Salivary peptide human neutrophil defensin1-3 and its relationship with early childhood caries.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of the level of salivary peptides human neutrophil defensin (HNP) 1-3 in children with and without early childhood caries (ECC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro study was conducted among 86 children of age 3-6 years who were divided into two groups: Group 1 - children with ECC (n = 43) and Group 2 - children without ECC (n = 43). Saliva samples were collected, and salivary peptide HNP1-3 levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The data collected were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the mean salivary peptide levels of HNP1-3 in children with and without ECC. One-way ANOVA was used for intragroup comparison of the mean peptide levels between the ages. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the children in Group 1 and Group 2 was 5.12 ± 0.851 and 4.88 ± 0.879 years, respectively. A statistically significant decrease was seen in salivary peptide HNP1-3 levels in children with ECC (1.44 ng/ml) when compared to children without ECC (6.04 ng/ml) with P < 0.001. There were no statistically significant differences in the gender- and age-based comparisons. CONCLUSION: A decrease in salivary peptide HNP1-3 levels might be a biological factor for predisposition to ECC and hence can be used as a predictive and a preventive tool in caries prevention.

A comparative evaluation between cheiloscopic patterns and the permanent molar relationships to predict the future malocclusions.

BACKGROUND: To assess the correlation between different cheiloscopic patterns with the permanent molar relationships. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 300 children who are 14-16 years old with completely erupted 2nd permanent molars upto occlusal table were recruited and the pattern of molar terminal plane was recorded in the proforma. Lip prints of these subjects were recorded with lipstick-cellophane method and middle 10mm of lower lip was analysed for the lip print pattern as suggested by Sivapathasundharam et al. The pattern were classified based on Tsuchihashi and Suzuki classification. RESULTS: Type II (branched) pattern was the most predominant cheiloscopic pattern. The predominant patterns which related to the Angle's classification were; type I (complete vertical) pattern for class I, type IV (reticular) pattern for class II and presence of type IV (reticular) pattern and absence of type I' (incomplete vertical) pattern for class III. In class III molar relationship, males showed an increased type II (branched) pattern and females showed an increased type IV (reticluar) pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Lip prints can provide an alternative to dermatoglyphics to predict malocclusions in permanent dentition. Further studies with larger sample size are required to provide an insight into its significant correlations. Key words:Cheiloscopy, Angle's classification, malocclusion.

Management of Complicated Crown-Root Fracture by Extra-Oral Fragment Reattachment and Intentional Reimplantation with 2 Years Review.

Trauma with an accompanying fracture to the anterior teeth gives an agonizing experience for a young individual due to the physical disfigurement and the psychological impact that is imposed on them. This paper reports a case of complicated crown-root fracture in a young child that was treated by extra-oral fragment reattachment followed by the intentional reimplantation. The tooth was endodontically-treated followed by the placement of fiber-reinforced composite post. The fragments were reattached extra orally following an atraumatic extraction. The tooth was then reimplanted back into the socket followed by splinting. Clinical results were successful after 2 years. This case report demonstrates the importance of modifying a treatment protocol to maintain esthetics up to the completion of the developmental period.

Preferences and choices of a child concerning the environment in a pediatric dental operatory.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to determine children's preferences in a dental clinic so as to reduce anxiety during dental procedures. In this study survey methodology was used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was designed to evaluate the child's preference in a dental hospital so as to remove anxiety during a dental procedure. This study was carried out on 50 children aged 6-10 years. The children were randomly selected based on their first dental visit in a private dental college. RESULTS: A large number of children preferred listening to rhymes and watching cartoons while undergoing dental treatment. They also preferred the walls painted with cartoons, the dental chair full of toys, a scented environment, and the presence of their parents during the treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will help the dental team decide on the appropriate design of the pediatric dental operatory room in order to provide a comfortable dental environment which will reduce anxiety in children and improve the quality of health care.

Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of an alternative natural agent for disinfection of toothbrushes.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial potency of aqueous extract of Psidium guajava leaves in two different concentrations as a toothbrush disinfectant against three oral bacterial species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous extracts of P. guajava leaves were prepared at 20% and 30% concentrations and 0.2% chlorhexidine was used as control. The toothbrushes were equally divided into 9 groups with 10 toothbrushes per disinfectant, which were contaminated with Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Microbial culture was done after 5 min and 3 h of decontamination. RESULTS: Group Ia and Ib showed that the presence of E. faecalis was observed in 8 (40%) of 20 toothbrushes. Group IIa and IIb showed a significant reduction in colony forming unit/toothbrush during 3 h evaluation. Group IIIa and IIIb showed nil growth during 3 h evaluation. Nil growth was observed with the control group for all three organisms. Statistically significant values were obtained for 5 min (P < 0.001) and 3 h (P < 0.001) disinfection period against L. acidophilus at two different concentrations. CONCLUSION: Aqueous extracts of guava leaves can be used as an alternative organic product for disinfection of toothbrushes.

A Comparative Evaluation between Cheiloscopic Patterns and Terminal Planes in Primary Dentition.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between different cheiloscopic patterns with the terminal planes in deciduous dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred children who are 3-6 years old with complete primary dentition were recruited, and the pattern of molar terminal plane was recorded in the pro forma. Lip prints of these children were recorded with lipstick-cellophane method, and the middle 10 mm of lower lip was analyzed for the lip print pattern as suggested by Sivapathasundharam et al. The pattern was classified based on Tsuchihashi and Suzuki classification. RESULTS: Type II (branched) pattern was the most predominant cheiloscopic pattern. The predominant patterns which related to the terminal planes were as follows: Type IV (reticular) and Type V (irregular) pattern for mesial step, Type IV (reticular) pattern for distal step, and Type I (complete vertical) pattern for flush terminal plane. No significant relationship was obtained on gender comparison. CONCLUSION: Lip prints can provide an alternative to dermatoglyphics to predict the terminal plane in primary dentition. Further studies with larger sample size are required to provide an insight into its significant correlations.

Comparative evaluation of tensile bond strength and microleakage of conventional glass ionomer cement, resin modified glass ionomer cement and compomer: An in vitro study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the tensile bond strength and microleakage of Fuji IX GP, Fuji II LC, and compoglass and to compare bond strength with degree of microleakage exhibited by the same materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Occlusal surfaces of 96 noncarious primary teeth were ground perpendicular to long axis of the tooth. Preparations were distributed into three groups consisting of Fuji IX GP, Fuji II LC and Compoglass. Specimens were tested for tensile bond strength by mounting them on Instron Universal Testing Machine. Ninety-six primary molars were treated with Fuji IX GP, Fuji II LC, and compoglass on box-only prepared proximal surface. Samples were thermocycled, stained with dye, sectioned, and scored for microleakage under stereomicroscope. ANOVA and Bonferrani correction test were done for comparisons. Pearson Chi-square test and regression analysis were done to assess the association between the parameters. RESULTS: Compoglass showed highest tensile strength and Fuji II LC showed least microleakage. There was a significant difference between the three groups in tensile strength and microleakage levels. The correlation between tensile strength and microleakage level in each group showed that there was a significant negative correlation only in Group 3. CONCLUSION: Fuji II LC and compoglass can be advocated in primary teeth because of their superior physical properties when compared with Fuji IX GP.