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Context: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and dental caries consists of multiple contributing factors. There have been no studies documented in the literature in this part of rural India assessing the prevalence of dental caries in relation to BMI. Hence, an attempt was made to study dental caries in relation to BMI and anthropometric measurements., Aims: The aims were to study dental caries experience in relation to BMI and anthropometric measurements of rural children in Nellore district., Settings and Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Nellore city., Subjects and Methods: A total of 1500 6- and 12-year-old children were examined. Dental caries was examined using the WHO dentition status criteria (1997) and 1-day diet chart was collected from each child followed by collection of anthropometric data., Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's correlation test., Results: In the present study, out of all the participants, 59.2% of low weight children, 41.3% of normal weight children, and 25.7% of overweight-obese children were having dental caries. Dental caries was more among low weight children compared to normal weight and overweight-obese children and was statistically significant., Conclusions: All the anthropometric measurements were positively correlated with dental caries except height for age and BMI for age. There was an inverse graded association between the height for age and BMI for age with dental caries in 6- and 12-year-old children., Competing Interests: None

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate secondary caries formation around light-cured fluoride-releasing restorative materials., Methodology: Standard Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of forty extracted healthy premolars. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups of ten teeth each and labeled as Group I, II, III, and IV and restored with one of the following materials, namely, Fuji II LC (Group I), Vitremer (Group II), F-2000 (Group III), and Z-100 (Group IV; Control). The teeth were thermocycled and immersed in jars containing an acid gel for caries-like lesion formation. After 15 weeks, the samples were removed, washed, and sectioned buccolingually through the restoration. The sections were then grounded to a thickness of 80-100 µm. After imbibition in water, the sections were mounted on slides and lesions were examined, measured, and photographed with Leica DMRB Research Microscope. The observation recorded was subjected to (a) analysis of variance, (b) Studentized range test (Newman-Keuls), (c) Snedecor's F-test., Results: The depth of the outer lesion in teeth restored with Z-100 (Group IV; Control) was significantly higher than the teeth restored with F-2000 (Group III), Vitremer (Group II), and Fuji II LC (Group I) (P < 0.01). The depth of the outer lesion in teeth restored with F-2000 (Group III) was also significantly higher than the teeth restored with Vitremer (Group II) and Fuji II LC (Group I) (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in depth of the outer lesions among the teeth restored with Vitremer (Group II) and Fuji II LC (Group I). No wall lesion (WL) was evident in teeth restored with Vitremer (Group II) and Fuji II LC (Group I). The WL length and body depth in teeth restored with Z-100 (Group IV; Control) were significantly higher than the teeth restored with F-2000 (Group III) (P < 0.01)., Conclusion: It was concluded that Fuji II LC and Vitremer had a inhibitory effect on the development of WL and OL depth. Even though F- 2000 was not fully effective in preventing the development of WL, there was significant reduction in WL and depth when compared to Z-100.

Aims: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the microleakage among conventional, resin modified glass ionomer cements (GIC), and compomer cements in primary teeth., Materials and Methods: Forty-five over retained non carious primary molars beyond exfoliation time were collected and randomly divided into three groups (n = 15). Group A: GC Fuji II; Group B: Vitremer; Group C: Compoglass F. A standard Class V cavity was prepared on the buccal surface of each tooth with no mechanical retention and restored accordingly. Then all the samples were subjected to thermocycling for 250 cycles at different temperatures and covered with nail varnish. Later, samples were immersed in 0.5% methylene blue dye for 24 h. Teeth were sectioned buccolingually through the center of the restoration and studied under a stereomicroscope for dye penetration. Data obtained were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U-test., Results: Samples restored with vitremer showed comparatively higher microleakage than the samples in other groups. However, overall there were no significant difference between the microleakage scores of the samples in all three groups (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: It can be concluded that none of the three GICs was free from microleakage. Hence, further research is required to compare microleakage of the newer material.

