Prebiotics-A Primeval Measure to Combat Dental Caries: A Short-term Clinical Study.

Background: Prevention of dental caries is paramount in reducing the global burden of the disease. The consumption of probiotics as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent for dental caries, has certain limitations. Prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients, that enhance the growth and activity of probiotic microorganism, thereby help in the establishment of a healthy oral environment. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on the salivary Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) counts and salivary IgA concentrations. Methodology: Children of age-group 6-9 years with DMFT score of 5 and above were divided into three groups of 10 each: Group 1 (prebiotics), Group 2 (probiotics), and Group 3 (synbiotics). The functional food therapy was done for a period of 1 month twice daily. The S. mutans count and IgA concentrations were assessed pre- and postintervention. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: A statistically significant reduction of S. mutans was seen in all three groups after 1 month. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the groups. Conclusion: Prebitoics can serve as an unfortified and natural means of combating dental caries. How to cite this article: Konde S, Ravindran S, Agarwal M, et al. Prebiotics-A Primeval Measure to Combat Dental Caries: A Short-term Clinical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S234-S238.

Dermatoglyphics: A Noninvasive Diagnostic Tool in Predicting Class III Skeletal Malocclusion in Children.

BACKGROUND: Dermatoglyphics is a scientific study that deals with the epidermal ridges and their configurations on certain body parts such as fingers, palms, and soles. In humans, during the intrauterine life (IUL) the primary palate, lip, and dermal ridges are formed during the same period, the genetic code engineered in the genome normal or abnormal is mirrored on these developing structures. Thus making dermatoglyphic a preceding tool in dental diagnosis. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study aimed at evaluating dermatoglyphics as a tool in diagnosing malocclusion by comparing qualitative and quantitative dermal patterns in class I and class III skeletal malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty subjects fulfilling inclusion-criteria were segregated into two groups, group I (class I skeletal malocclusion) and group II (class III skeletal malocclusion) with 30 subjects in each group. Dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using ink method following rolling impression technique on recording sheets. The dermatoglyphic data were assessed for different finger ridge patterns, total finger ridge count, a-b ridge count, and atd angle. RESULTS: The data were analyzed using Chi-square and paired t tests. In skeletal class III malocclusion, there was an increase in loop count and a decrease in the count of whorls and arches as compared to class I malocclusion (p = 0.037). However, in relation to total finger ridge count, a-b ridge count, and atd angle, there was no statistically significant difference found between the groups. CONCLUSION: The end of the study derived that the fingerprint patterns are valuable and ineradicable markers of malocclusion. Thus, the dermatoglyphics can be utilized as a screening tool for early prediction of skeletal class III malocclusion at a younger age-group. Further studies are suggested with the inclusion of other parameters using the inkless biometric method in different populations. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Belludi AC, Sridhara A, Kumar NC, et al. Dermatoglyphics: A Noninvasive Diagnostic Tool in Predicting Class III Skeletal Malocclusion in Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(1):63-69.

Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Hypnosis, Acupressure and Audiovisual Aids in Reducing the Anxiety of Children during Administration of Local Anesthesia.

Aim: The present study aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of acupressure, hypnosis and audiovisual aids in reducing anxiety in children during the administration of local anesthesia (LA). Methodology: Two hundred apparently healthy children were selected randomly between 6 and 10 years of age and were divided into 4 groups with 50 children in each group. Group I: children were subjected to hypnosis, group II: acupressure, group III: AV aids i.e., VPT, and group IV: children were the control group where no anxiety-reducing techniques were used during administration of LA. The anxiety scores were recorded at three different time intervals by recording the pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (RR) and anxiety rate (AR) and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The results showed that, all the three distraction techniques showed a significant reduction in PR, RR and AR at all time intervals, when compared to the control group. A significant reduction in PR, RR and AR was seen in the hypnosis group when compared to acupressure and only PR in comparison to AV aids. There was no significant difference between group II and III in reducing anxiety. Conclusion: The present study indicates that all the three distraction techniques were effective in reducing anxiety in children. Hypnosis was most promising, followed by audiovisual aids and acupressure. Clinical significance: The techniques can be utilized in a day-to-day practice to manage patients with anxiety. How to cite this article: Erappa U, Konde S, Agarwal M, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Hypnosis, Acupressure and Audiovisual Aids in Reducing the Anxiety of Children during Administration of Local Anesthesia. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-2):S186-S192.

"Thaumaturgy"- A Novel Behavior-shaping Technique.

