Corrected and Republished: Applicability of Boston University approach for prediction of mesiodistal width of canines and premolars in the primary schoolchildren of rural Bengaluru: An in vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Boston University (BU) approach is a method for early prediction of unerupted permanent mandibular teeth widths based on the mesiodistal widths (MDWs) of primary mandibular canines and first molars. The present study was conducted to test the validity of BU approach by comparing it with Tanaka-Johnston (T/J) approach in the contemporary population. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the applicability of BU approach for prediction of the MDWs of canines and premolars in the primary schoolchildren of rural Bengaluru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 100 healthy schoolchildren of rural Bengaluru aged between 7 and 11 years. The MDWs of canines and premolars were predicted using both T/J and the considered BU approaches for all the children and were compared. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant correlation between the predicted tooth size from the two predicted methods in the upper and lower arches (P < 0.001), with Pearson's correlation coefficient showing the very strong positive relationship (r = 0.7). Significant differences were seen between the mean predicted width of canines and premolars by both the approaches (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In spite of the limitations, we recommend the use of BU approach to predict arch length-tooth material discrepancy at an early age and to get at least an approximate estimation of the required space. We also advocate the necessity of further research on this approach prospectively.

Applicability of Boston University approach for prediction of mesiodistal width of canines and premolars in the primary schoolchildren of rural Bengaluru: An in vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Boston University (BU) approach is a method for early prediction of unerupted permanent mandibular teeth widths based on the mesiodistal widths (MDWs) of primary mandibular canines and first molars. The present study was conducted to test the validity of BU approach by comparing it with Tanaka-Johnston (T/J) approach in the contemporary population. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the applicability of BU approach for prediction of the MDWs of canines and premolars in the primary schoolchildren of rural Bengaluru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in 100 healthy schoolchildren of rural Bengaluru aged between 7 and 11 years. The MDWs of canines and premolars were predicted using both T/J and the considered BU approaches for all the children and were compared. RESULTS: The correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant correlation between the predicted tooth size from the two predicted methods in the upper and lower arches (P < 0.001), with Pearson's correlation coefficient showing the very strong positive relationship (r = 0.7). Significant differences were seen between the mean predicted width of canines and premolars by both the approaches (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In spite of the limitations, we recommend the use of BU approach to predict arch length-tooth material discrepancy at an early age and to get at least an approximate estimation of the required space. We also advocate the necessity of further research on this approach prospectively.

Miracle cells for natural dentistry - A review.

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into specialized cells. Recently, enormous growth has been seen in the recognition of stem cell-based therapies, which have the potential to ameliorate the life of patients with conditions that span from Parkinson's disease to cardiac ischemia to bone or tooth loss. This research has produced new but unexplored possibilities in the regeneration of different organs and tissues. Presently, research is focused on the proficiency of stem cells and their utilization in dentistry, which is gaining interest. The tooth is nature's "esteem" for these precious stem cells and there are a number of these cells in permanent and primary teeth, as well as in the wisdom teeth. Dental stem cells are easy, convenient, and affordable to collect. They hold promise for a range of very potential therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of cancer, spinal cord injury, brain damage, myocardial infarction, hearing loss, diabetes, wound healing, baldness, etc. Since these cells were used to regenerate damaged tissue in medical therapy successfully, it is possible that the dentist in future might use stem cell to regenerate lost or damaged dental and periodontal structures. This paper reviews the current concepts, characteristics of stem cells in regeneration, and its subsequent uses in dentistry.

Treatment of an intraoral bleeding in hemophilic patient with a thermoplastic palatal stent - A novel approach.

This is a case report of a 13-year old child diagnosed with hemophilia A. He reported with a bleeding wound in the middle part of the hard palate, due to trauma from a lead pencil. An intraoral palatal stent was planned to provide continuous pressure, stabilize the clot and allow local delivery of hemostatic agent. The stent was fabricated with a thermoplastic silicone rubber (biostar) under vacuum. The hemostatic agent used was one 500 mg capsule of tranxemic acid that was crushed and applied as a paste every 6 hourly. The patient was admitted under supervision for 3 days, where Recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) intravenous infusion of 15-25 U/kg twice a day was given. Complete healing was observed in the traumatized area within 10 days. This article emphasizes on prenatal diagnosis, carrier screening and counseling of parents born with hemophilic children.

Palmistry: a tool for dental caries prediction!

BACKGROUND: Dermatoglyphics can prove to be an extremely useful tool for preliminary investigations in conditions with a suspected genetic base. Since caries is a multifactorial disease with the influence of genetic pattern, early prediction for high-risk children can help in using effective and efficient caries preventive measures that are a part of the pedodontist arsenal. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was done to determine the genetic aspect involved in the occurrence of dental caries through a cost-effective means, which can be used in field studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 550 kindergarten school children in the age group 3-6 years were examined during a school examination camp. Of these, only 336 children were included in the study. They were divided into four groups as follows: caries-free males (df score=0), caries-free females, caries males (df score≥10), caries females. The handprints of each child were taken and the frequency of occurrence of type of dermatoglyphic pattern on fingertip of each digit was noted. Separate df scores were recorded. SPSS software and test of proportions were used for the analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Handprints of caries-free children, especially females, showed maximum ulnar loops. The caries group showed maximum occurrence of whorls (r=2:1), which were more prevalent in females on the left hand 3rd digit than in males where the whorls were found on the right hand 3 rd digit, and also low total ridge count, especially in males.

The effect of Triphala and Chlorhexidine mouthwash on dental plaque, gingival inflammation, and microbial growth.

The objective of this study was to ascertain the effects of a mouthwash prepared with Triphala on dental plaque, gingival inflammation, and microbial growth and compare it with commercially available Chlorhexidine mouthwash. This study was conducted after ethics committee approval and written consent from guardians (and assent from the children) were obtained. A total of 1431 students in the age group 8-12 years, belonging to classes fourth to seventh, were the subjects for this study. The Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of the subjects was determined using a questionnaire. The students were divided into three groups namely, Group I (n = 457) using Triphala mouthwash (0.6%), Group II (n = 440) using Chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.1%) (positive control), and Group III (n = 412) using distilled water (negative control). The assessment was carried out on the basis of plaque scores, gingival scores, and the microbiological analysis (Streptococcus and lactobacilli counts). Statistical analysis for plaque and gingival scores was conducted using the paired sample t-test (for intragroup) and the Tukey's test (for intergroup conducted along with analysis of variance test). For the Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney test were applied for intragroup and intergroup comparison, respectively. All the tests were carried out using the SPSS software. Both the Group I and Group II showed progressive decrease in plaque scores from baseline to the end of 9 months; however, for Group III increase in plaque scores from the baseline to the end of 9 months was noted. Both Group I and Group II showed similar effect on gingival health. There was inhibitory effect on microbial counts except Lactobacillus where Triphala had shown better results than Chlorhexidine. It was concluded that there was no significant difference between the Triphala and the Chlorhexidine mouthwash.