Treatment of an endo-perio lesion involving a non-vital young permanent tooth is a highly challenging task to Pediatric Dentists. There is a quest for the newer biological approach to management of these lesions as traditional methods have various disadvantages. Recently, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a second-generation platelet concentrate, is rich in growth factors have been used in the periodontal regeneration procedure. The purpose of this paper is to describe the efficacy of PRF in the treatment of a deep intra bony defect associated with an endo-perio lesion in an immature right mandibular first premolar of 12-year-old female patient. A freshly prepared autologous PRF membrane was placed in the bony defect following debridement. Clinical and radiographic follow-up were performed at regular intervals that revealed absence of pain, gain in clinical attachment level, reduction in probing depth, and excellent bone regeneration indicating successful outcome.

Aim: Caries clinical trials of sugar-free chewing gum have shown that the gum is noncariogenic and in fact has anticariogenic effect through the stimulation of saliva. Sugar-free gums, therefore, may be an excellent delivery vehicle for safe and effective additive, capable of promoting enamel remineralization. Casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) nanocomplexes incorporated into sugar-free chewing gum have shown to remineralize enamel subsurface lesions in situ. So this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of CPP-ACP containing sugar-free chewing gum on salivary concentration of calcium and phosphorous., Materials and Methods: Unstimulated saliva from each 24 selected subjects was collected. Then each subject was given two pellets of chewing gum containing CPP-ACP and asked to chew for a period of 20 min, after which saliva samples were collected from each individual. Once all the samples were collected they were assessed for calcium and phosphorous concentration using affiliated reagent kits and photometer., Statistical Analysis Used: Data obtained were analyzed using student's paired t test., Results: Significant difference was found in the calcium and phosphorus concentration of saliva before and after chewing CPP-ACP containing chewing gum., Conclusions: Chewing of CPP-ACP containing chewing gum showed a significant increase in the salivary concentration of calcium for a prolonged period of time hence it may help in the remineralization of tooth surfaces.

Background and Objective: to analyze the poor performance of self-etch adhesives on intact enamel., Materials and Methods: labial surfaces of 20 caries free permanent upper central and lateral incisors were cleaned, sectioned of their roots. All specimens were mounted on acrylic block and divided randomly into two groups. In one group the application of self-etch adhesive was carried as per manufacturer's instructions, composite cylinders were built, whereas in the other group, 37% phosphoric acid was applied before the application of self-etching adhesives. Then the resin tags were analyzed using the scanning electron microscope., Results: showed that when phosphoric acid was used, there was significant increase in the depth of penetration of resin tags., Conclusion: the results indicate that out of both treatment groups, pre-etching the intact enamel with 37% phosphoric acid resulted in the formation of longer resin tags and higher depth of penetration of resin tags of the Clearfil SE bond, which might have resulted in attaining higher bond strength of the Clearfil SE bond to intact enamel.

Purpose: This in vitro study was conducted to find out the effect of retentive groove, sand blasting and cement type on the retentive strength of stainless steel crowns in primary second molars., Materials and Methods: Thirty-two extracted intact human maxillary and mandibular primary second molars were embedded in aluminum blocks utilizing autopolymerising acrylic resin. After tooth preparation, the 3M stainless steel crown was adjusted to the prepared tooth. Then weldable buccal tubes were welded on the buccal and lingual surfaces of each crown as an attachment for the testing machine. A full factorial design matrix for four factors (retentive groove placement on the tooth, cement type, sandblasting and primary second molar) at two levels each was developed and the study was conducted as dictated by the matrix. The lower and upper limits for each factor were without and with retentive groove placement on the tooth, GIC and RMGIC, without and with sandblasting of crown, maxillary and mandibular second primary molar. For those teeth for which the design matrix dictated groove placement, the retentive groove was placed on the middle third of the buccal surface of the tooth horizontally and for those crowns for which sandblasting of the crowns are to be done, sandblasting was done with aluminium oxide with a particle size of 250 mm. The crowns were luted with either GIC or RMGIC, as dictated by the design matrix. Then the retentive strength of each sample was evaluated by means of an universal testing machine. The obtained data was analyzed using ANOVA for statistical analysis of the data and 't'- tests for pairwise comparison., Results: The mean retentive strength in kg/cm 2 stainless steel crowns luted with RMGIC was 19.361 and the mean retentive strength of stainless steel crowns luted with GIC was 15.964 kg/cm 2 with a mean difference of 3.397 kg/cm 2 and was statistically significant. The mean retentive strength in kg/cm 2 of stainless steel crowns, which was not sandblasted, was 18.880 and which was sandblasted was 16.445 kg/cm 2 with a mean difference of 2.436 kg/cm 2 . These results were again statistically significant., Conclusion: It was found that the crowns luted with resin-modified glass ionomer cements (RMGIC's) offered better retentive strength of crowns than glass ionomer cements (GIC) and stainless steel crowns which were cemented without sandblasting showed higher mean retentive strength than with sandblasting of crowns. The presence of groove did not influence the retentive strength of stainless steel crowns.