AIM: To compare and evaluate the effectiveness of thaumaturgy in alleviation of anxiety in children aged 2-13 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and forty children aged 2-13 years, identified as manifesting strong-willed behavior were selected for this study. The children were randomly assigned to be managed by one of the three thaumaturgic distraction techniques. Anxiety was assessed before and after the local anesthetic procedure using the anxiety facial scale. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in anxiety with the use of thaumaturgic techniques. Thumb and light trick significantly reduced anxiety in children aged 2-7 years, book trick reduced anxiety in children aged 7-11 years, and item tricks in children aged 11-13 years. CONCLUSION: The use of thaumaturgy plays an important role in shaping the behavior of a child in pediatric dentistry. The age and cognitive development of child dictates the technique to be used. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Thaumaturgy helps to render effective dental treatment in uncooperative children and instill a positive attitude. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Konde S, Sumaiyya S, Agarwal M, et al. "Thaumaturgy"-A Novel Behavior-shaping Technique. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(4):318-321.

Vitamin D deficiency as an etiological factor in delayed eruption of primary teeth: A cross-sectional study.

CONTEXT: Delayed tooth eruption might be the primary or sole manifestation of local or systemic pathology. Aims: The aim of the study was to correlate Vitamin D level and eruption status of primary teeth. The objectives also included the assessment of the association between Vitamin D levels and socioeconomic status, infant's sun exposure, maternal sun exposure during pregnancy and religion. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional, observational study conducted on 96 infants aged 12-15 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six infants, aged 12-15 months were selected after obtaining parental consent. Blood samples were assessed for Vitamin D3 levels using the Vitamin D ELISA Kit. The eruption status of the teeth was recorded in all the 96 infants. The obtained data were subjected to the statistical analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The obtained data were subjected to relevant statistical analysis such as Analysis of Variance, unpaired t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square Test, Tukey HSD, and Fisher's exact Test. Results: A significant correlation was found in the Vitamin D levels and the eruption timing (P < 0.001). The difference in mean Vitamin D levels among the three socio economic groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.088). A significant association was found between the infant's sun exposure and mother's sun exposure during pregnancy and religion on the Vitamin D levels (P = 0.002, P = 0.042, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency can be considered as an etiological factor for delayed eruption. A strong association exists between the socioeconomic status, infant's sun exposure, maternal sun exposure during pregnancy, and religion with Vitamin D levels.

Comparative Evaluation of Intraoral and Extraoral Periapical Radiographic Techniques in Determination of Working Length: An In Vivo Study.

OBJECTIVES/AIMS: This study was designed to determine the endodontic working length (WL) of root canals using digital extraoral periapical radiography (EOPAR) technique and comparing its accuracy with the standard digital intraoral periapical radiography (IOPAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty single-rooted mandibular first premolars indicated for orthodontic extraction were radiographed preoperatively to ensure closed apices. After gaining endodontic access, WL was determined by IOPAR using paralleling technique, followed by EOPAR, by placing a cone at +35° from the contralateral side. Accessed tooth was then extracted to obtain the actual root canal length and was compared with the radiographic lengths. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using paired t test. RESULTS: The actual length and the extraoral radiographic length showed no statistical significant difference (p = 0.326). The difference between the mean WL obtained by IOPA and EOPA was also not statistically significant (p = 0.096). The accuracy of IOPA technique was 97.87 ± 0.91% and that of EOPA technique was 94.65 ± 2.57%. CONCLUSION: The EOPA technique with an angulation of +35° can be used as an alternative to IOPA for mandibular premolars in apprehensive children, dental phobic patients with low pain threshold, neurological difficulties, and exaggerated gag reflex. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Sridhara A, Konde S, Noojadi SR, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Intraoral and Extraoral Periapical Radiographic Techniques in Determination of Working Length: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(3):211-216.

