Dental caries as a source of Helicobacter pylori infection in children: An RT-PCR study.

BACKGROUND: Findings on the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity are conflicting. This bacterium can occur either transiently in the oral cavity or, in some situations, pose a threat to oral/gastric tissues. AIM: We investigated the presence of H. pylori in deep carious lesions of children and assessed its association with dental status and caries severity. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study involved 20 children aged 3-6 years attending the paediatric outpatient clinic. Demographic and oral hygiene-related data were obtained from parents/caregivers. Caries status and severity were assessed using the DMFT and ICDAS II indices respectively. Dentine samples were collected and stored in phosphate-buffered saline solution. These samples were assessed for H. pylori using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. DMFT and ICDAS II scores were compared between children with and without H. pylori. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: H. pylori was detected in 70% of children with severe carious lesions (95% confidence interval: 46%-88%). The mean DMFT score was significantly higher in the group with H. pylori than in the group without (p = .001). The prevalence of H. pylori was greater in those with ICDAS II code 6 than in those with ICDAS II code 5 caries. Cavitated carious lesions can serve as a reservoir for H. pylori. Its presence was associated with higher caries status and caries severity (ICDAS II code 6). The presence of H. pylori in such cavities may tip the balance of plaque ecosystem in favour of Streptococcus mutans, the main bacterial source in dental caries.

Age Determination in Children Using Camirere's Indian Specific Formula: A Radiographic Study Using Orthopantomographs.

AIM: Determination of age is a pivotal part of forensic dentistry. Since many dental age determination methods are invasive, Cameriere introduced a radiographic method where age evaluation was carried out using an orthopantomogram (OPG). An adaptation of the same formula was later formulated by Rai et al. for the Indian population. The aim of the study was to assess the age and to dictate the efficiency of the Indian version of Cameriere's formula in the Chennai subpopulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study consisted of radiographs belonging to 50 individuals with an age range of 5-15 years. Radiographs were taken using the OPG and the soft copies obtained were analyzed. The variables such as seven left and right permanent mandibular teeth and the number of teeth with closed apical, and with open apical, ends of roots were examined and measured. The obtained data, after substituting in the formula was statistically analyzed using paired and unpaired t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: On comparing dental age and chronological age, statistically significant results were obtained on both sides of the radiograph. Between genders, both sides of the radiograph showed non-significant results. On correlating the sides, the left side showed greater accuracy in age determination compared to the right side of the OPG. CONCLUSION: Age estimation using Indian-specified formula provides a near good estimate and hence can be a reliable method to measure the chronological age of the participants. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The Indian version of the Cameriere's formula can be used as a rational tool to assess the age of young children and adolescents.