"Dentist as Smile Weavers" An Online Survey on Infection Surveillance, Emergency Treatment, Economic Setbacks, and Stress Endured by Periodontists of South India during COVID-19.

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 virus introduction and subsequent COVID-19 pandemic have had a profound impact on normal dentistry, particularly periodontal treatment, around the world. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the infection surveillance, emergency treatment, economic setbacks, and stress endured by periodontists of South India during COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2021 among periodontists in South India. A total of 300 periodontists were chosen through the randomized sampling technique. The data were collected using a self-reported closed-end questionnaire consisting of 38 questions through Google Forms. The information was entered into a database and analyzed using SPSS program version 16.0. Results: A total of 300 people took part in the survey, 277 (92.3%) dentists responded to the survey in its entirety. Periodontists and postgraduates made up 24.18% and 75.9% of those who responded, respectively. For all of the questions asked, there was a statistically significant difference among the responses. The majority of respondents agreed on questions about periodontists' knowledge, practice, mentality, and financial setbacks concerning the COVID-19 epidemic. Conclusion: Most of the periodontists that we surveyed have adequate knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 and have been taking adequate measures in preventing the spread of the disease. This pandemic has a negative impact on the periodontists. This study indicates a high level of depression among a significant number of periodontists. It is important to monitor and address the mental health needs of practitioners during the pandemic. The knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding teledentistry were found to be satisfactory among the periodontists.

Evaluation of Anticaries Efficacy of Various Fluoride Varnishes on Artificial Enamel Lesion: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: Aim of the current study was to assess the anticariogenic effectiveness of different fluoride varnishes on artificially induced enamel lesions employing scanning electron microscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty healthy, normal premolars without dental caries that were extracted in course of orthodontic therapy with all the surfaces intact were included in this study. A window, 4 × 4 mm, was made discernible on the buccal surface of each sample tooth. A demineralizing solution at 37°C was used to immerse the teeth for 48 hours to induce artificial lesions on the surface of the enamel. Following preparation of the artificial enamel lesions, the 80 premolar teeth were allocated into the four groups (20 each) depending on the fluoride varnish system used as Group I: control, Group II: Duraphat varnish, Group III: MI Varnish, and Group IV: Clinpro White Varnish. The anticariogenic effectiveness of different fluoride varnishes was evaluated employing a scanning electron microscope (SEM). RESULTS: The MI Varnish (fluoride varnish) group exhibited slightly greater (127.20 ±0.14) mean demineralized lesions, pursued by Clinpro White Varnish use (126.88 ±0.09), the control group (126.36 ±0.10) and the Duraphat varnish (124.14 ±0.08) in that order. Greater mean areas of remineralization were found with use of MI Varnish (92.40 ±0.09), pursued by the Duraphat varnish use (106.68 ±0.12), use of Clinpro White Varnish (112.36 ±0.08), and then the control group (123.08 ±0.18) in that order. Statistically significant differences were noted between the experimental groups employing the various fluoride varnishes (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: The current research concluded that the MI Varnish group presented a superior protective potential in comparison with Duraphat varnish and Clinpro White Varnish groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mineral exchanges among teeth and saliva render incipient enamel lesions reversible. A 5% sodium fluoride varnish is the MI Varnish that is composed of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) to provide an excellent fluoride varnish that makes available additional bioavailable fluoride, calcium, and phosphate. Therefore, it may be fruitfully utilized in remineralization of initial carious lesions. CPP-ACP may be employed in clinical practice for drawing back or ceasing initial carious lesions. Rani KBS, Ramanna PK, Mailankote S, et al. Evaluation of Anticaries Efficacy of Various Fluoride Varnishes on Artificial Enamel Lesion: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2021;22(7):774-777.

Association between Body Mass Index and Dental Caries among Anganwadi Children of Belgaum City, India.

INTRODUCTION: Body mass index (BMI) is an index that measures height for weight, which is commonly used to categorize underweight, overweight, and obese individuals. Deviation from normal weight results from an imbalance between caloric consumption and energy expenditure. Childhood obesity and childhood dental caries are coincidental in many populations, probably due to common confounding risk factors, such as intake frequency, cariogenic diet, and poor oral hygiene. So the aim of the present study was to assess the BMI status and to corelate between dental caries and BMI among the Anganwadi children of Belgaum city, Karnataka, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred and thirty three children from 20 Anganwadi's belonging to the age group of 2 to 6 years of both sexes were measured for BMI and dental caries status. The caries index was measured as the number of decayed (d) and filled (f) teeth (t) (dft). The BMI in units of kg/m2 was determined and children were categorized according to age-and gender-specific criteria as underweight (<5th percentile), normal (5th-85th percentile), at risk for overweight (85th- 95th percentile), and overweight (>95th percentile). The data were subjected to statistical analysis using Student's t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient test with the help of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18.0. RESULTS: The proportion of subjects in Centre for Disease Control (CDC) weight categories was: 5% underweight, 79% normal, 9% under the risk for overweight, and 6% overweight. CONCLUSION: A significant association was found between children with normal BMI and those who were underweight, overweight, and under the risk for overweight. Children with overweight/obese or underweight/malnourished children had higher decayed and filled surfaces compared to children with normal weight. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Nutritional status has a profound effect on dental caries. Both underweight/malnutrition and overweight/ obesity have significant adverse implications for health. Childhood obesity and childhood dental caries are coincidental in many populations.