Trauma to the deciduous teeth may have severe consequences. Pulp necrosis is the commonly observed sequel in traumatized primary teeth and is one of the possible etiologic factors for the development of dentigerous cyst. Dentigerous cyst is more commonly seen in mandibular third molar and maxillary canine region and is rarely associated with other teeth. This article addresses a case of dentigerous cyst associated with the germ of upper permanent central incisor, an uncommon site of occurrence, which was impacted, dislodged from its natural site of eruption after trauma to the predecessor incisor.

Many types of localized reactive lesions may occur on the gingiva, including focal fibrous hyperplasia, pyogenic granuloma, peripheral giant cell granuloma and peripheral ossifying fibroma. Peripheral ossifying fibroma is a gingival growth, usually arising from interdental papilla and represents up to 2% of all lesions that are biopsied. Other terms used to describe this lesion include peripheral cementifying fibroma, peripheral fibroma with cementogenesis, peripheral fibroma with osteogenesis, peripheral fibroma with calcification, calcified or ossified fibrous epulis and calcified fibroblastic granuloma. This article reports a case of a 10 year old male child with an unusually large peripheral ossifying fibroma in the left maxillary alveolar ridge which showed recurrence after the surgical treatment.

Fruit juices are popular worldwide with children of all ages as they are sweet and perceived to be healthful. This in vitro study was sought to measure pH of 10 different fruit juices, to find out possible erosive effects on human dental enamel of 40 extracted sound premolars and also to measure fluoride and trace elements of these juices. The estimation of pH of fruit juices was done by using Systronic upH 362 pH meter. The erosive effects of fruit juices were tested by using polarized light microscope. Orion electrode was used to measure fluoride. The trace elements were estimated by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer No. 6501F. The pH values in different juices were observed at different levels, and pH values of these juices were more acidic than baseline after 24 hours. As the time increased, the erosion effect became more in pineapple; grape and sugarcane juices, and they had more cariogenic trace elements like selenium, iron and manganese. So, these juices were found to be cariogenic. To conclude, orange, mousambi, mango, pomegranate, apple, chikku and watermelon juices had no erosive effect on the human enamel, with the presence of highest amount of trace elements like fluoride and phosphorous which are considered as strongly cariostatic.

Disinfection of the root canal system is one of the primary aims of root canal treatment. This can be achieved through the use of various antimicrobial agents in the form of irrigants and medicaments. The antimicrobial substantivity of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, 1% povidone iodine, 2.5% hydrogen peroxide followed by 2% sodium hypochlorite, and 2% sodium hypochlorite alone as irrigants was assessed in instrumented root canals. 2% chlorhexidine showed antimicrobial substantivity lasting up to 72 h, followed by 1% povidone iodine, and 2% sodium hypochlorite. Thus 2% chlorhexidine should be used as a final rinse irrigant in endodontic treatment protocols.

An in vitro study was conducted to compare the retentive strengths of zinc phosphate, polycarboxylate and glass ionomer cements using Instron universal testing machine. Thirty preformed and pretrimmed stainless steel crowns were used for cementation on 30 extracted human primary molars which were divided into three groups of 10 teeth in each group. Then the teeth were stored in artificial saliva and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. A load was applied on to the crown and was gradually increased till the crown showed dislodgement, and then the readings were recorded using Instron recorder and analyzed for statistical significance. The surface area of crown was measured by graphical method. The retentive strength was expressed in terms of kg/cm 2 , which was calculated by the equation load divided by area. Retentive strengths of zinc phosphate (ranged from a minimum of 16.93 to amaximum of 28.13 kg/cm 2 with mean of 21.28 kg/cm 2 ) and glass ionomer cement (minimum of 13.69 - 28.15 kg/cm 2 with mean of 20.69 kg/cm 2 ) were greater than that of polycarboxylate cement (minimum of 13.26 - 22.69 kg/cm 2 with mean of 16.79 kg/cm 2 ). Negligible difference (0.59 kg/cm 2 ) of retentive strength was observed between zinc phosphate (21.28 kg/cm 2 ) and glass ionomer cements (20.69 kg/cm 2 ). Glass ionomer cements can be recommended for cementation of stainless steel crowns because of its advantages and the retentive strength was almost similar to that of zinc phosphate cement.