Volumetric Analysis of Root Canal Filling in Deciduous Teeth after Using Different Canal-Drying Methods: An In-vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Drying the root canals in pulp therapy is often ignored, but is essential for a successful clinical outcome. The conventional method used for drying root canals is by the use of paper points, but recently, various other methods have also been employed for this purpose. AIM: The purpose of this study was to volumetrically analyze root canal fillings in deciduous teeth, after using different canal-drying methods namely 95% ethanol, CANAL CLEAN (Cerkamed Medical Company), and Endo-Aspirator (Cerkamed Medical Company), and compare with the conventional paper point drying method. METHODOLOGY: Access cavities were prepared on eighty extracted primary canines, and irrigation was done with 1% sodium hypochlorite and normal saline while enlarging the canals. The specimens were then scanned using a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and preobturation volume (X) of each tooth was measured. The teeth were then randomly divided into two groups - Group 1 - Zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) group and Group 2 - Metapex group. Each group was further divided randomly into four subgroups based on the drying agent used - Subgroup A - Control group, Subgroup B - 95% ethanol group, Subgroup C - CANAL CLEAN group, and Subgroup D - Endo-Aspirator group. After obturation, a second CBCT was taken to measure the postobturation volume (Y). The percentage of obturated volume was calculated by the following formula: (postobturation volume/preobturation volume) ×100 ([Y/X] ×100). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The obtained data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA test and unpaired t-test. RESULTS: A significantly high postobturation volume was seen after using 95% ethanol followed by CANAL CLEAN, Endo-Aspirator, and paper points. On comparing the obturation volumes within Metapex and ZOE groups, Metapex group had significantly high obturation volumes irrespective of the drying method used. CONCLUSION: 95% ethanol is the best intracanal drying agent as it provides optimum pupal obturation.

Unrevealed Caries in Unerupted Teeth: A Prevalence Study.

BACKGROUND: Preeruptive caries are an abnormal, well-circumscribed, radiolucent area, occurring within the coronal dentinal tissue close to the dentinoenamel junction of unerupted teeth. OPGs are commonly taken in children for assessing the dental age and eruption sequence. It can be used as a good diagnostic source for detection of PEIR defects. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of Preeruptive intracoronal dentin radiolucencies in unerupted permanent teeth from orthopantomogram. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 1000 standard orthopantomographs of children below 12 years of age were collected and examined. METHODOLOGY: The OPGs were examined for PIER defects in the unerupted teeth. The prevalence of PEIR defects was assessed with respect to age, sex, tooth, and the arch involved. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data obtained were tabulated and analyzed. The prevalence was calculated in percentage. RESULTS: The participant prevalence was 13.6%. The teeth prevalence was 1.20%. The majority (38.9%) of defects were seen in the in the mandibular first premolar. Almost half of the lesions were located on the mesial side (52.3%), with a size less than one-third of dentine thickness (53%). CONCLUSION: PIER defects constitutes an important part of anomalies associated with unerupted teeth and thus needs a proper understanding of its prevalence, etiology, manifestations, and complications. These defects are usually overlooked by clinicians while interpreting radiographs; however, it is of utmost importance to promptly diagnose these defects thus preventing further complications.

Manuka Honey: A Potent Cariostatic Agent- An in vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to test the antibacterial activity of manuka honey and compare its efficacy with another commercially available honey (Dabur honey) on the cariogenic bacteria on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro study was carried out on 40 agar specimens; the samples were divided into two groups of 20 samples consisting of S. mutans and Lactobacil-lus respectively. The 20 samples in each group were further subdivided into four groups of five each, which were tested with 25% manuka honey, 100% manuka honey, 25% Dabur honey, and 100% Dabur honey for both Lactobacillus and S. mutans groups. The antibacterial activity was tested using the agar well diffusion method against S. mutans and Lacto-bacillus. Antibacterial activity was assessed by measuring the diameter of inhibition of zones surrounding the wells. The results obtained were statistically analyzed (one-way analysis of variance test, p-value). RESULTS: The results showed that 25% of manuka honey has statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) antibacterial effect than 25% of Dabur honey on both Streptococcus and Lactobacillus species, and manuka honey with 100% concentration showed a statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) antibacterial effect than 100% Dabur honey on the same species of bacteria. 100% of both the honeys showed statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) antibacterial effect than 25% concentrations of the same on S. mutans and Lactobacillus. CONCLUSION: Manuka honey had more antibacterial activity than Dabur honey on S. mutans and Lactobacillus bacteria in the in vitro study. This effect was dependent on the concentration of honey used.How to cite this article: Beena JP, Sahoo P, Konde S, Raj SN, Kumar NC, Agarwal M. Manuka Honey: A Potent Cariostatic Agent-An in vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(2):105-109.

