, direct relationship between the presence of defective consonant sounds and tongue-thrust swallowing has not been found.

Comparison of sealing efficacy of materials placed in lateral root perforations--an in vitro study.

An endodontic perforation interferes with the principal goal of sealing the root canal system. An in vitro study was conducted on comparative efficacy of three materials-Dispersalloy, Cavit and Prisma VLC Dycal when placed in lateral root perforations in cervical third areas. Root canals were prepared and irrigated thoroughly. Perforations were made with No. 2 round bur and sealed with Dispersalloy, Cavit and Prisma VLC Dycal. Dispersalloy Group I showed best sealing ability. Prisma VLC Dycal Group I too was comparable to Dispersalloy Group I in its sealing ability, followed by Cavit Group II, Prisma VLC Dycal Group II, Dispersalloy Group II in that order. Cavit Group I was least effective in sealing perforations.

A comparative study of effects of mouth breathing and normal breathing on gingival health in children.

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of mouth breathing, lip seal and upper lip coverage on gingival health of children. 240 school children aged 10-14 years were selected irrespective of sex race and socioeconomic status. They were divided into two major groups i.e. mouth breathers and normal breathers. These groups were further subdivided into six sub-groups or categories on the basis of lip seal and upper incisor coverage. Gingival index was found to be higher in the mouth breathers than in the normal breathers in the subjects with incompetent lip seal. Increased lip separation and decreased upper lip coverage were all associated with higher levels of Plaque index and Gingival index. No statistical difference existed between mouth breathers and normal breathers with respect to Plaque index.

A study of toothbrush contamination at different time intervals and comparative effectiveness of various disinfecting solutions in reducing toothbrush contamination.

Toothbrush contamination during the procedure of brushing was assessed at different time intervals of usage. A peak value of 100% contamination was found at 1 month interval. Hence, a method suggesting disinfection of the toothbrush was employed by comparing the effectiveness of various disinfecting solutions available in the market so that, the brush does not become a source of potential pathogens.