Unlabelled: Dentin is the fundamental substrate of restorative dentistry and its properties and characteristics are key determinants of nearly all restorative, preventive and disease processes of the teeth. The intrinsic permeability of dentin is responsible for permitting bacterial or chemical substances to diffuse across the dentin and irritate the pulpal and periradicular tissues. Improved understanding of the dentin structure and nature will have important consequences for today's dental procedures. The aims of the study were to observe the direction of dentinal tubules, interglobular dentin, incremental lines of dentin and the dead tracts., Materials and Methods: A total of 30 teeth (15 primary and 15 permanent molars), unrestored, noncarious, hypoplastic extracted molars were used. Longitudinal ground sections of teeth were obtained using hard tissue microtome., Results: Examination of ground sections of the primary teeth dentin showed "s"-shaped curvature in four (26.7%) specimens and a straight course of dentinal tubules in 11 (73.3%) specimens out of 15 teeth examined whereas in permanent teeth, all 15 (100%) specimens showed an "s"-shaped curvature. These results are statistically highly significant (P < 0.001)., Conclusion: Dentinal tubules followed an "s"-shaped course in all the 15 (100%) permanent molars and in four (26.7%) primary molars. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of interglobular dentin of primary and permanent molars. But, they were at angles in the primary teeth.

Background and Objective: Preventive procedures using pit and fissure sealants are one of the most important aspects of pediatric dental practice. The objectives of this in vitro study were to comparatively evaluate microleakage of a flowable resin used as a sealant on molars after preparation with conventional, enameloplasty and fissurotomy techniques., Materials and Methods: A total of 24 teeth were divided into three groups of eight samples each. Pits and fissures were prepared with conventional sealant technique (CST) (Group A), enameloplasty sealant technique (EST) (Group B) and fissurotomy technique (FT) (Group C). Following sealant placement, thermocycling and sectioning of samples of Groups A, B and C were performed and microleakage was assessed under a stereomicroscope after methylene blue dye immersion., Results: There was significantly lesser microleakage in EST when compared with CST and FT, which showed more microleakage. No statistical significance between CST and FT was found., Interpretation and Conclusion: EST has proven to be an excellent method of preparation of pits and fissures when flowable composite is used as a sealant because of its lesser microleakage.

Band materials are often used in the practice of pediatric dentistry. Nickel and Chromium are the main ingredients of these materials. The potential health hazards of nickel and chromium and their compounds have been the focus of attention for more than 100 years. It has established that these metals could cause hypersensitivity. The study was undertaken to analyze in vitro biodegradation of space maintainers made out of stainless steel band materials from manufacturers Dentaurum and Unitek. The leaching effect simulating the use of one, two, three, and four space maintainers in clinical practice was studied by keeping the respective number of space maintainers in the artificial saliva incubating at 37 degrees C and analyzing for nickel and chromium release after 1,7,14,21 and 28 days using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that there was measurable release of both nickel and chromium which reached maximum level at the end of 7 days which was statistically significant (P < 0.05) and was very much below the dietary average intake even for four bands used and was not capable of causing any toxicity.

Antibacterial efficacy of formocresol, 2% gluteraldehyde and iodine-potassium iodide was assessed by obtaining cultures at consecutive appointments in multiple visit pulpectomies in primary molars. Formocresol and 2% gluteraldehyde were more effective as intracanal medicaments and caused significant reduction in the counts of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, thereby supporting the need for placing intracanal medicaments with antibacterial properties, in multiple visit pulpectomies in primary molars.

