Remineralization efficacy of nonfluoride versus herbal-based pediatric dentifrice in demineralized primary teeth.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent posteruptive bacterial infections worldwide, characterized by a progressive demineralization process that affects the mineralized dental tissues. Although the decline of dental caries prevalence can be attributed to the widespread use of dentifrices that contain fluoride, yet there is a need for an advanced alternative nonfluoride remineralizing dentifrice. Yet, there is a need for an advanced alternative nonfluoride remineralizing dentifrice. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the remineralizing effect of nonfluoride-based and herbal-based pediatric dentifrice in demineralized primary teeth with an ideal in vitro method of pH cycling and evaluating the values under Polarized Light Microscope (Olympus BX43) using image analysis software (ProgRes, Speed XT core3). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 tooth samples were collected and placed in the demineralizing solution for 96 h to produce a demineralized lesion of approximately 100 µm, and then cut longitudinally into 60 sections that were randomly assigned to two groups with 27 samples each, Group A - nonfluoride-based dentifrice (Mee Mee®), Group B - herbal-based dentifrice (Mamaearth™), after which they were subjected to pH cycling for 7 days along with dentifrice slurry preparation. The sections were evaluated under the polarizing light microscopy for remineralizing efficacy. The lesion depth was measured and tabulated to be sent for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean demineralization value for nonfluoride and herbal-based dentifrice groups were 7.8730 µm and 28.3174 µm, respectively. Hence, it can be inferred that since lesion depth measured was lesser in nonfluoride than herbal-based dentifrice, remineralization has occurred in the nonfluoride-based dentifrice group. CONCLUSION: Nonfluoride-based dentifrice showed significant results in remineralizing the demineralized lesion, while herbal-based dentifrice showed poor efficiency in remineralizing the demineralized lesion.

The medicolegal importance of establishing human identity by using dactyloscopy and rugoscopy: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Palatal rugae are irregular and asymmetric mesenchymal ridges that extend in a lateral direction away from the incisive papilla and mid-palatine raphe. Their unique characteristics and environmental stableness justify their inclusion in forensic investigations. Dermatoglyphics or fingerprint patterns are epidermal ridges, which are genetically controlled and are specific to an individual. Hence they are used as a forensic tool. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the reliability of Rugoscopic and Dermatoglyphic patterns for gender identification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 subjects were recruited in this prospective study. All subjects were between the age range of 18 and 55 years. The subjects were categorized into 100 males and 100 females. Fingerprint dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using stamp pad, ink, and A4 size white sheets. A subject's fingers were pressed onto the stamped ink pad and lightly pressed over a sheet of paper. Obtained patterns were coded and analyzed as per Galton's criteria into arch, loop, and whorl patterns. Palatal rugae patterns were obtained by making alginate impression material and impression trays. Obtained casts were analyzed for rugae pattern analysis using Kapali's classification. An unpaired t test was used as a statistical tool. RESULTS: On analyzing dermatoglyphic patterns, the arch pattern was most common among male subjects, whereas loop pattern was found to be most common among females. On rugoscopic pattern analysis, Straight pattern was most frequent among males, whereas the circular pattern was common among females. CONCLUSION: A statistically significant difference was noted between gender and rugoscopic patterns (P = 0.02) and dermatoglyphic patterns (P = 0.03).