Stain removal efficacy of a novel dentifrice containing papain and Bromelain extracts--an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the in vitro stain removal efficacy of a novel commercially available dentifrice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty four human molar teeth (12 in test and 12 in control group) were cut to obtain enamel specimens approximately 9 mm(2) and placed on a microscopic slide using mounting adhesive. They were cycled in human saliva, staining model and dried for brushing regimen using a customized brushing apparatus. Lightness values were recorded at baseline, after staining and after brushing regimen using Adobe Photoshop software. Stain removal efficacy was tested using the either of the two dentifrice slurries for 2 one minute brushing cycles. RESULTS: The mean lightness increment for test and control after brushing regimen was 13.7 ± 6.35 and 3.16 ± 1.29 respectively. There was statistically significant difference in percentage removal of stains for test and control groups (66.99 ± 9.57 and 25.89 ± 16.2 P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There was significant stain removal with new whitening dentifrice when compared with control. Further clinical trials are recommended to evaluate this significant difference.

Dental caries status and treatment needs of children of fisher folk communities, residing in the coastal areas of Karnataka region, south India / El estatus de las caries dentales y necesidades de tratamiento de los niños en las comunidades de pescadores, residentes en las áreas costeras de la región de karnataka, al sur de la india

OBJECTIVE: To assess the dental caries status and treatment needs of children belonging to the fisher folk communities. METHOD: Two hundred and sixty-seven children up to the age of 14 years were examined using the World Health Organization (WHO) oral health assessment criteria, 1997. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was found to be high in the study population. The unmet treatment need was also high. CONCLUSION: Further research is suggested in order to explore and identify the prevailing aetiological factors responsible for the current status.