Comparative evaluation of "Tell-Tell-Tell," "Ask-Tell-Ask," and "Teach back" communication techniques on oral health education among 12-13-year-old children - An educational intervention trial.

Background: Effective communication with children can improve their understanding and aid in complying with oral hygiene instructions. Aim: The aim is to compare the retentiveness of oral hygiene instructions in children educated using three communication techniques. Methodology: One hundred and twenty children in the age range of 12-13 years were included in the study. Baseline awareness of oral hygiene maintenance was assessed using a questionnaire. Twenty children were randomly assigned to each group: Tell-Tell-Tell, Ask-Tell-Ask, Teach-back, and information provided. Knowledge was reassessed after a week; data were tabulated and assessed statistically. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline data among the groups (P > 0.05). Regardless of the group, there was an improvement in knowledge regarding the frequency and timing of brushing as well as the cause of dental caries after the intervention. However, children in Ask-Tell-Ask and Teach back showed significant improvement over Tell-Tell-Tell (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: Communication strategies, such as Ask-Tell-Ask and Teach back, which have a strategy to involve children, have been shown to be superior over Tell-Tell-Tell.

Evidence based management guidelines in dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic - a review of the literature.

The present COVID-19 pandemic presents a high risk of transmission. Several infection control procedures have been employed to alleviate the further spread of this disease. The dental practice could be a potential risk factor for the transmission of this virus, which has a potential for aerosol generation. For a successful dental practice, effective infection control guidelines have to be established using relevant scientific research. In this perspective, the present article focused on current systematic reviews with evidence based effective treatment protocols during this pandemic.

Comparative evaluation of a modified endodontic approach using Curcuma longa L. and conventional pulpectomy in primary molars: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties. Aim: The aim is to compare a modified endodontic approach using turmeric and conventional Metapex® pulpectomy in primary molars. Materials and methods: Thirty children, in the age range of 4-9 years, with at least one primary mandibular molar indicated for pulpectomy, were included. Teeth were randomly assigned to turmeric and Metapex® groups. For those that were assigned to turmeric, after coronal and radicular pulp extirpation, a freshly prepared paste of turmeric powder and methyl cellulose (2:1) with saline was packed in the coronal pulp chamber. In the Metapex® group, a conventional pulpectomy was performed. Clinical and radiographic success was recorded at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits. The data was statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: There were no clinical and radiographic failures at 3- and 6-month visits in both groups. The 12-month evaluation revealed clinical success rates of 92% (12 out of 13) and 100% (14 out of 14) for turmeric and Metapex®, respectively, whereas, the radiographic success rates were 85% (12 out of 13) for turmeric and 93% (13 out of 14) for Metapex®. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups at different follow-ups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: A modified endodontic approach using turmeric and conventional Metapex® pulpectomy did not differ significantly in total success after 12 months.

Impact of tooth brushing rhyme on the oral hygiene status of 6-7 year old children - an educational intervention study.

AIM: To determine the impact of a newly composed tooth brushing rhyme on oral hygiene status of 6 to 7-year-old children. METHODS: A total of 60 children in the age range of 6 to 7 years were randomly assigned to either group 1 (experimental) or group 2 (control). Group 1 children were given brushing instructions and made to memorize a newly composed tooth brushing rhyme; the control group received only routine brushing instructions. Baseline oral hygiene status of all the children was assessed using the oral hygiene index simplified (OHI-S) and its modification for primary dentition. Oral prophylaxis was performed, and OHI was further recorded at intervals of seven, 14 and 28 days for all the children. The data was tabulated, compared, and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the baseline OHI-S scores between the two groups (P≥0.05). However, there was a significant difference in OHI-S scores in all the considered time intervals after the intervention. Based on the two components of OHI-S, a statistically significant difference was noted only in debris scores (7 days: P=0.04, 14 days: P≤0.001, 28 days: P≤0.001). CONCLUSION: The newly composed tooth brushing rhyme had a significant impact on the oral hygiene scores of children, and can be recommended in the routine educational curriculum of pre-primary children.

Impact of educational (sign language/video modeling) and therapeutic (Glycyrrhiza glabra--liquorice mouth wash) interventions on oral health pertaining to children with hearing impairment: A randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of educational (sign language and video modeling) and therapeutic intervention (liquorice) on oral hygiene status of children with hearing impairment (CHI). METHODS: Ninety-three CHI, in the age range of 5-15 years, were recruited in to the study. Children were assigned to two educational intervention groups: sign language and video modeling. Each group was again randomly divided into two: with one subgroup receiving therapeutic intervention using liquorice as a mouth wash and the other group receiving no intervention. For all children, baseline oral hygiene, gingival, and plaque index scores were recorded and oral prophylaxis was performed. Based on the subgroup to which the child was assigned, oral hygiene instructions were given on a weekly basis, whereas therapeutic intervention was performed twice daily for 28 days. Reassessment was done after the completion of interventions and after 3 months, followed by statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant mean reduction in oral hygiene, gingival, and plaque scores in all the children. The educational intervention could not influence the scores recorded, but the therapeutic intervention with liquorice led to a reduction in all the oral health parameters during the follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic intervention using liquorice as mouth wash along with educational intervention can be suggested in CHI.