Relationship between Dermatoglyphics, Cheiloscopy, Rugoscopy, and Dental Caries: A Cross-sectional Study in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

INTRODUCTION: Early detection of susceptibility to dental caries by studying its genetic basis by effectively utilizing noninvasive, less expensive, and effective tools is gaining popularity. Cariogenesis is affected by a combination of environmental and behavioral factors. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of dermatoglyphic, cheiloscopic, and rugoscopic patterns for assessing the risk of dental caries in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 100 children aged 3-7 years who were divided into two groups based on their decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT/deft) index. Fingerprints, lip prints, and rugae patterns were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The most common fingerprints patterns in the children with higher deft scores were loop pattern (52%), followed by whorls (32%) and arches (16%). The branched pattern of lip prints was found to be the most prevalent in all children irrespective of their caries status. Among palatal rugae shapes, wavy was found to be the most prevalent (54%) one in our study population, irrespective of the deft scores. Considering the palatal rugae unifications, it was found that converging type was significantly (P = 0.032) more prevalent in children with less deft scores (32%) compared to those with high deft caries (14%). CONCLUSION: Palatal rugae unifications have proved to be a good marker of dental caries. Among the various genes that may be playing a role in caries formation, BCOR and BCORL1 genes may also be playing a role in the development of palate and the rugae patterns and also in the development of enamel, which is known to be the most vulnerable dental tissue to dental caries.

An in vitro Comparative Evaluation of Three Remineralizing Agents using Confocal Microscopy.

INTRODUCTION: The caries process has been thought to be irreversible, resulting in the permanent loss of tooth substance and eventually the development of a cavity. Recent approaches focused on application of remineralizing agents to incipient carious lesions, aim at controlling demineralization and promoting remineralization. Remineralizing agents create a supersaturated environment around the lesion; thus, preventing mineral loss and forces calcium and phosphate ions in the vacant areas. AIM: To compare and evaluate the remineralization potential of Fluoride Varnish, CPP-ACP Paste (Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate) and fTCP Paste (functionalized Tricalcium Phosphate) using confocal microscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two windows of 3X3mm were created on the labial cervical and incisal thirds in 60 permanent maxillary central incisors. The teeth were demineralized to create artificial caries and divided into three groups of 20 each. Group I specimens were coated with Fluoride Varnish once whereas those in CPP-ACP paste group and fTCP group were brushed for 2 minutes, twice daily for 20 and 40 days. The specimens were stored in artificial saliva during the study period and were later sectioned and observed under confocal microscope. Data obtained was statistically analyzed using Fischer's exact test, ANOVA and post-hoc Bonferroni's test. RESULTS: Fluoride Varnish, CPP-ACP Paste and fTCP Paste showed remineralization of artificial carious lesions at both the time intervals. Fluoride varnish showed the highest remineralization followed by CPP-ACP Paste and fTCP Paste. A statistically significant increase in remineralization potential of CPP-ACP Paste and fTCP Paste was observed at the end of 40 days as compared to 20 days. CONCLUSION: Fluoride varnish showed the greatest remineralization potential of artificial carious lesions followed by CPP-ACP Paste and fTCP Paste respectively.

Antibiotic overusage and resistance: A cross-sectional survey among pediatric dentists.

INTRODUCTION: Most human orofacial infections originate from odontogenic infections and prescribing antibiotics has become a ubiquitous phenomenon. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the inappropriate, indiscriminate, and irrational use of antibiotics leading to antibiotic resistance as a global problem. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this survey is to compare the antibiotic prescription pattern and the awareness of antibiotic resistance among Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) practitioners and pediatric dentists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hundred BDS practitioners and 100 pediatric dentists included in the study were given a questionnaire containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions. The questionnaire comprised information pertaining to antibiotic prescription for most common oral conditions, commonly prescribed antibiotics, their dosage, etc. RESULTS: The majority of the practitioners prescribed antibiotics for managing oral diseases. On comparing the prescription patterns between the BDS practitioners and pediatric dentists, there was an overprescription in the BDS group for many conditions, which was statistically significant. Amoxicillin was the most commonly prescribed drug in both the groups. In the presence of an anaerobic infection, the most preferred drug was a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid with metronidazole. With regard to the duration of antibiotic prescription, 74% BDS practitioners prescribed antibiotics as a 3-day course and 60% pediatric dentists resorted to a 5-day course, which was statistically significant. The awareness regarding antibiotic prophylaxis and antibiotic resistance was found to be adequate in both the groups. However, there was a general lack of awareness with regard to the guidelines for antibiotic prescribing in both the groups. CONCLUSION: Practitioners should prescribe antibiotics in accordance with the guidelines to curb antibiotic resistance, an emerging public health problem.

LEOPARD syndrome: you could be the first one to diagnose!

