Effectiveness of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate and xylitol chewing gums on salivary pH, buffer capacity, and Streptococcus mutans levels: An interventional study

The aim of the study is to compare the anticariogenic effectiveness of Casein phosphopeptide- Amorphous Calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and xylitol chewing gums based on salivary pH, buffer capacity, and Streptococcus mutans levels. Materials and Methods: A group of twenty individuals in the age group of 18–25 years were randomly divided into two Groups A and B. Test arm A received xylitol gums and test arm B received CPP-ACP gums and they were instructed to use the gums thrice daily for 2 weeks. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected before they began the use of the gums for baseline values, 24 h after beginning the usage of chewing gums and at the end of 14 days. The samples were analyzed for pH, buffer capacity, and S. mutans levels. Results: A statistically significant reduction of salivary S. mutans levels, improvement in salivary pH, and buffer capacity were displayed in both groups 24 h and 14 days after the intervention when compared with baseline. Group B showed more statistically significant improvement in pH than group A after 24 h (P = 0.028) and at the end of 2 weeks (P = 0.041). Conclusion: CPP-ACP has better ability than xylitol in improving the pH of saliva. Both CPP-ACP and xylitol gums individually have remarkable ability in bringing down S. mutans levels while simultaneously improving the pH and buffer of saliva.

Prevalence of impacted permanent mandibular second molars in South Indian population: A cross-sectional study.

Aims: The aim of this study is to retrospectively determine the prevalence of impacted second molars and associated dental and radiographic findings in South Indian population. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional design. Materials and Methods: Dental records of 4976 patients depending on the selection criteria from various dental clinics in South India were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All selected radiographs and records were examined by the two authors. The angle of impacted second molars was also recorded on panoramic radiographs. Data were tabulated and analyzed. Results: The prevalence of impacted second mandibular molars was found to be 0.16%. In seven cases, the impaction was unilateral with three on the left and four on the right, and in one case, it was bilateral. The prevalence was found to be more in females than males. The angle of impaction was found to range from 19° to 80°. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of impacted second molars is low, it is crucial to diagnose early for optimal treatment.

Research experiences, attitudes, and barriers to publishing among the dental postgraduate teachers: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Research is important in medical and dental sciences to improve healthcare. Faculties play an important role in research productivity and student motivation in research. Aim: The aim of this paper was to assess the attitude and experiences of dental post‑graduate teachers toward article writing and reading and to discuss the barriers faced by them. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 dental post‑graduate teachers from various Dental Colleges in South India participated as the study group. A questionnaire relating to publishing practices was distributed, and the results were analyzed. Result: Majority of the study group (82%) were involved in the publication with many (48.4%) doing so for career progression. Journal prestige was the main reason for selection of journals. Lack of time was the main reason for those not involved in the publication. Conclusion: This study revealed the positive attitude of teachers toward scientific reading and writing. They only require motivation and time.

Evaluation of the antibacterial and physical properties of glass ionomer cements containing chlorhexidine and cetrimide: An in-vitro study.

Background: Incorporation of antibacterial agents frequently results in changes in the physical properties of restorative materials. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study investigated the antibacterial and physical properties of Glass ionomer cement (GIC) with chlorhexidine and cetrimide, to determine the optimal concentration, for incorporation of these agents to obtain antibacterial GICs for use with the Atraumatic restorative treatment approach. This was assessed using the agar diffusion test. Chlorhexidine diacetate and cetrimide were added to Glass ionomer cement type-IX (GIC-FUJI IX) at 1 and 2% W/W ratio. The experimental GIC specimens were placed on agar plates inoculated with Lactobacillus casei, and the area of inhibition was calculated after 48 hours. Results: All the experimental GICs exhibited inhibition of bacteria, but the sizes were dependent on the concentration of the antibacterial agent. Incorporation of chlorhexidine diacetate and cetrimide, at 2%, significantly decreased the compressive strength, and the setting time was extended a little by the addition of any concentration of chlorhexidine and cetrimide. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that experimental GICs containing chlorhexidine diacetate and cetrimide were effective in inhibiting bacteria associated with caries, and incorporation of 1% cetrimide was optimal to give the appropriate antibacterial and physical properties.