Effects of Habit-Breaking Appliances on Tongue Movements during Deglutition in Children with Tongue Thrust Swallowing using Ultrasonography - A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the duration and range of tongue movements in tongue thrust swallow patterns with and without habit-breaking appliances using computer-aided M-mode ultrasound images. Also to record the corresponding position of the tongue associated with normal and tongue thrust swallowing pattern using B-mode ultrasound images. METHODOLOGY: Ten patients with mature swallow pattern, ten subjects with anterior tongue thrust (ATT) and ten patients with lateral tongue thrust (LTT) swallowing habit were analyzed for the duration and range of tongue movement using two-dimensional ultrasound M-mode images before and after insertion of three habit-breaking appliances (anterior tongue crib [ATC], double oral screen [DOS] and DeLuke oral trainer [DOT]). Further, B-mode images were examined for the tongue positions in different swallow patterns with and without appliances. RESULTS: Duration and range of tongue movement for the entire swallowing phase did not show a statistically significant difference for mature, ATT and LTT. Statistical significant difference existed in the duration between ATC and DOS with DOT for ATT patient (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, a significant difference existed in the range of tongue movement between DOS and DOT in LTT patients (P ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Remarkable changes in the tongue position were observed postinsertion of DOT in both anterior and LTT swallow patterns where the tongue tip and anterior tongue dorsum shifted upward toward the anterior palate resembling that of a mature swallow pattern.

SEM Analysis of Residual Dentin Surface in Primary Teeth Using Different Chemomechanical Caries Removal Agents.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this in vitro study was to analyze the residual dentinal surfaces following caries removal using two chemomechanical methods (Papacarie Duo and Carie Care), by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). STUDY DESIGN: Twenty extracted primary molars with active occlusal carious lesions were randomly assigned two groups depending on the CMCR agent used for the caries excavation - Group 1 - with Papacarie Duo and Group - 2 with Carie Care. After the caries excavation, the specimens were subjected to SEM analysis. RESULTS: Though both the agents showed the minimal smear layer with the patent dentinal tubules, Carie care showed patent dentinal tubules with a clearly exposed peritubular and intertubular collagen network. CONCLUSION: Carie Care treated surface exhibited better surface morphology of residual dentin.

Evaluation of antimicrobial action of Carie Care™ and Papacarie Duo™ on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans a major periodontal pathogen using polymerase chain reaction.

BACKGROUND: In the present scenario, we are made available with chemomechanical caries removal system containing a natural proteolytic enzyme for the ease in the excavation of infected dentine. The additive action for these agents is providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. AIM: This study was undertaken for assessing the action of Carie Care™ and Papacarie Duo™ on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples were collected for cultivation of the periodontal pathogen from the clinical periodontal pockets using sterile paper points. The samples cultured under suitable conditions were analyzed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting 16s r-DNA. The samples were divided into three groups namely, Group A: Control, Group B: With Papacarie Duo, Group C: With Carie Care. The pathogen inoculums plugs were inserted in the petri dishes containing chemically defined medium and the experimental gels at different concentrations and were incubated under optimal conditions. The inhibition of growth of the pathogen was studied visually. RESULTS: There was visual inhibition of growth for Group B and C and also exhibited a dose-dependent effect also. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, Carie Care™ gel demonstrated better antimicrobial action against A. actinomycetemcomitans which is a major periodontal disease causing pathogen.

Impact of Untreated Traumatic Injuries to Anterior Teeth on the Oral Health Related Quality of Life As Assessed By Video Based Smiling Patterns in Children.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between the oral health status, oral health related quality of life and the evaluations of their smiles as assessed by the children, their parents, and through measurements of the children's videotaped smiles and compare the smiling patterns in children suffering from untreated traumatic injuries to anterior teeth and control group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty eight children of the age 5-15 years of both sexes were selected for the study and categorized into experimental group and control group. The experimental group consisted of 29 children with untreated trauma to one or more anterior teeth while the control group consisted of 29 children with good oral health. Oral examination of all children was done to include in study groups. Children and parents participating in the study responded to two separate Oral Health Related Quality of Life questionnaires for children and parents respectively. The children were asked to watch a funny cartoon show and a video was made while the children watched the show. The video was cropped into still images at 25 predetermined points. Width and openness of the children's mouth and number of teeth shown were measured during the taped sessions to assess the children's video-based smiling patterns. RESULTS: The children's self evaluation scores had statistically significant correlation with their smiling patterns, the number of traumatized teeth and the parental assessment of their children's oral health. Children with trauma to anterior teeth had more impacts on their smiling pattern compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Children suffering from trauma to anterior teeth had more effects on the emotions, the self confidence and social interaction than children without any traumatic injury.

Langerhans histiocytosis in a child - diagnosed by oral manifestations.

Langerhans Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare reactive and proliferative disease of histiocytes with unknown etiology, characterized by excessive proliferation of histiocytes called Langerhans cells. It occurs mainly in children but occurrence in adults has also been reported. It manifests as punched out lesions in the skull, maxilla, mandible, sternum and other flat bones and causes rapid resorption of the alveolar bone leading to floating teeth appearance in the radiographs. This disease manifests initially in the oral cavity in most of the cases and can be diagnosed by careful clinical and radiological examination. Here, we present a case of LCH in a child which was diagnosed by a swelling in the mandibular region.