Leopard syndrome is a rare genetic disease complex associated with multiple anomalies. The main anomalies are summarized in the acronym LEOPARD in which each letter corresponds to mnemonic for the major features of this disorder:multiple Lentigines, ECG conduction abnormalities, Ocular hypertelorism, Pulmonic stenosis, Abnormal genitalia, Retardation of growth, and sensory neural Deafness. A Four year old male patient reported with the chief complaint of decayed anterior tooth without any relevant past medical history. Based on the clinical features; the child was subjected to genetic and general physical appraisal which helped in identifying Leopard syndrome. A multidisciplinary approach by the pedodontist and medical consultants aided in the identification and management of this rare syndrome. LEOPARD syndrome has been rarely reported in the diseases associated with oro-dental or craniofacial anomalies. In this case report we describe these anomalies and discuss the relationship between them and the proposed etiology of the disease.

Dermatoglyphics: a genetic marker of early childhood caries.

BACKGROUND: It is an accepted fact that genetics plays an important role in determination of palmar dermatoglyphic patterns. Since caries is a multifactorial disease with the influence of genetic pattern, this study was undertaken to explore the possibility of dermatoglyphics as a noninvasive and early predictor of dental caries in children, so as to initiate preventive oral health measures at an early age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised of 200 children aged between 4 and 5 years. The dmfs score was evaluated. The experimental group (Group 1), comprised of 100 children with early childhood caries (ECC) with dmfs >5. The control group (Group 2) comprised of 100 children with dmfs score of 0. RESULTS: An increased frequency of ulnar loops in caries-free children and whorls in children with ECC was observed. Low mean atd angle and low mean. Total ridge count was observed in the ECC group. CONCLUSION: There is definite variation in dermatoglyphics between the ECC and caries-free group, indicating that dermatoglyphic patterns can be used as a predictive tool for children with ECC.

Probiotics for future caries control: a short-term clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare mutans streptococci levels in saliva, before and after consumption of probiotic ice-cream and curds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty caries free children in the age group of 12-14 years were selected and equally divided into four groups I, II, III, IV. Children in group I and II were given 100 ml probiotic ice-cream and plain ice cream respectively and group III and IV were given 100 ml probiotic curd and plain curd respectively for a period of 7 days. Saliva samples were assessed at baseline, 1 hour after consumption and after 7 days intervention period using Mitis salivarius Bacitracin agar. The number of colonies was counted and subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study revealed a reduction in salivary mutans streptococci (MS) counts after 1 hour in all the groups. However after 7 days, probiotic ice-cream and curd showed a statistically significant (P < 0.001) reduction in MS counts as compared to the control ice cream and curd. The difference in the reduction of MS counts with probiotic ice-cream and probiotic curd at 1 hour and 7 days was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The use of probiotic products could be an alternative strategy of displacing pathogenic microorganisms by probiotic bacteria and can thus be exploited for the prevention of enamel demineralization.

Moisture-tolerant resin-based sealant: A boon.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pit and fissure sealants are highly effective in preventing occlusal caries. The present study clinically evaluated and compared the retention and development of caries when sealed with moisture-tolerant resin-based sealant, conventional resin-based sealant with and without a bonding agent, and Glass Ionomer Cement Sealant in young permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 healthy cooperative children aged 6-9 years who were at high caries risk with all four newly erupted permanent first molars were included in the study. Teeth were divided into 4 groups using a full-factorial design, and each of the molars was sealed with the four different sealant material. Evaluation of sealant retention and development of caries was performed at 6 and 12 months using Modified Simonsen's criteria. The data obtained were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney Test. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The result from the present study indicated that moisture-tolerant resin-based sealant could be successfully used as a pit and fissure sealant because its hydrophilic chemistry makes it less technique sensitive and simplifies the sealant application procedure.

Evaluation of Dental Fear in Children during Dental Visit using Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale.

