Comparative Evaluation of Remineralization Potential of Two Varnishes Containing CPP-ACP and Tricalcium Phosphate: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the remineralization potential of Clinpro XT varnish containing tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and MI varnish containing casein phosphopeptide (casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, CPP-ACP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty premolar teeth were taken and divided into three groups. Samples were sliced mesiodistally into buccal and lingual halves using a diamond disk bur. The buccal halves of the teeth were used for the study. Artificial caries like lesions were produced and evaluated with Diagnodent. The samples in each group were treated with the respective remineralizing agent (except for the control group) at every 24 hours for 7 days and the surfaces were assessed using Diagnodent to record the values after the remineralization procedure. The Diagnodent values obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the values calculated before and after remineralization in all the three groups. CONCLUSION: The study findings showed that MI varnish containing CPP-ACP had the highest release of fluoride as compared to the Clinpro fluoride releasing varnish. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: MI varnish is a 5% NaF varnish containing CPP-ACP to give an exceptional fluoride varnish that releases more bioavailable fluoride, calcium, and phosphate, hence, can be used successfully in remineralization of early carious lesions. CPP-ACP can be used in the clinical practice for reversing or arresting the early carious lesions. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Varma V, Hegde KS, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Remineralization Potential of Two Varnishes Containing CPP-ACP and Tricalcium Phosphate: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(3):233-236.

Comparative evaluation of Mangifera indica leaf mouthwash with chlorhexidine on plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and salivary streptococcal growth.

AIMS: This study aims to compare the efficacy of a mango (Mangifera indica) leaf mouthwash with chlorhexidine on plaque status, gingival status, and salivary Streptococcus mutans count. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of twenty children, aged 8-14 years, Mangalore Residential School, Karnataka, India, was allocated into two groups. Group A (10) and Group B (10) were given test mouthwash "mango leaf mouthwash" and chlorhexidine, respectively. The clinical trial was carried out for ½ h after rinsing and after 5 days, during which children were asked to rinse once daily, with 10 ml of the given mouthwash ½ h after tooth brushing. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in microbial count, improved plaque control and gingival health in mango leaf and chlorhexidine mouthwash groups with higher reduction in microbial count, and better plaque control and gingival health seen in chlorhexidine group. CONCLUSION: Herbal alternatives proved to be an effective and safe alternative to conventional modes of treatment.

A Cross-sectional Study of the Prevalence of Dental Caries among 12- to 15-year-old Overweight Schoolchildren.

INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obesity are growing health-related problems worldwide, and it is currently the most prevalent nutritional disorder among children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to assess the association between overweight and dental caries among 12- to 15-year-old schoolchildren in Mangaluru district, Karnataka, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from 2000 school-going children aged 12 to 15 years. The children were categorized as overweight and normal-weight group by assessing the body mass index (BMI). Body mass index was categorized using the classification system given by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and obtained in units of kg/m2. The dental caries was assessed by detection and was performed according to decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. RESULTS: Of the 2000 children examined, the mean BMI recorded was 26.87 ± 2.26 for the overweight children and 20.82 ± 1.48 for the normal-weight children. Even though the DMFT (3.90 ± 2.95) in the overweight children was slightly higher than the control group (3.36 ± 2.73), it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Within the confines of the present study, it can be concluded that there is no significant association between overweight and dental caries among the schoolchildren of Mangaluru district in Karnataka. Longitudinal studies are necessary to substantiate the possible relationships between dental caries and overweight in children. Knowledge of these relationships could lead to preventive health measures designed to reduce the prevalence of both obesity and dental caries.

Preclinical screening of phyllanthus amarus ethanolic extract for its analgesic and antimicrobial activity.

BACKGROUND: To discover a new agent which possesses dual property of analgesic and antimicrobial activity, thereby reducing the burden of polypharmacy. Phyllanthus amarus was screened for its analgesic and antimicrobial activities. OBJECTIVES: The objective was to evaluate the analgesic and antimicrobial activity, of P. amarus ethanolic extract (PAEE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ethanolic extract of P. amarus was prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. An in vivo study using Swiss albino mice was done to screen the central and peripheral analgesic activity of P. amarus extract. The extract was administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight orally. The peripheral analgesic activity was assessed using acetic acid induced writhing test. The central analgesic activity was assessed using Eddy's hot plate apparatus. An in vitro study was carried out to study the antimicrobial activity of the above extract using selected species of Streptococcus mutans, and S. salivarius. The antimicrobial activities were determined using the agar well method. RESULTS: The ethanolic extract of P. amarus showed significant (P < 0.05) peripheral and central analgesic activity. In vitro antimicrobial screening indicated that the ethanolic extract had shown a zone of inhibition against S. mutans and S. salivarius in the agar wells. CONCLUSION: This study showed that PAEE exhibited significant analgesic and antimicrobial activities.

Tissue engineering in endodontics: root canal revascularization.

Root canal revascularization attempts to make necrotic tooth alive by the use of certain simple clinical protocols. Earlier apexification was the treatment of choice for treating and preserving immature permanent teeth that have lost pulp vitality. This procedure promoted the formation of apical barrier to seal the root canal of immature teeth and nonvital filling materials contained within root canal space. However with the success of root canal revascularization to regenerate the pulp dentin complex of necrotic immature tooth has made us to rethink if apexification is at the beginning of its end. The objective of this review is to discuss the new concepts of tissue engineering in endodontics and the clinical steps of root canal revascularization.

