The Role of Teleconsultations in Remote Oral Radiology Interpretation.

Background: Teleconsultations have gained prominence as a viable method for delivering medical services remotely. In oral radiology, the ability to interpret radiographic images accurately is crucial for diagnosing and treating various dental conditions. The use of teleconsultations in this domain holds promise for extending specialized care to patients who are geographically distant from dental healthcare facilities. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 patients' oral radiographic images were collected for analysis in this study. These images were obtained from diverse geographical locations, showcasing the applicability of teleconsultations. Two groups of dental professionals, one conducting in-person evaluations and the other performing remote interpretations through teleconsultations, participated in the study. The radiographic findings were assessed for concurrence between the two groups. Statistical analysis included the calculation of P values to determine the level of agreement between the in-person and teleconsultation interpretations. Results: The results of this study revealed a substantial level of agreement between in-person and teleconsultation interpretations of oral radiographic images. The calculated P values indicated a statistically significant concordance between the two evaluation methods (P < .05). This suggests that teleconsultations can be a reliable approach for oral radiology interpretation, offering comparable results to traditional in-person evaluations. Conclusion: In conclusion, teleconsultations have demonstrated their potential as an effective means of interpreting oral radiographic images remotely.

Evaluating the Impact of Teledentistry on Patient Outcomes, Diagnostic Accuracy, and Satisfaction in a Prospective Observational Analysis.

Background Teledentistry, defined as the use of telecommunication technologies for dental care, has emerged as a transformative approach to oral health services. This prospective observational analysis aims to comprehensively assess the impact of teledentistry on patient outcomes and satisfaction, addressing key aspects such as diagnostic accuracy, longitudinal treatment outcomes, and economic and logistical considerations. Methods The study involved 242 participants selected from diverse dental clinics offering teledentistry services. Participants could choose between traditional in-person visits and teledentistry consultations. The teledentistry interventions included remote consultations, diagnostic evaluations, and treatment planning facilitated through virtual communication tools. Baseline assessments captured initial dental conditions, and follow-up assessments were conducted at three, six, and 12 months. Outcome measures included diagnostic accuracy, patient satisfaction, changes in dental conditions over time, and economic and logistical feedback. Results Descriptive statistics revealed baseline characteristics, with participants evenly distributed between in-person and teledentistry groups. However, the overall satisfaction with diagnoses was significantly lower in the teledentistry group as compared to the in-person group (p < 0.001). Longitudinal assessments demonstrated comparable changes in dental conditions between the two groups. Economic feedback highlighted a cost-saving advantage for teledentistry users, with 80% reporting reduced expenses. Conclusion This study highlights the transformative potential of teledentistry in expanding access to oral health services, reducing costs, and providing comparable treatment outcomes to traditional in-person care. Future efforts should focus on enhancing the teledentistry experience, addressing patient satisfaction concerns, and refining the delivery of remote dental care to maximize its benefits for both patients and healthcare systems.

In Vitro Assessment of Different Toothbrush Designs on Enamel Surface Abrasion: A Profilometric Study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of three different toothbrush designs on enamel surface abrasion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty intact freshly extracted maxillary central incisors were considered for the study. All of the extracted teeth's surfaces were severely trimmed, leaving only the labial surface intact. In the trial, a conventional teeth-whitening dentifrice slurry was utilized. A brushing model was created to deliver uniform force in unidirectional motion. Dontrix Gauge was used to control the tension of the spring. The force was kept constant at 180 ± 20 g. The mounted enamel samples were separated into three groups (20 samples each) at random: group A: toothbrushes have a flat trim bristle design, group B: toothbrushes have a zigzag pattern, and group C: toothbrushes have a bi-level bristle design. For 2 weeks, each sample was brushed twice daily for 2 minutes. A profilometer was used to measure the average surface roughness. RESULTS: After toothbrushing, the maximum mean surface roughness score was found in zigzag pattern group (2.10 ± 0.23), followed by bi-level bristle design group (2.06 ± 0.12) and the least was in the flat trim bristle design group (1.96 ± 0.09). There was a significant difference between the different toothbrush bristle pattern groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: On conclusion, the results of this study showed that, in comparison to toothbrushes with zigzag patterns and bi-level bristle designs, flat trim toothbrush bristle designs cause the least amount of surface abrasion and are relatively safe to use. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Toothbrushing with toothpaste contributes significantly to dental abrasion. A variety of parameters, including toothpaste abrasivity and concentration, brushing frequency, brushing length, brushing force, and toothbrush bristle stiffness, have the potential to influence the abrasion process of dental hard tissue.

