Comparative volumetric analysis of three different obturating materials in primary molars under cone beam computed tomography: an in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: To increase the success rate of the endodontic treatment in primary teeth various, obturating materials have been introduced to meet the specific requirements for deciduous dentition and to create a three-dimensional (3D) seal to prevent recurrence of bacterial infection. This study was conducted to compare and evaluate the three-dimensional seal and volumetric filling of primary canals obturated with different medicaments using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: In-vitro cross sectional study was designed with sample size of 108 specimens. Thirty-six extracted primary molars were selected for the study and randomly divided into 3 groups A (Metapex; Meta Biomed, Osong-eup, Korea), B (Endoflas; Sanlor Laboratories, Cali, Colombia) and C (Zinc oxide eugenol; DPI India Ltd., Mumbai, India). After access opening, canals were prepared up to 30 no k- file followed by obturation with Metapex, Endoflas and Zinc oxide eugenol in respective groups. CBCT was done before and after the obturation for volumetric analysis. The data obtained were analyzed to attain POV (percentage of obturated volume) and PVV (percentage volume of voids). RESULTS: The percentage of obturated volume (POV) was highest for Endoflas group (88.87) followed by Metapex (83.58) and ZnO (72.78) and the difference was statistically significant. Whereas the percentage volume of voids (PVV) was more in Zinc oxide eugenol group (27.22) followed by Metapex (16.42) and least voids were seen in Endoflas group (11.14). CONCLUSIONS: Voids were found in all three obturating materials. Endoflas showed superior three-dimensional (3D) sealing capability whereas ZnO eugenol having least sealing capacity.

Assessment of Cariogenicity by pH-value Decrement of Plaque Solution with Four Infant Milk Formulas: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: People all over the world use a wide variety of infant formulas to nourish the infants. Recent studies demonstrated the high caries-inducing potential of infant formulas. This indicates a need for awareness toward the possible role of the infant formulas in the etiology of early childhood caries (ECC). Aim: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and comparatively assess the change in plaque pH solutions after fermenting four commonly used infant milk formulas. Materials and methods: This simple randomized study was carried out on 40 healthy children aged 4-6 years old. The children received full-mouth prophylaxis before examination. They were asked not to implicate oral hygiene for 24 hours and not to have anything at least 2 hours prior the study. Supragingival plaque from the buccal surface of posterior teeth was collected using a Hu-Friedy's curette. Four commonly used infant milk formulas were prepared and given to children for rinsing. The pH of plaque samples were measured at 30 and 60 minutes at 37°C. Results: The present study showed that all of the four infant milk formulas decreased the mean pH values in plaque solutions significantly after 30 and 60 minutes of preparation. Conclusion: Our results showed that the plaque pH varied in response to the oral rinsing with the various infant formulas and most of infant formulas were able to reduce the pH significantly below the pH before the rinse. Based upon this study further evaluation of the cariogenicity of infant formulas is recommended. How to cite this article: Pandey A, Pathivada L, Kajapuram P, et al. Assessment of Cariogenicity by pH-value Decrement of Plaque Solution with Four Infant Milk Formulas: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):263-266.

Middle ear infection in children and its association with dental caries.

INTRODUCTION: Middle ear infection affects mostly infants and children, associated with elevated level of S. mutans, which increases the chances of developing caries. AIM: To evaluate the difference in level of Streptococcus mutans between normal children & children affected by middle ear infection. METHOD: This descriptive study was carried out on 120 children aged 5 years and younger. They were selected randomly from schools and medical hospitals. S. mutans was counted from saliva sample and a questionnaire was given to be filled by their parents about the feeding method, pattern and specific childhood illness. RESULT: Out of 120 children examined, 62 were boys and 58 were girls. Mean CFU in middle ear infection group was 5.60+9.53, whereas in children with no middle ear infection it was 1.70+3.34. Unpaired 't' test revealed statistically significant difference among the two groups (p value = 0.001). CONCLUSION: S. mutans count was comparatively higher in children having middle ear infection rather than non-infected children, which may cause dental caries in the future.

Effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate as a remineralizing agent - An In Vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Demineralization and remineralization have a crucial impact on the hardness and strength of teeth. Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) Trident white chewing gum has anticariogenic property and also stimulates saliva, which buffers the oral cavity and promotes remineralization. Trident sugar-free gum, therefore, is an excellent delivery vehicle for promoting enamel remineralization. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to show that CPP-ACP-containing chewing gum would increase the level of calcium concentration of saliva, thereby supplying calcium and phosphorus to whole dentition for a prolonged period and aid in remineralization of tooth surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vivo nonrandomized clinical trial study was carried among 60 children. Unstimulated saliva from each 60 selected participants was collected. Then each participant was given two pellets of chewing gum containing CPP-ACP and asked to chew for a period of 20 min, after which saliva samples were again collected from each participant. The study was carried out for 15 days, and at three intervals, calcium and phosphorus levels were assessed using affiliated reagent kits and spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Significant difference was found in the calcium and phosphorus concentration of saliva before and after chewing CPP-ACP-containing chewing gum. When post calcium and phosphate levels were analyzed among different time intervals, a highly statistically significant difference was observed (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Clinical trial study shows that chewing sugar-free gum containing CPP-ACP can be regarded as an additional caries prevention tool.

Prevalence of traumatic dental injuries among visually impaired children attending special schools of Chhattisgarh.

BACKGROUND: Studies on dental trauma of the normal population have been carried out in the past; however, limited data are available on dental trauma of the handicapped population, especially visually impaired children in Chhattisgarh, India. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in visually impaired children in relation to age, cause, and place of injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Epidemiological study was carried out among 400 children from various special schools of visually impaired children of Chhattisgarh followed by school dental checkup camps. All the children completed a questionnaire related history of trauma, cause, and place. The prevalence of TDIs in each special child was recorded based on the Epidemiological classification of TDIs by the WHO and was modified by Andreasen et al. (2007). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 17. The level of significance was fixed at P ≤ 0.05. Association between categorical variables was done using Chi-square test. RESULTS: The results showed that out of 400 children, 39% suffered from TDIs. Permanent maxillary central incisors were most commonly injured teeth with injuries involving enamel (53%) being most frequently observed. Increased overjet and inadequate lip coverage were significantly associated with the occurrence of trauma. CONCLUSION: As blind children are at the risk of multiple TDI, it is necessary to create awareness, health education, and periodic screening for appropriate management.