Influence of mouth breathing on the dentofacial growth of children: a cephalometric study.

BACKGROUND: The involvement of mouth breathing, facial, and structural growth alterations, especially during childhood has been discussed in medical and dental literature. The relevance of airway obstruction and its assumed effect on facial growth continues to be debated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was aimed at assessing the dental and soft tissue abnormalities in mouth breathing children with and without adenoid hypertrophy. Fifty children aged between 6 and 12 years following otolaryngological examination were divided into three groups: Group I (MBA): Twenty mouth breathing children with enlarged adenoids and 60% of nasopharynx obstruction; Group II (MB): Twenty mouth breathing children without any nasal obstruction; Group III (nasal breathers [NB]): Ten nose breathing healthy individuals (control group). Digital lateral cephalograms were obtained and the dental and soft tissue parameters were assessed using the cephalometric software, Dolphin Imaging 11.5 version. Comparison was done using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in IMPA (P = 0.001 and 0.007 respectively), interlabial gap (P = 0.007 and 0.002 respectively) and facial convexity (P < 0.001 and 0.001 respectively) in both MBA and MB groups when compared to NB. The upper incisor proclination (P = 0.012) and facial convexity (P = 0.003) were significantly higher in mouthbreathers with adenoid hypertrophy. However, upper incisor proclination (P = 0.009) was statistically signifi cant only in group MB when compared to NB. CONCLUSION: All subjects with mouth-breathing habit exhibited a significant increase in lower incisor proclination, lip incompetency and convex facial profile. The presence of adenoids accentuated the facial convexity and mentolabial sulcus depth.

Effect of Propolis on Streptococcus mutans Counts: An in vivo Study.

UNLABELLED: Propolis, a natural antibiotic, is a resinous substance that honey bees (Apis mellifera) produce. The main chemical classes present in propolis are flavonoids, phenolics and other various aromatic compounds. AIM: To evaluate the antibacterial action of propolis on the concentration of Streptococcus mutans colonizing the oral cavity of children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty children performed the rinses, with no other changes in their oral hygiene and dietary habits. Saliva was collected at two time points: Before using the product, 1 hour after the rinse. RESULTS: Paired t-test was used for analysis of the results. A reduction in the concentration of Streptococcus mutans was observed in samples collected after use of the extract. There was a reduction in Streptococcus mutans count when compared to samples obtained in baseline. Significant reductions were seen at the end of 1 hour. The result was statistically significant. There were no side effects in soft and hard tissues of mouth. Conclusion and clinical implication: The propolis possesses in vivo antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans present in the oral cavity and might be used as a measure to prevent dental caries. How to cite this article: Hegde KS, Bhat SS, Rao A, Sain S. Effect of Propolis on Streptococcus mutans Counts: An in vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2013;6(1):22-25.

Characteristics of primary dentition occlusion in preschool children: an epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE: The establishment and maintenance of normal occlusion constitutes one of the important objectives of pediatric dentistry. There are very few studies assessing the occlusal characteristics of primary dentition in the preschool children. The objective of this study was to assess the occlusal characteristics of primary dentition and difference in various parameters, in children between 3 and 5 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight hundred and eight healthy children, of age group between 3 and 5 years, and having full set of deciduous dentition, were selected by random sampling. Examination and recording of occlusal characteristics were done by single examiner. RESULTS: Flush terminal molar relationship was seen in 67.9% of children. Statistically significant (χ(2) = 47.835, p = 0.001) increase in mesial step molar relationship was seen with age. The class I canine relationship was the most prevalent canine relation, however the agewise changes of canine relation were not statistically significant. Anterior open bite was observed in 0.2% of children, which was less than the prevalence reported earlier in literature. 91.2% of children had overjet of 1 to 2 mm. The incidence of anterior and posterior crossbite was 0.4%. No cases of infraocclusion and scissors bite were observed. CONCLUSION: There is change in deciduous molar relationship as age increases. There is a significant increase in mesial step molar relation in 5 years age group compared to 3 years. The low prevalence of posterior crossbite and anterior open bite is suggestive of lower prevalence of sucking habits in children. Larger sample size may be required to assess the prevalence of infraocclusion and scissors bite. How to cite this article: Bhat SS, Rao HTA, Hegde KS, Kumar BSK. Characteristics of Primary Dentition Occlusion in Preschool Children: An Epidemiological Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2012;5(2):93-97.

Multiple Intranasal Foreign Bodies: An Incidental Diagnosis.

Inquisitive children often insert foreign bodies into their nose or other body orifices while they explore their own bodies in early childhood. Intranasal foreign bodies are found in children, most commonly in 2-4 years olds. Common symptoms in such cases include pain or discomfort, nasal discharge, nasal congestion, nasal odor, including bromhidrosis (foul body odor). Complications, such as facial cellulitis, epiglottitis, and cephalic tetanus have also been reported. Mentally challenged children may be at a higher risk for such foreign body insertion and may need to be examined at regular intervals. Careful interpretation of dental radiographs can go a long way in diagnosing such cases especially in the absence of a positive history. Radiolucent objects are more difficult to identify especially in the absence of a positive history, and hence their diagnosis and removal is more challenging for the clinician. Dental practitioners can play a significant role in the diagnosis of intranasal foreign bodies in children through careful clinical examination and interpretation of dental radiographs. This case report describes a child referred for dental care and a diagnosis of intranasal foreign body was made based on routine dental panoramic radiograph.