Comparative Evaluation of Compressive Strength of Self-cure, Dual-cure, and Light-cure Glass Ionomer Cements in a Simulated Oral Environment: An In Vitro Study.

Background: In primary dentition, glass ionomer cements (GICs) have unique benefits as a restorative material. Various types of GICs are available in the market. In pediatric dentistry, the choice of GI materials is generally focused on handling convenience with adequate consideration for mechanical qualities, including compressive strength to withstand occlusal stresses in the oral environment. Aim of the study: To evaluate the compressive strength of self-cure, dual-cure, and light-cure GI-based cements using a universal testing machine. Materials and methods: The study population comprised 30 cylindrical restorative blocks for compressive strength assessment. The restorative materials used for the studies were self-cure GIC (ChemFil Rock and GC Fuji IX GP Fast GIC), dual-cure GIC (Equia Forte and Ionolux GIC), and light-cure GIC (GC Fuji II LC and Ketac N 100 GIC). The cylindrical blocks were prepared using prefabricated Teflon mold measuring 4 mm diameter and 6 mm height from respective restorative materials and divided into three major groups and were subdivided into six groups comprising two materials in each group. Using an Instron universal testing machine, compressive strength was assessed. Data obtained were tabulated, and statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS v22.0) software. Results: On individual comparison of GI-based types of cement, Ketac N100 GIC showed the highest compressive strength, and Fuji IX GP Fast GIC showed the least compressive strength. Conclusion: Light-cure GIC exhibited the highest compressive strength in comparison to dual-cure and self-cure GICs with regard to the nature of curing. How to cite this article: Chandru TP, Chandran S, Peedikayil FC, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Compressive Strength of Self-cure, Dual-cure, and Light-cure Glass Ionomer Cements in a Simulated Oral Environment: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):707-710.

Malayalam language translation and validation of oral health-related early childhood quality of life tool (OH-ECQoL).

Objective: The objective of this study was to adapt the Oral Health-related Early Childhood Quality of Life (OH-ECQoL) tool for the Malayalam-speaking community and investigate its validity and reliability. Methodology: Malayalam language version of OH-ECQoL was derived through a forward-backward translation and tested for content validity. A convenient sample (n = 300) was recruited by including children with and without early childhood caries (ECC). Parents of these children completed the derived Malayalam OH-ECQoL measure. The properties of translated OH-ECQoL were evaluated by determining its validity and reliability using concurrent validity, construct validity, discriminant validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Results: OH-ECQoL scores varied with ECC and caries-free groups (P < 0.001), supporting the ability to distinguish between patient groups. Discriminant validity tests show that children with ECC have greater median scores and interquartile range (21 ± 8) compared to children without ECC (14 ± 2). Concurrent validity was observed to be 0.72 and 0.71, respectively, for child section (P < 0.001). Convergent validity demonstrates a strong positive correlation between child impact and family impact with a Spearman's correlation coefficient significant of 0.73 (P ≤ 0.01). Cronbach's alpha for the child impact section and family impact section showed good internal consistency at 0.92 and 0.83, respectively. Test-retest reliability at 0.87 shows good reliability. Conclusions: The Malayalam version of the OH-ECQoL tool demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability. The study also shows that ECC presents a negative impact on the QoL of preschool children and their parents.

Evaluation of antifungal activity of six children's toothpaste on Candida albicans isolated from early childhood caries patients.

BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries (ECC) is an aggressive, destructive form of dental caries that affects the children younger than 6 years of age. Candida is known to increase the adherence of Streptococcus mutans to the oral biofilm and produce acids that cause tooth demineralization. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the efficacy of six commercially available children's toothpaste on clinical isolates of Candida albicans obtained from ECC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised 60 children aged 3-6 years having ECC. Samples were divided into six groups comprising ten children in each group. Samples were collected using sterile cotton swabs, inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar, and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Species identification was done by germ tube test and growth on corn meal agar. After the confirmed growth of C. albicans, the six commercially available children's toothpaste namely Organic Children's Coconut Oil Toothpaste®, Aloe Dent Children's Toothpaste®, Patanjali Dant Kanti Junior Toothpaste®, Colgate Kids Toothpaste®, Pediflor Kids Toothpaste®, and Crest Pro-Health Stages Kids Toothpaste® and distilled water as control group were subjected for antifungal activity of C. albicans. Agar plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 h, and the diameter of the zones of inhibition was measured and recorded. Data were tabulated and statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Science (16.0) version. RESULTS: Pediflor kids toothpaste® showed maximum antifungal activity and Aloe Dent children's toothpaste® showed minimum antifungal activity. CONCLUSION: All brands of children's toothpaste show antifungal activity against Candida albicans.

