Efficacy of probiotic and green tea mouthrinse on salivary pH.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of probiotic and green tea mouthrinse on salivary pH. METHOD: Study was conducted over a period of one month among 40 healthy school children aged between 6-8 years. The subjects who fulfilled inclusion criteria were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups namely probiotic and green tea groups. Salivary pH was recorded at baseline (0 day) and at the end of the specified time period using GC pH strips. Statistical analysis was done using paired 't' test P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: The comparison of mean pH scores for green tea showed that the pH of saliva was increased in the children after rinsing with green tea (6.15 to 7.65) and was statistically significant (p<0.001). Similarly when pre and post mean pH was compared in the probiotic group pH increased from (6.45 to 6.65) however, the results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The study conducted shows the beneficial effects of green tea in providing a alkaline environment which is conducive to the oral health of children.

Retention of resin-based filled and unfilled pit and fissure sealants: A comparative clinical study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The most caries-susceptible period of a permanent first molar tooth is the eruption phase, during which the enamel is not fully matured and it is usually difficult for the child to clean the erupting tooth surfaces. Sealing occlusal pits and fissures with resin-based pit and fissure sealants is a proven method to prevent occlusal caries. The difference in the viscosity of the sealants differs in the penetration into pit and fissures and abrasive wear resistance property due to the addition of filler particles. The present study was conducted to evaluate and compare the retention of the resin-based filled (Helioseal F, Ivoclar Vivadent) and unfilled (Clinpro, 3M ESPE) pit and fissure sealants, which is important for their effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six children between the age group of 6 and 9 years, with all four newly erupted permanent first molars were selected. Sealants were applied randomly using split mouth design technique on permanent first molars. Evaluation of sealant retention was performed at regular intervals over 12 months, using Simonsen's criteria at 2(nd), 4(th), 6(th), 8(th), 10(th) and 12(th) month. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: At the end of our study period (12(th) month), 53.57% showed complete retention, 37.50% showed partial retention, and 8.83% showed complete missing of resin-based filled (Helioseal F) pit and fissure sealant. And, 64.29% showed complete retention, 32.14% showed partial retention, and 3.57% showed complete missing of resin-based unfilled (Clinpro) pit and fissure sealant. This difference in retention rates between filled and unfilled pit and fissure sealants was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The difference in retention rates between Helioseal F and Clinpro was not statistically significant, but Clinpro (unfilled) sealant showed slightly higher retention rates and clinically better performance than Helioseal F (filled).

Over-bite and vertical changes following first premolar extraction in high angle cases.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Orthodontists generally agree that nonextraction treatment is associated with downward and backward rotation of the mandible and an increase in the lower anterior face height (LAFH). They also agree that extraction line of treatment is associated with upward and forward rotation of the mandible and decrease in the LAFH. The intent of this cephalometric investigation was to examine the wedge hypothesis, that the vertical dimension collapses after first bicuspid extraction. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the cephalometric overbite and vertical changes following first premolar extraction in high angle cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five adult patients having high mandibular plane angle, i.e. Gogn--SN more than or equal to 32° having class I molar and canine relation were included. Pre and post-treatment lateral cephalograms were measured and compared to analyze the cephalometric changes. RESULTS: There was no decrease in the overbite and vertical changes following first premolar extraction in high angle cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The facial complex does increase in size with growth, but mandibular plane while moving inferiorly, remain essentially parallel to its pretreatment position due to residual growth and treatment mechanics. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that, There was no decrease in the vertical facial dimension, overbite and mandibular plane angle. However, it should be interpreted with caution, given the small sample size.