Background: Malocclusion has large impact on individual and society in term of discomfort, Quality of Life [QoL]., Aims and Objectives: To assess prevalence of malocclusion and orthodontic treatment needs among middle and high school children of Davangere city, India by using Dental Aesthetic Index [DAI]., Materials and Methods: A Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 1000, in the age group 12 to 15 year old school children studying in middle and high schools of Davangere city, India. 10 schools were selected by simple random sampling procedure and 100 study subjects were selected proportionately for males and females by using systematic random sampling procedures in each school. Data recorded using proforma consisted DAI components. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis., Statistical Analysis: The Chi-square test [x(2)] was used for comparison of severity of malocclusion. Analysis of Variance [ANOVA] test was used for comparison of mean DAI scores between the age groups and in DAI scores. 'Z' test was used for comparing the mean DAI scores between sex group., Results: Of the 1000 children examined, 518[ 51.8%] were males and 482[ 48.2%] were females. 80.1% school children had < or = 25 DAI scores with no or minor malocclusion requiring no or little treatment, 15.7% had 26-30 DAI scores with definite malocclusion requiring elective treatment, 3.7% had 31-35 DAI scores with severe malocclusion requiring highly desirable treatment and 0.5% had > or = 36 DAI scores with handicapping malocclusion requiring mandatory treatment., Conclusions: 80.1% school children had no or minor malocclusion which required no or slight treatment, 19.9% had definite/handicapping malocclusion requiring definite/mandatory orthodontic treatment.

Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess dental fluorosis and to compare fluorosis in incisor teeth among 13- to 15-year-old school children of Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh., Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted. A total of 1000 school children aged 13 to 15 years were selected by stratified cluster sampling from 4 different areas with different levels of naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water. Fluorosis was recorded using TF index (TFI)., Results: Prevalence of fluorosis (TFI score, > or = 1) was 100% at all the 4 different fluoride levels. The prevalence and severity increased with increased fluoride levels in drinking water. Prevalence and severity of fluorosis did not show any significant variation between maxillary and mandibular incisor teeth., Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of mild-to-moderate fluorosis in Nalgonda district, even in areas with optimal fluoride levels in water.

Aim: The present study was undertaken to compare and evaluate shear bond strength of two self-etching adhesives (sixth and seventh generation) on dentin of primary and permanent teeth., Materials and Methods: Flat dentin surface of 64 human anterior teeth (32 primary and 32 permanent) divided into four groups of 16 each. Groups A and C were treated with Contax (sixth generation), while groups B and D were treated with Clearfil S3 (seventh generation). A teflon mold was used to build the composite (Filtek Z-350) cylinders on the dentinal surface of all the specimens. Shear bond strength was tested for all the specimens with an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA for multiple group comparison, followed by student's unpaired 't' test for group-wise comparison., Results: There was no statistically significant difference in shear bond strength among the study groups except that primary teeth bonded with Contax exhibited significantly lesser shear bond strength than permanent teeth bonded with Clearfil S3., Conclusion: This study revealed that Clearfil S3 could be of greater advantage in pediatric dentistry than Contax because of its fewer steps and better shear bond strength in dentin of both primary and permanent teeth.

Background: Many parents are often unaware of the hidden, added sugars in many foods and drinks including pediatric liquid medicines; thus, hidden sugar in the form of pediatric medications has not been focused upon as cariogenic agents., Objective: (i) assess concentration of sucrose in six pediatric drugs, (ii) determine endogenous pH of these drugs, and (iii) estimate drop in the plaque pH in the oral cavity in first 30 minutes after consumption of the drugs., Materials and Methods: Ten adult volunteers with mean age of 22 years were double blinded for the study. Concentration of sucrose was assessed by volumetric method at Department of Chemical Branch of Engineering. Endogenous pH and drop in the plaque pH after consumption of the drugs were assessed using digital pH meter., Statistical Analysis: SPSS software was used to assess the pH level at different time intervals and expressed as mean +/- SD. Changes in pH were assessed by one-way ANOVA followed by Wilcoxons signed rank test. P-value was set at 0.05., Result: There were varying amounts of fermentable sucrose detected in the drugs; all the drugs were acidic. There is a significant drop of plaque pH after consumption of the drug., Conclusion: These sweeteners along with their low endogenic pH form a high cariogenic formulation. Thus, nonsucrose (noncariogenic) or sugar-free medications are needed to be prescribed along with proper oral hygiene care to the children under medication.

