Comparative evaluation of effects of chlorhexidine and tetracycline on neutrophil viability and functions in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Chlorhexidine (CHX) and Tetracycline (TET) are the two antimicrobial agents used in the management of periodontal infections, due to their antimicrobial potency and substantivity. The benefits and limitations of an antimicrobial agent can only be assessed by determining their relative toxicity to microbes and host cells. OBJECTIVES: (1) To detect the effects of CHX and TET on neutrophil viability and functions in vitro. (2) To compare the effects of CHX and TET on crevicular blood neutrophils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Crevicular blood was collected using 5-µl pipette, stored in EDTA-containing vacutainers and sent for evaluation of Cell Viability- Neutrophils would be mixed with 0.25 volume of 0.4% trypan blue in Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) and counted to assess the viability. Chemotaxis- Evaluated under agarose slides, a total of 100 µl crevicular blood Neutrophils-0.2% BSA or HBSS-0.2% containing concentration of CHX and TET. Oxidative Metabolism- would be assessed using nitro blue tetrazolium. In all experiments, three concentrations of TET (0.1%, 0.05%, 0.025%) and CHX (0.01%, 0.005%, 0.0025%) respectively were used. N-Formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine (1 µm) in the presence of 2 µg/ml cytochalasin B will be used as the activating agent. Neutrophils would be treated with CHX and TET similarly to that for chemotaxis. RESULTS: TET comparatively has less deleterious effects on neutrophil functions as compared with that of CHX with statistically significant results for all parameters tested. CONCLUSION: From this study, it is inferred that CHX and TET do cause certain changes in neutrophil functions.

Peripheral cemento-ossifying fibroma--a case report.

Peripheral cemento-ossifying fibroma (PCOF) is a relatively common gingival growth of a reactive rather than neoplastic nature whose pathogenesis remains uncertain. It predominantly affects adolescent & young adults with greater prevalence around 28 years. We report in this study, the clinical case of a 47-year-old female patient who was asymptomatic, with the disease duration of 2 years and was followed up for 6 months post-surgically showing gingival health, normal radio-opacity of bone without any recurrence. Clinical, radiographical and histological characteristics are discussed and recommendations regarding differential diagnosis, treatment and follow-up are provided. The controversial varied nomenclature and possible etiopathogenesis of PCOF are emphasized.

Correlation of awareness and practice of working postures with prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals.

Over the last 20 years, a great many innovations have been introduced that are designed to reduce laborious activities; however, an unexpected consequence of these developments is a trend toward a sedentary lifestyle and prolonged static postures that are accompanied by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). MSDs have become a major issue of concern because the afflictions can be severe enough to disable professional careers. Although clinical dentistry is a field with immense potential for MSDs, only a few studies have investigated this issue. The present study was carried out addressing prevalence and awareness level of MSDs among 500 dental professionals from Central India. Also, the interrelationship between practices of working postures with occurrence of pain in different body parts were assessed using a structured questionnaire format. The results were statistically significant, and indicated that the prevalence of MSDs is high and that there is a dire need to enhance awareness regarding correct working postures. This study encompassed all factors that can be addressed as causes for MSDs among dentists.