MUC4 and MMP7 in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in adolescents at West Bengal, India.

Mucin 4 (MUC4) and matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7) have been reported to be associated with chronic periodontitis as seen in gingival tissue biopsies. Therefore, it is of interest to estimate the levels of MUC4 and MMP7 in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples of periodontitis in adolescents patients at West Bengal, India. MUC4 levels were significantly lower in saliva and GCF from periodontitis patients compared to healthy controls. However, MMP7 levels were found to be significantly higher in saliva and GCF from periodontitis patients. Thus, MUC4 and MMP7 are biomarkers for periodontitis diagnosis and towards further consideration.

Evaluation of Oral Hygiene Status in Patients with Hemorrhagic and Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Stroke can broadly be categorized into ischemic or hemorrhagic. Ischemic stroke accounts for 85% of cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), whereas hemorrhagic stroke accounts for 15% of CVAs. Stroke is broadly associated with loss of sensation or unilateral paralysis of orofacial structures. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of various oral features in patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients diagnosed with stroke admitted in the intensive care unit were included in the study. The evaluation of oral manifestations and their prevalence was done by a well-experienced oral medicine expert deputed in the dental department of the hospital. A single examiner performed all oral evaluations. RESULTS: The mean and median for the age were 60.8 and 59. Sixty of 100 patients were male, whereas 38 were female. Forty patients had hemorrhagic stroke, whereas 60 had ischemic stroke. Senenty-eight patients of 100 had features of periodontitis, 90 of 100 patients presented with halitosis, 79 presented with caries, 83 patients had positive signs of tongue hypermobility, and 75 patients had dysphagia. CONCLUSION: Oral hygiene is the most neglected aspect during rehabilitation in stroke patients. It is critical for stroke patients to receive thorough oral care, as it can prevent other systemic ailments and potentially life-threatening complications like aspiration pneumonia.

Assessment of Periodontal Status and Treatment Needs among Beedi Factory Workers.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal disease is considered to be one of the most common oral conditions in human population sharing an equal prevalence rate in both developed and developing countries. It is observed that in India, more than 800 million beedis are sold every year; hence, beedi making is a big industry involving approximately 4.4 million workers, and 76% of these workers are women. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess the frequency of gingival and periodontal disease and to evaluate the treatment needs in labors working in a beedi factory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1000 daily wage labors working in a beedi factory resided at Patna, Bihar. Subjects aged between 19 and 60 years were randomly selected for the study. The community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) index with CPTIN probe along with the demographic data was recorded in daylight. RESULTS: None of the study subjects was found to fall in category community periodontal index-1 (CPI-1), 67.2% of the study population was found to be in CPI-2, 12.3% were found to be in CPI-3, and 9.7% of the study subjects scored CPI-4. For the treatment needs, majority of the subjects were in TN2 category; however, with advancing age, there was increase in the percentage of population requiring TN3 treatment needs. CONCLUSION: CPITN index along with the demographic data was recorded in daylight. The high prevalence rate of periodontal disease in these beedi factory workers was found, which increased with advancing age. The treatment need index also showed rise in the requirement of complex procedures with advancing age, suggesting the role of dental education and regular checkups in these population groups.

Comparative evaluation of retention ability of amorphous calcium phosphate containing and illuminating pit & fissure sealants in 6-9 year old age group.

AIMS: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate and to compare the retention of two different pit and fissure sealants on permanent mandibular 1 st molar teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 110 children aged between 6-9 years were selected. In each child, Aegis with amorphous calcium phosphate sealant was applied on the permanent mandibular 1 st molar of the right side while Delton the illuminating sealant was applied on the permanent mandibular 1 st molar of the left side, keeping the permanent maxillary 1 st molars as control. The treated teeth were evaluated for retention of sealants at 3, 6 and 12 months interval. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Chi-square tests and Statistical Package for the Social Science version 15.0 statistical analysis software. RESULT: The results were showed that retention and loss of sealant from the occlusal surfaces of the sealed teeth in both groups was maximum between 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSION: Though statistically no significant difference was observed between the two groups, sealant with ACP showed better retention than the illuminating sealant.