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome is a very rare syndrome of autosomal recessive inheritance characterized by palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis and early onset of a severe destructive periodontitis, leading to premature loss of both primary and permanent dentitions. Various etiopathogenic factors are associated with the syndrome but a recent report has suggested that the condition is linked to mutations of the cathepsin C gene. Two cases of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome in the same family, having all of the characteristic features, are presented. An 11-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy presented with the complaints of loose teeth. Both expressed hyperkeratosis of palms, soles, and knees. Severe generalized periodontal destruction, with mobility of teeth, was evident on intraoral examination; orthopantomograph examination showed severe generalized loss of alveolar bone in both the patients.

Background: Glucosyltransferases (GTF) play an important role in the adherence of bacteria to acquired pellicle. Cocoa bean husk extract (CBHE) has been shown to possess anti-glucosyltransferase and antibacterial activity., Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of CBHE on plaque accumulation and mutans streptococcus count when used as a mouth rinse by children., Materials and Methods: Scaling of the teeth of the selected children was done and the children were instructed to refrain from their routine oral hygiene practices till the morning of the fourth day; they were instead given a placebo mouth rinse for use during this period. On the fourth day, saliva was collected from each subject for microbiological analysis and plaque was disclosed and scored using the modified Quigley and Hein plaque index; later, the teeth were cleaned. After 1 week, scaling of the subjects was done and they were given CBHE mouth rinse to rinse their mouth, following the above protocol. The data was statistically analyzed using Wilcoxon's signed rank test., Results: There was a 20.9% decrease in mutans streptococci counts and a 49.6% decrease in plaque scores in the CBHE group as compared to the placebo group, which was highly significant (P value Conclusion: CBHE is highly effective in reducing mutans streptococci counts and plaque deposition when used as a mouth rinse by children.

Although the terms lateral secondary and accessory canals are often used interchangeably they mean different things. The accessory canal is derived from the secondary canal branching off to the periodontal ligament in apical sections. Different methodology was used to study the accessory canals. Decalcification method appeared to the important in studying the accessory canals as compared to digital radiography and histological sectioning.

The mandibular second molars can become impacted beneath the crown of the first molars due to various causes and fail to erupt normally. Presented herewith is a case report of orthodontic uprighting of a mesioangular impacted mandibular right permanent second molar. Though various treatment options were available, an uprighting push spring appliance was used as it is easy to fabricate and produces distal tipping and uprighting of the impacted tooth without the necessity of surgical assistance, bone removal, or splinting. The uprighting of the mandibular second molar was achieved within two months.

The purpose of present study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of three commercially available fluoride- and zinc-releasing glass ionomer cements on strains of mutans streptococci. Three glass ionomers (Fuji II Conventional, Fuji II Light Cure, and Fuji IX) were used. The antibacterial effect of glass ionomer cements were estimated by anaerobically growing mutans streptococci on a selective medium by inoculating human saliva and measuring the inhibition zones around the glass ionomer discs on the medium. Fluoride and zinc release were measured and compared with the antibacterial activity. The results, when statistically analyzed, showed a direct correlation between fluoride release and antibacterial activity, but there was no correlation between zinc release and antibacterial activity.

Occlusal pits and fissures are the most susceptible sites for the development of dental caries and prevention is difficult in the areas of occurrence. Although only 12.5% of all the tooth surfaces are occlusal, these surfaces develop more than two-thirds of total caries experienced by children. The fate of the bacteria is of significance when they are inadvertently sealed by a dental sealant. This study aimed in examining the antibacterial properties of three commercially available sealants, viz., Teethmate-F, Helioseal-F and Helioseal. Antibacterial testing was done by disc diffusion method. Selective agars were used to grow Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of dental caries. Statistical analysis was carried out using student's t test. The study proved that Helioseal-F and Helioseal did not possess antibacterial properties and Teethmate-F was the only sealant that showed antibacterial properties.

The prevalence of asthma has been increasing since the 1980s. Asthma and tooth decay are the two major causes of school absenteeism. There are few studies present in the literature. The objectives of the present study were to know the severity of dental caries and periodontal problems in children before and after taking antiasthmatic medication. The present study was conducted on 105, six- to fourteen-year-old asthmatic children to determine the condition of their dental caries and their periodontal status before and after taking antiasthmatic medication, for a period of 1 year and these were matched with their controls. The results showed that salbutamol inhaler shows increased caries rate with high significance over other groups, which was followed by salbutamol tablets and beclamethasone inhaler respectively. It has been concluded that antiasthmatic medication has its effects on dental caries and periodontal disease and asthmatic patients are recommended to adopt more precautionary oral hygiene practices and keep their caries activity and periodontal health under constant check.

