Morphological Variations of the Condylar Head among Children Aged 4–15 Years A Panoramic Study

Background: Growth and development of dentocraniofacial complex occurs during various stage of development of dentition with TMJ as one of its centres of growth. The condition of temporomandibular joint can be visible from its condylar head form; therefore, it is crucial to recognize the normal morphology of condylar head during different stages of development of dentition. Aims: The aim of the study is to view the morphological appearance of condylar head during primary dentition, mixed dentition and permenant dentition. Subject and Methods: 400 panoramic images of 194 boys and 296 girls were collected and were divided into three groups bases on the stage of dentition. Shape of the condylar head were determined by tracing the print out of the panoramic image on an X ray viewer. Results: The study showed that during primary dentition stage shape of the conylar head was dominated by round shape and as growth and development occurs the condylar head shape changes to convex. Conclusion: The study describes the normal morphology of mandibular condyles in a child population attending The dentition status as well as growth of craniofacial has a significant role in determining condylar morphology.

Comparison of the Streptococcus mutans colony count changes in plaque following chlorhexidine (0.12%) mouth rinse and green tea extract (0.5%) mouth rinse in 8–12-year-old children

Background: Mouth rinses are solutions or liquids used to rinse the mouth to have a therapeutic effect by relieving infection or preventing dental caries due to their antimicrobial properties. Aims: This study was carried out to compare the effect of 0.12% chlorhexidine mouth rinse and 0.5% green tea extract mouth rinse on the colony-forming units (CFUs) of Streptococcus mutans in plaque in children. Materials and Methods: The sample for the study consisted of fifty schoolchildren aged 8–12 years with four or more (decay component) of decayed, missing, and filled teeth index. Children were divided randomly into two groups and were asked to rinse with the prescribed mouth rinse twice daily for 2 weeks under supervision. The plaque samples were collected at baseline (prerinsing) and postrinsing and tested for the CFUs of S. mutans. Results: The results of the study indicate that there was a statistically significant reduction (pre- and postrinsing) in S. mutans colony count in both the study groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the reduction of S. mutans colony count between 0.12% chlorhexidine mouth rinse group and 0.5% green tea mouth rinse group. Conclusion: Green tea mouth rinse is effective against S. mutans – one of the major dental plaque microorganisms.

Nasopalatine duct cyst.

Nasopalatine duct cyst is an intraossseous developmental cyst of the midline of the anterior palate. Management of a case of nasopalatine duct cyst in a 10 yr old male child is reported.