Influence of Different Mouthwashes on the Efficacy of Fluoridated Dentifrices in Prevention of Enamel Erosion: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of three various mouthwashes on the effectiveness of fluoride dentifrices in preventing enamel erosion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 sound intact human premolar teeth which were extracted for orthodontic treatment were selected for the study. A 3 × 3 mm window section was positioned in the middle of the coronal surface of the tooth in order to define the study area. Each sample was placed in a solution of 1% citric acid (pH 3.5) for 10 minutes in order to produce an eroded surface. All samples were divided into two main groups (60 samples each) as follows: Group A for sodium fluoride dentifrices and group B for stannous fluoride dentifrices, again it is subdivided into: CHX: Chlohex ADS®, EO: Listerine®, CPC: Colgate® Plax (20 samples in each subgroup). After that, samples underwent the pH cycling model for 5 days. Samples were examined for surface loss using a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: In sodium fluoride dentifrices group, before intervention, the surface loss was 3.12 ± 1.03 in CHX group, 3.08 ± 1.20 in EO group, and 3.09 ± 0.96 in CPC group. After intervention, the less surface loss found with CHX group (2.18 ± 0.84), followed by CPC (2.34 ± 0.74) and EO group (2.46 ± 0.97). In stannous fluoride dentifrices group, before intervention, the surface loss in CHX group was 3.26 ± 1.19, in EO group, it was 3.18 ± 1.31, and in CPC group, it was 3.22 ± 1.06. After intervention, the less surface loss found with CHX: group (1.90 ± 0.54), followed by CPC (2.24 ± 0.28) and EO group (2.38 ± 0.20). CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that the fluoride dentifrices' preventive effects against tooth surface loss were unaffected by a different mouthwashes with varying compositions and major constituents. In terms of erosion, fluoridated toothpaste containing stannous fluoride was found to provide better surface loss protection than sodium fluoride. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Primary prevention and the eradication of contributing causes are the greatest strategies for preventing erosion. Simultaneously, antibacterial agent in the mouthwashes may help in enhancing the effect of fluoride in the enamel, owing to their high affinity for teeth structures. Therefore, in addition to cause-related treatment, further efforts to reduce tooth tissue loss are also necessary.

Clinical and histopathological correlation of oral malignancy and potentially malignant disorders based on a screening program at high-risk population in Tamil Nadu, India.

Background: There is a high incidence of oral cancer and oral potential malignant disorder observed in southeast Asian countries such as India. Our study aimed to assess the correlation between screening and histopathological diagnosis and to predict the specificity and sensitivity of chair-side/field-based assessment of the oral lesion. Materials and methods: A total of 40,852 subjects aged between 20 and 60 years were screened in the 1st phase of the study, suspected lesions were stained with toluidine blue (Manufactured by Otto Chemicals private limited, India) at two time points, those who stained positively during the two points were taken up for biopsy. Provisional diagnosis was later correlated with histopathological diagnosis. Results: Subjects who underwent biopsy had a mean age of (49.01 ± 9.8 years), Leukoplakia (1.5%) was the most common lesion observed among tobacco users, interestingly it had the least correlation (39.6%) in diagnosis, Overall sensitivity (88%) and a positive predictive value (80%) was high for clinical diagnosis of OPMD in our study. Conclusion: Correlation of clinical and histopathological diagnosis observed in our study confirms higher yield of true positives while screening in remote and vulnerable populations, which would assure a better quality of life for these subjects.

Licorice as a herbal extract in periodontal therapy.

Periodontal disease is caused by specific pathogens which results in inflammation of the tooth-supporting structures and subsequently causes the continued breakdown of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb with substantial medicinal value. Licorice extract is derived from dried, unpeeled stolons and roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis and G. glabra. The bioactive ingredients in licorice extract such as glycyrrhizin, licoricidin, glabridin, licochalcone A, and licorisoflavan A have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-adherence effects that are beneficial against periodontal disease. Since periodontal disease has a complex etiology that includes the host response and microorganisms, licorice phytochemicals offer a therapeutic advantage due to their dual functionality. The aim of this review was to enumerate the bioactive compounds present in herbal licorice extract and to elucidate the beneficial effects of licorice and its derivatives in periodontal therapy. Literature review and clinical trials evaluating the effect of licorice on periodontopathogens and periodontal disease are included in this article.