Comparative evaluation of three different toothpastes on remineralization potential of initial enamel lesions: A scanning electron microscopic study.

BACKGROUND: The early enamel lesions are reversible as it is a process involving mineral transactions between the teeth and saliva. AIM: To evaluate the efficiency of three different tooth pastes on remineralization potential of initial enamel lesions using Vickers Micro hardness Test and Scanning electron microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Artificial carious lesions were prepared in human enamel with demineralizing solution. The treatment agents included were Colgate sensitive plus® toothpaste, Regenerate enamel science™ toothpaste, BioRepair® toothpaste and control as Deionized water. All the samples were subjected to treatment solutions as per the pH cycling model for 12 days to simulate the daily oral environment's acid challenge. The remineralization parameters-surface hardness and surface roughness of enamel blocks were evaluated with Vickers indenter and Scanning electron microscope respectively. Statistical Analysis: ANOVA test was used to check mean differences between the groups. Post hoc analysis was done using Tukey's post hoc test. SEM images were graded according to Bonetti et al grading criteria. RESULTS: As per statistical analysis, maximum remineralization of enamel blocks occurred after applying Colgate Sensitive Plus® tooth paste followed by BioRepair® tooth paste and Regenerate enamel Science™ toothpaste. Least remineralization potential was shown by control group. CONCLUSION: Colgate sensitive plus tooth paste with Pro Argin™ formula can be regarded as a potential remineralising agent. It can be concluded as a noninvasive means of managing early enamel carious lesions.

Antimicrobial efficacy of medium chain fatty acids as root canal irrigants: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans are the microbes that are most resistant to elimination by disinfecting agents and are the causative agents for reinfection of the root canal treated teeth. Medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are the main components of coconut oil, are proven antimicrobial agents. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate their antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis and C. albicans. METHODOLOGY: Ninety extracted single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth were decoronated, biomechanically prepared, autoclaved, and divided into three groups (n = 30): Group A (inoculated with E. faecalis), Group B (inoculated with C. albicans), and Group C (control group). Each group was again subdivided into three groups (n = 10) and irrigated with lauric acid (LA), decanoic acid (DA), and octanoic acid, respectively, for 5 min. Paper point samples were taken from canal walls and transferred into Brain Heart Infusion broth and potato dextrose broth and placed in an incubator at 37°C. The appearance of tubidity was checked at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h using direct contact test. The data were then statistically analyzed using the analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc tests. RESULTS: Among the three MCFAs, LA showed the maximum inhibitory against E. faecalis at 24 h and the inhibitory activity decreased considerably at 48, 72, and 96 h. DA was the most effective against C. albicans with a maximum inhibition at 48 h. DA also showed significant substantivity at 72 and 96 h. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that MCFAs show promising antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis and C. albicans.

Evaluation of effect of polymerization time on curing depth of various bulk fill composites- An in vitro study