Fear of dental treatment in children has been recognized as a source of serious health problems and it may persist into adolescence, which may lead to a disruptive behavior, during dental treatment. In order to prevent this psychometric method namely the dental subscale of the children's fear survey schedule (CFSS-DS) is a well-known psychometric scale that was developed by Cuthbert and Melamed in 1982 for assessing dental fear in children. The present study was to evaluate dental fear in children during first dental visit using CFSS-DS between three different age group 4 and 6 years, 7 and 9 years, 10 and 14 years children to select fearful and nonfearful children from a larger reference population and to estimate the dental fear children. Total 600 children show CFSS-DS of 27.17 ± 5.3385, 307 were girls (51.17%) and they showed CFSS-DS of 27.50 ± 5.060 and 293 were boys (48.83%) and they show CFSS-DS 26.84 ± 5.617. This shows that there were no significant difference in fear between boys and girls. In 4 to 6 years show total CFSS-DS 28.78 ± 5.742, 7 to 9 years show that mean and standard deviation of CFSS-DS 27.81 ± 4.783, 10 to 14 years show that mean and standard deviation of CFSS-DS 25.93 ± 5.586. Fear scores were highest for 'injections', 'choking', 'noise of dentist drilling', 'dentist drilling which was not significant between boy's and girl's but item, 'having somebody look at you' showed that significant differences in fear scores between boys and girls in present study. The present study concluded that dental fear decreased as age increased. Total fear scores also exhibited no strong overall sex difference or age by sex interaction. d> Raj S, Agarwal M, Aradhya K, Konde S, Nagakishore V. Evaluation of Dental Fear in Children during Dental Visit using Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2013;6(1):12-15.

Prevalence of early childhood caries and associated risk factors in preschool children of urban Bangalore, India: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a devastating form of dental decay with multi-factorial origin. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the prevalence and related risk factors of ECC in preschool children of urban Bangalore (India). METHODS: A random sample of 1,500 children aged between 8 and 48 months were selected from various parts of urban Bangalore. The status of dental caries was recorded according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Information regarding oral hygiene practices, feeding habits, socio-economic status, birth weight, and educational status of the mother was obtained through a structured questionnaire given to mothers of preschool children. The data was subjected to statistical analysis using the Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 12. RESULTS: The prevalence of ECC in preschool children was 27.5%, while the mean deft was 0.854. ECC increased significantly with age. Children whose mothers had no schooling and those who belonged to low socioeconomic group showed higher caries prevalence. A significant increase in caries prevalence was found in children accustomed to the practice of on-demand breast feeding and bottle feeding at night. Caries also increased significantly when snacks were consumed between meals. However, increased frequency of tooth-brushing, parental supervision, use of a baby toothbrush, and fluoridated dentifrice significantly decreased caries prevalence. CONCLUSION: ECC is a serious public health problem in this population and measures to increase awareness should be undertaken. The target candidates for oral health promotion programs should include mothers, general dentists, pediatricians, nurses, primary care health workers, care-takers at day-care centers and gynecologists.

Breastfeeding: Nature's Safety Net.

Breastfeeding is a natural safety-net for the first few months in order to give the child a fairer start to life. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes the distinct nutritional advantages of human milk for infants and endorsed the position of the American Academy of Pediatrics on the promotion of breastfeeding. It therefore calls for increase in need to negotiate the roles and responsibilities of pediatric dentists to eliminate the existing gaps in preventive care and anticipatory guidance. The objective of this evidence-based review is to explore the beneficial roles of breastfeeding in orofacial growth and development and endorse the same through anticipatory guidance. How to cite this article: Agarwal M, Ghousia S, Konde S, Raj S. Breastfeeding: Nature's Safety Net. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2012;5(1):49-53.

Effect of oral health education and fluoridated dentifrices on the oral health status of visually impaired children.

UNLABELLED: Visually impaired children are challenged everyday in their everyday skills. Oral hygiene practices among visually impaired children require a special approach with time and patience. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral health education and fluoridated dentifrices on the oral health status of visually impaired children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty visually impaired children between 8 and 12 years of age formed the study group. Oral health education and motivation was done with the help of Braille. Modified Bass method of brushing was taught to the children and the required dental treatment was done. Subjects were randomly divided into two equal groups fluoridated and non-fluoridated. Oral hygiene index -simplified, DMFT, deft index, and Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus count were assessed at baseline, immediately after the treatment and at 3, 6, and 12 month intervals. The oral health awareness was assessed using a questionnaire at the beginning and end of the study. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean OHI-S, DMFT and deft scores were 2.72, 0.47, and 0.51 respectively. At the end of 12 months there was a significant decrease in OHI-S scores in the fluoridated group. No significant difference was seen in DMFT and deft between the fluoridated and non-fluoridated groups at the different time interval. After the oral health education and comprehensive treatment there was a reduction in Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts in both groups; however, at the end of 3, 6, 12 months there was a significant decrease in fluoridated group as compared to the non-fluoridated. The oral health awareness increased significantly at the end of the study. CONCLUSION: The oral health education and motivation formulated for the visually impaired children was effective in improving their oral health status. Fluoridated dentifrices decreased the Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts and improved the oral hygiene status.