DiaTreat: a new method of communication for better diagnosis and treatment of dental problems.

AIM: The aim of this article is to present a simple method of communication between two oral health professionals so that the problem can be conveyed easily and treatment options obtained equally easily and quickly, using current electronic communication technologies. BACKGROUND: Treatment of dental problems involves a thorough understanding of the underlying dental and medical conditions. The arena of dentistry being ever changing, with new specialties arising each year, it has become virtually impossible for an average dentist to keep track of all the treatment modalities available for various problems at a given time. It is the duty of a dentist, however, to treat his patients to the best of his ability. Professional ethics bind the other health professionals to render their opinion to the dentist so that the patient will ultimately get the best possible treatment. Method of communication is the only problem remaining in the path to achieving a total oral health care. TECHNIQUE: DiaTreat is a unique method of clinical charting by which a dentist can incorporate all the ailments affecting his patient, and by withholding the patients name and address, can communicate with any of his colleagues for their opinion on the best treatment option for his patient. CONCLUSION: It is a new and innovative method of communication between a dentist and specialist. Even though it has some shortcomings of its own, on a wider range, the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks of the system. CLINICAL AND ACADEMIC SIGNIFICANCE: This can also be used by educational institutes for easy communication during interdisciplinary exchanges. Improvements need to be made yet to incorporate all the ailments known in dental discipline and make communication a comprehensive one.

An investigation of blood hemogram and estimation of serum iron and protein levels in aggressive periodontitis patients: a clinic biochemical study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate the blood hemogram and estimation of serum iron and proteins level in aggressive periodontitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 85 patients were selected and divided into two groups, 45 patients are with aggressive periodontitis and 40 patients are healthy. Periodontal parameters such as gingival infammation oral hygiene index, Russell's periodontal index and radiograph were taken. Total 10 ml blood was collected and sent for estimation of blood hemogram protein estimation and serum electrophoresis. RESULTS: There was statistical signifcant difference observed in relation to gingival infammation oral hygiene hemoglobin and total iron binding capacity level between both the groups. CONCLUSION: It has been concluded that periodontitis does not induce anemia like state, as the hematological and biochemical parameters were almost equally affected in periodontally healthy and periodontally diseased individuals, but some parameters showed statistical significant difference between the both groups. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In the present study, the clinical periodontal parameters, red blood cell parameters and serum iron and ferritin levels were compared among control and test groups. It was found that the values of gingival infammation, oral hygiene and periodontal index, hemoglobulin level and total iron binding protein were statistically signifcant between the groups. However, the values of erythrocyte count, white blood cell count, serum iron and serum proteins, serum electrophoresis did not show any signifcant correlation.

A comparative clinical evaluation of diet intake and effect of various nutritions on aggressive periodontitis patients.

AIM: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect various dietary nutrients in aggressive periodontitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 85 patients were selected and divided into two groups, 45 patients are with aggressive periodontitis and 40 patients are healthy. Periodontal parameters such as oral hygiene index, Russels periodontal index and radiograph were taken. The food consumption survey was conducted in all the households of subjects both in control and experimental group. The individual of food intake of the subjects was assessed by the oral questionnaire (24 hours recall) method. The quantity of raw foods used for various preparations and volumes of cooked quantities of such preparations in terms of standardized cups were noted. Body measurements were taken on all the subjects, standing height using a height measuring rod and weight in standard weighing machine. RESULTS: Aggressive periodontitis is seen in young individual and mostly in females; majority of the patients of both groups belongs to low socioeconomic group. Body mass index which is a refection of nutritional status of an individual indicated that chronically energy defcient subjects in experimental group appeared to be higher. The average food and nutrient intake in control group was slightly better than that of experimental group. CONCLUSION: The diet survey indicated marginal and negligible defciencies in aggressive periodontitis patients compared to controls, and this coupled with chronically energy defciency as indicated by body mass index, calls for a detailed study of this aspect of aggressive periodontitis. The present study indicates that nutritional infuences point to a needle of suspicion toward the etiology of aggressive periodontitis.

Evaluation of effectiveness of chemical disinfectants in reducing bacterial growth on orthodontic instruments.

Infection control requires serious effort in all fields of dentistry including orthodontics. Though there are various means of sterilization and disinfection in dental office, chemical disinfection is the most preferred method among orthodontists. The purpose of this study is to evaluate different chemical sterilization and disinfection methods used in orthodontic offices, which would guide the orthodontists in infection control.