Knowledge, Opinion, and Practices Towards Screening of Oral Cancer Among Homeopathy and Ayurveda Students in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Early recognition leads to higher cure rates and better quality of life. Homeopathy and Ayurveda can help improve the general well-being and vitality of patients without inducing any side effects. AIM: To assess knowledge, opinion, and practices towards oral cancer among homeopathy and ayurvedic students. OBJECTIVES: To find the correlation between knowledge and practices followed by homeopathy and ayurvedic students. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 157 homeopathy and 153 ayurvedic students in Indore city, Central India. The subjects were selected using a convenient sampling technique, and the data was collected using a pre-tested close-ended self-administered questionnaire with 24 questions. The data were analyzed by IBM Corp. Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. using descriptive and analytical (Chi-square and independent sample t-tests) statistics. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the relation between knowledge and preventive practices score. RESULTS: Homeopathy students showed a significantly higher mean knowledge (4.74+0.96) and practice score (4.82+1.54) as compared to ayurvedic students (knowledge score 4.49+1.11) (practice score 4.09+1.98). No significant differences were observed in the mean knowledge and practice scores of the homeopathy students. There was a statistically significant difference between the mean knowledge score and practice score of third-, fourth-, and fifth-year ayurvedic students at p-value <0.05. A positive (p-value <0.0001) correlation was observed between the knowledge and practice scores for ayurvedic students. As the year of professional studies increased, the overall practice of the students regarding oral cancer also increased, with fifth-year students showing significantly better practice (OR- 1, p-value = <0.05) than the other year students.  Conclusion: Homeopathy students showed better knowledge, whereas ayurvedic students showed better opinions and practices towards oral cancer.

A Learning Curve is Essential to Growth: Dental Education during Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Introduction: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a profound impact on normal dental education. The purpose of this study is to look at the influence of COVID-19 quarantine on dental graduates' readiness, as well as to look into the usefulness and limits of online education from the perspective of students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1000 dental students of 18 dental colleges in Kerala from July 2021 to September 2021 using a self-reported closed-ended questionnaire and the information was coded, entered, and analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 version. Results: A total of 88% of those who took the survey responded. Until the pandemic is over, a large majority of students (74.7%) prefer online lectures over classroom lectures. Only 46.1% of those who received online education felt confident enough to confront a patient. Conclusion: Data showed that students partially appreciated the online system. According to the statistics, students did not believe that it could completely replace face-to-face clinical practice.

Oral Tissue Involvement and Probable Factors in Post-COVID-19 Mucormycosis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The primary goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of oral involvement and, secondarily, the likely variables in patients with confirmed COVID-19 accompanied by mucormycosis infection. The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive sort that was performed at a tertiary centre. The non-probability convenience sampling approach was used to determine the sample size. Between May 2021 and July 2021, all patients who presented to our tertiary care centre with suspected mucormycosis were considered for the investigation. The research only included individuals with proven mucormycosis after COVID-19. The features of the patients, the frequency of intraoral signs/symptoms, and the possible variables were all noted. Of the 333 COVID-19-infected patients, 47 (14%) were diagnosed with confirmed mucormycosis. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 59.7 (11.9) years. Of the 47 patients with confirmed mucormycosis, 34% showed sudden tooth mobility, 34% expressed toothache, 8.5% reported palatal eschar, 34% presented with jaw pain, 8.5% had tongue discoloration, and 17% had temporomandibular pain. About 53% of the patients were known cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 89% of patients had a history of hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection, 89.3% underwent oxygen support therapy, and 89.3% were administered intravenous steroids during hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection. About 14% of the suspected cases attending the mucormycosis out-patient department (OPD) had been confirmed with definite mucormycosis. Oral involvement was seen in 45% of cases of CAM (COVID-associated mucormycosis). The most frequent oral symptoms presented in CAM were sudden tooth mobility and toothache. Diabetes and steroids were the likely contributing factors associated with CAM.

COVID and Animal Trials: A Systematic Review.