Objectives: From the time composite has been developed, it has been subjected to various changes in composition like addition of filler and initiators to yield better result. One such modification is the new bulk fill composite. However an acceptable polymerization time to maintain adequate curing depth has to be evaluated. So the aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of polymerization time on curing depth of four bulk fill flowable composites. Methods: Total of 80 cylindrical specimens were prepared, and divided into 4 groups comprising of 20 specimens in each group. These selected groups were again subdivided into 4 groups comprising of 5 specimens in each group, based on their polymerisation time. The four specimens were Group A: SDR flow (DENTSPLY), Group B: Tetric N' Flow (Ivoclar Vivadent), Group C: Filtek bulk fill (3M) and Group D: Venus bulk fill (Heraeus Kulzer).The aluminium mold of 4mm depth and 5mm diameter was filled with composite and top surface was irradiated using Valo LED curing light with polymerisation time of 10, 20, 40, and 60seconds on respective subgroup.The microhardness of top and bottom surfaces were performed using Vickers Hardness tester under the load of 200gram for 15seconds. The depth of cure of each specimen was determined by hardness ratio method using the formula Hardness ratio=VK of bottom surface/VK of top surface.The results were statistically analysed. Results: The study results showed that all the tested bulkfill composites can be cured to an acceptable depth. Tetric N' Flow exhibits maximum curing depth (95.28 ±0.26) at 10sec polymerisation time. Venus bulk fill showed higher depth of cure at 20 and 40sec curing time (96.79±0.39 and 97.56±0.20). SDR flow showed adequate curing depth at 20 and 40sec curing time (92.94±0.49and 93.62±0.22 respectively). Filtek bulk fill has maximum depth of cure at 40sec curing (89.10±0.79). Conclusion: Increasing polymerisation time increases the top as well as bottom micro-hardness of all tested bulk fill composites. Tetric N' Flow maximum curing depth at 10sec curing time. Filtek bulk fill is the material with least depth of cure.

The knowledge, attitude and practice regarding the pediatric preventive dental care amongst medical practitioners: a cross sectional study

Dental caries is the most common chronic disease affecting the children today. Many dental problems can be effectively prevented in children if they are detected early. Medical practitioners play a major role in the primary care of the child and are well positioned to recognize potential problems, encourage preventive care and refer appropriately. So the present survey was conducted among Medical practitioners in Kannur, Kerala to determine their knowledge, attitude and practice in Pediatric preventive dental care.o assess the attitude and practice of dental professionals towards using of advance Radiographic technique.

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.

Comparison of Antimicrobial Activity of Chlorhexidine, Coconut Oil, Probiotics, and Ketoconazole on Candida albicans Isolated in Children with Early Childhood Caries: An In Vitro Study.

Background. Early childhood caries (ECC) is associated with early colonisation and high levels of cariogenic microorganisms. With C. albicans being one of those, there is a need to determine the effectiveness of various chemotherapeutic agents against it. The study is aimed at isolating Candida species in children with ECC and at studying the antifungal effect of coconut oil, probiotics, Lactobacillus, and 0.2% chlorhexidine on C. albicans in comparison with ketoconazole. Materials and Methods. Samples were collected using sterile cotton swabs, swabbed on the tooth surfaces from children with ECC of 3 to 6 yrs and streaked on Sabouraud dextrose agar (HI Media) plates and incubated in a 5% CO2 enriched atmosphere at 37°C for 24 hours. Candida was isolated and its susceptibility to probiotics, chlorhexidine, ketoconazole, and coconut oil was determined using Disc Diffusion method. Results. The mean zone of inhibition for chlorhexidine was 21.8 mm, whereas for coconut oil it was 16.8 mm, for probiotics it was 13.5 mm, and for ketoconazole it was 22.3 mm. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant (Chi-square value 7.42, P value 0.06). Conclusion. Chlorhexidine and coconut oil have shown significant antifungal activity which is comparable with ketoconazole.

Prevalence of mesiodens among 6- 14 year school children

Mesiodens are considered as one of the most common supernumerary teeth. The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence rate of mesiodens in the school going children between the age group of 6-14 years The study shows a prevalence rate of 0.7% with sex ratio of 2:1 favouring males.

Microelements in primary teeth by inductively coupled plasmad Atomic emission spectroscopy

AIM: This study was carried out to estimate the concentrations three microelements in enamel of deciduous normal and carious teeth using atomic emission spectrometry. METHODS: A total of 80 deciduous molar teeth indicated for extraction from children between the age group of 713 yrs. were taken for this study. The specimens were divided into four groups and the samples were prepared using centrifuge flotation technique. They were analyzed for Manganese, Strontium and Zinc using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. RESULTS: This study shows that sound enamel contains more of strontium when compared to the carious enamel. Carious enamel contains more of manganese, and zinc when compared to the normal enamel. Elements zinc and strontium occur in high concentrations, where as elements manganese occur in low concentrations in enamel. The concentrations of elements manganese, strontium and zinc does not vary in relation to sex of individual. CONCLUSION: The microelements strontium and zinc are present in high concentration. Further studies are necessary to see their potential in mineralization and anticariogenic process.