Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial susceptibility and cytotoxicity of husk extract of Cocos nucifera and chlorhexidine as irrigating solutions against Enterococcus Faecalis, Prevotella Intermedia and Porphyromonas Gingivalis - An in-vitro study.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial susceptibility and cytotoxicity of Cocos nucifera and chlorhexidine (CHX) as irrigating solutions against Enterococcus faecalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanolic extract of husk of C. nucifera was prepared. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extract were determined using the serial broth dilution method and its cytotoxicity was evaluated against human periodontal fibroblasts using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazole-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Antibacterial susceptibility for two irrigating solutions, namely 2% CHX gluconate irrigant (Group I) and 1.5% C. nucifera husk irrigant (Group II), was tested against P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and E. faecalis. RESULTS: The MIC and MBC of C. nucifera husk extract for P. gingivalis were 468.75 µg/ml and 1562.5 µg/ml, for P. intermedia were 48.8 µg/ml and 1875 µg/ml, and for E. faecalis were 1562.5 µg/ml and 3750 µg/ml, respectively. The extract was nontoxic to the human periodontal fibroblast. Both the materials have shown similar antibacterial susceptibility and no difference was observed at baseline, 10, 30, and 60 min using two-way repeated measures of ANOVA. However, a statistically significant difference was observed between different time points for P. gingivalis and P. intermedia using Bonferroni multiple comparison test (f = 826.1390, P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: 1.5% of ethanolic husk extract of C. nucifera has a significant antibacterial action against polymicrobial dental biofilm and its activity is comparable to that of 2% CHX which validates its use as a future irrigating solution for overcoming bacterial resistance with synthetic agents.

An In Vivo Comparative Evaluation of Dental Anxiety Level and Clinical Success Rate of Composite and Multicolored Compomers in 6 to 12 years of Children.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric dentistry is not just about treating the tooth, but it also involves giving an overall comprehensive treatment to the child. Children like different colors and when the child is allowed to select the color of the restoration, it will positively motivate the child to accept dental treatment. AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate and compare the clinical success rate of composite and multicolored compomer restorations and dental anxiety level in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 samples equally divided into two study groups by of split-mouth design. In the control group, subjects received composites and in experimental group, they received colored compomers. The dental behavior was assessed using the Frankl behavior rating scale for both the groups. Dental anxiety was checked in the patients using visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after the treatment for both the groups. Children were recalled for follow up at 1, 3 and 6 months to evaluate clinical success rate amongst control and experimental group and results were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Colored compomer proved to reduce the anxiety in the child and had a better behavioral response and positive attitude. Both restorative materials had comparable clinical success rates. CONCLUSION: At 6 months follow-up evaluation colored compomer restorative material showing promising with similar properties like that of composites with the added advantage of multicolors and can be considered as the new restorative material in the child dentistry. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Colored compomers are known to be excellent alternative restorative materials for restoration of teeth in children as they aid in behavior modification and good compliance from the patient. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Hugar SM, Kohli D, Badakar CM, Gokhale NS, Thakkar PJ, Mundada MV. An In Vivo Comparative Evaluation of Dental Anxiety Level and Clinical Success Rate of Composite and Multicolored Compomers in 6 to 12 years of Children. International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 2018;11(6):483-489.

Comparison of the Effect of Fluoride Varnish, Chlorhexidine Varnish and Casein Phosphopeptide- Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) Varnish on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Level: A Six Month Clinical Study.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is the most widespread disease which has a multi factorial origin. Streptococcus mutans is considered to be the chief pathogen in its development. Different varnishes are available which can be used for the prevention of the carious process. AIM: To compare the effect of fluoride varnish, chlorhexidine varnish and fluoride varnish containing Casein Phosphopeptide - Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) on salivary Streptococcusmutans count in children with mixed dentition over a period of six months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy two children of age 6-12 years with mixed dentition were selected fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into three groups: Group I- Fluoride varnish group; Group II- Chlorhexidine varnish group; Group III- MI varnish (fluoride varnish containing CPP-ACP) group. After thorough oral prophylaxis and restorative treatment the varnishes were applied to the teeth once a week for four consecutive weeks in the respective groups. Salivary Streptococcus mutans count (CFU/ml of saliva) was estimated at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after varnish application. Bonferroni post-hoc test and paired t-test for inter group and intra group comparison was used in the study. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in salivary S. mutans colony count was seen with all three groups at all the different time intervals. Maximum reduction was noted in chlorhexidine varnish group at all the intervals after varnish application. CONCLUSION: Prevention of dental caries plays a vital role in paediatric dental practice. The use of dental varnish has proved to be effective in reducing the dental caries. Chlorhexidine varnish was found to show maximum reduction in salivary S. mutans count for six month period, when compared to MI varnish and fluoride varnish. Thus, chlorhexidine varnish can be used as potent caries inhibiting agent and promote good oral health.

Comparative Assessment of Conventional Composites and Coloured Compomers in Permanent Molars of Children with Mixed Dentition: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Early treatment of carious lesions in children is important for the maintenance of oral health. Multicoloured restorations could be the impetus for an extremely nervous or defiant child to take dental treatment. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the clinical success of conventional composites and coloured compomer material in first permanent molars of children with mixed dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of sixty sites, divided into two groups, with thirty subjects in each group using split mouth design were chosen amongst patients reporting to Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. In control group conventional composites were placed, similarly coloured compomers were placed in experimental group under standard operating protocol. Patients were recalled for assessment of clinical success amongst control as well as experimental group at regular intervals of one; three and six months follow up based on Modified Ryge's Criteria. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test using SPSS version 20.0 (Chicago, USA). RESULTS: Both conventional composites and coloured compomers had comparable retention rates in terms of anatomical form, marginal integrity, secondary caries and marginal discolouration. CONCLUSION: The coloured compomer material showed promising results in this six month follow up study in permanent molars and had properties comparable to that of conventional composites.