Extensive work is being done to form targeted drugs against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection; however, it is imperative to have a safe and effective vaccine against the same to win the war against this pandemic. For creating an efficacious vaccine, a proper animal model needs to be selected which can have an acceptable similarity of response as well as effects when administered to humans. For the present research, extensive search was conducted in MEDLINE and bioRxiv and medRxiv servers which were published in the English language from January 1, 2020, to August 20, 2020. Search terms included animal models, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, immune response against coronavirus, nonhuman primates, mice, ferrets, and macaques. In our study, creating an adequate immune response mimicking the response as in humans, as the endpoint, was considered as inclusion criterion while assessment of any additional therapies like safety as well as minimal tolerable dose using animal models as well as formation of adequate sample size of these models against COVID-19 was not considered. In our search, 163 articles were shortlisted, of them only 20 articles were finally included in our study which addressed to our inclusion and exclusion criterion. Our research articles focused on nonhuman primates, mice, hamsters, ferrets, cats, and dogs, with the main goal to investigate the role of animal models in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. It was evident in our research that animal models only mimic limited signs and symptoms experienced in COVID infection as compared to infections in humans. However, they are still essential to understand the pathogenesis, transmissibility of viral particles, and vaccine testing.

Tobacco - Use Prevalence, Exposure, Attitudes, Behaviour/Cessation, Curriculum among Health Professional Students in Mangalore City, Karnataka, India.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use is one of the leading preventable causes of premature death, disease and disability around the world. Medical and Dental graduates have an important role to play in tobacco cessation and prevention. Hence, the present study was undertaken to assess the tobacco use prevalence, practice, attitudes towards policy making and curriculum in medical and dental interns (house surgeons). METHODS: A cross sectional questionnaire based survey was carried out among interns in all the medical and dental colleges of Mangalore city. Global Health Professional Students Survey (GHPSS) questionnaire given by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) was modified and adopted. RESULTS: In the present study among 512 interns, 263 and 249 interns belonged to dental and medical fraternity respectively The prevalence of current smokers of cigarette was significantly higher among medical interns (32.1%) than the dental interns (20.2%), whereas no significant difference was evident amongst the dental (44.9%) and medical (41.8%) interns under the ever smokers category. A significant difference (p < 0.001) in the attitude of dental and medical college interns was observed towards tobacco use, policy making and their knowledge about the curriculum. CONCLUSION: This study shows health professionals lacking specific training in tobacco counseling, all of which indicate a need for including a standardized syllabus to train health professionals in medical and dental schools related to tobacco its ill-effects, cessation and policy making.

Role of Nanotechnology in Dentistry: Systematic Review.

AIM: This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of role of nanotechnology in dentistry and to evaluate its applicability in prevention and treatment of oral diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in 2 electronic databases - PMC and Cochrane. The search was restricted to the articles published during the last 5 years. First-level screening was done to select articles for the review on the basis of title and abstract. Then, full texts of selected articles were studied, and relevant articles were selected to be included in this review. Articles selected were critically appraised to evaluate their quality. RESULTS: Literature search revealed 837 articles in PMC, 15 in Clinical trial register of US National library, and 43 in Cochrane. Additional 6 articles were identified by hand search. Eleven clinical trials were included in this review. CONCLUSION: Advancement in nanotechnology has greatly influenced dental disease prevention and therapy significantly.

Adult Immunization - Need of the Hour.

Immunization is the process of making individuals immune. Childhood immunization is a common process for various aliments, but adult immunization in the Indian scenario is obscure. Officially, India has been declared polio-free, which is an achievement despite cultural, political, economic, geographic, and so many other factors. The changing demographics of adult, geriatric population and growing cost of health-care maintenance are a concern in developing countries like India. Thus, promoting healthy lifestyle needs prevention, early detection, and management of various diseases and disorders. Certainly, prevention in adults is yet to be tapped completely, so that goal of 100% prevention can be achieved. Various fraternities of medical association have come up with guidelines for adult immunization schedules in India. The present paper reviews infectious diseases such as anthrax, chikungunya, cholera, dengue, influenza, and malaria in this section of the review. We humbly request all health-care professionals and educators to educate the mass for adult immunization. So that, cost involved for treatment and workforce for the management of diseases can be better utilized in some other needed areas.