Garre's sclerosing osteomyelitis is a specific type of chronic osteomyelitis that mainly affects children and young adults. This disease entity is well-described in dental literature and is commonly associated with an odontogenic infection resulting from dental caries. This paper describes a case of Garre's osteomyelitis in a 10-year-old boy, in whom the condition arose following pulpoperiapical infection in relation to permanent mandibular right first molar. Clinically the patient presented with bony hard, non-tender swelling and the occlusal radiograph revealed pathognomic feature of "onion skin" appearance. The elimination of periapical infection was achieved by endodontic therapy and the complete bone remodeling was seen radiographically after three months follow-up.

It is well recognized today that for long-term success, the management of traumatized teeth optimally should be carried out as soon as possible. Since, majority of traumatic injuries occur at home, the ultimate prognosis of an avulsed tooth may depend on knowledge of the treatment procedure, possessed by his or her parents. The purpose of this study was therefore to evaluate the parental knowledge and attitude regarding the emergency management of avulsed teeth in children (in Davangere--both urban and rural, 1,000 each).

A case of dentigerous cyst associated with upper right lateral incisor that had resulted in displacement of the canine, inverted impaction of both the premolars and dilaceration of apical 1/3 of central incisor is reported here.

Talon cusp is an uncommon odontogenic anomaly, presented as an accessory cusp like structure on the crown of an anterior tooth. Their presence may create diagnostic, esthetics, occlusal, pulpal and periodontal problems. This case report describes an unusual double facial talon cusp along with lingual trace talon on left maxillary central incisor.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the comparative levels of cariostatic and caries potentiating trace elements and to detect residual coliform bacteria in six different bottled waters. Trace elements and fluoride were estimated using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer and fluoride ion electrode respectively. Coliform bacteria were detected by multiple tube method. It was found that, trace elements were below the significant caries potentiating or cariostatic levels and none of the samples showed coliform bacterial growth. It can be concluded from the present study that these water samples can be safely consumed without any dental ill effects.

A natal tooth is that which is present in the oral cavity at the time of birth. Fibrous hyperplasia is a non-specific reactive lesion of soft tissues of unknown etiology usually associated with trauma or local irritation. Natal teeth can occur as an isolated dental finding, but many times they are associated wilh syndromes and developmental disturbances. This is a rare case, where in a natal tooth has led to the formation of a reactive fibrous hyperplasia in a four and half month old infant, a relationship not reported previously.

Moebius syndrome is an extremely rare disorder characterized by a lifetime facial paralysis, involving sixth and seventh cranial nerves with malformations of orofacial structures and the limbs. In this case, an 8 year old girl with Moebius syndrome is presented, clinical findings are described and management aspects are discussed. Early dental evaluation and parental counselling as a part of preventive dental regimen can go a long way in providing complete psychosocial rehabilitation for such physically disabled children.

An unusual case of inverted central incisor in a nine year old girl is reported here. The case was diagnosed as an infected dentigerous cyst. The unerupted central incisor was placed inverted almost near the ethmoid bone. The cyst was enucleated successfully.

Talon cusp is a supernumerary crown structure, a developmental disturbance in the shape of teeth that causes various diagnostic, functional and esthetic problems. Some synonyms for talon cusp are dens evaginatus of anterior teeth, interstitial cusp, tuberculated tooth, odontoma of the axial core type, evaginated odontoma, enamel pearl, supernumerary cusp etc. The lingual location on incisors, which frequently affects occlusion, is pathognomonic of the talon cusp. This report describes a rare odontogenic, isolated anomaly rather than an integral part of any disorder, a case of talon shaped cusp projecting from the labial surface of a maxillary permanent central incisor.

The present study was performed to compare the amount of in vitro fluoride uptake by enamel and dentin from fluoridated bonding agent with non-fluoridated composite (Group I), non-fluoridated bonding agent with fluoridated composite (Group II) and fluoridated bonding agent with fluoridated composite resin (Group III). Sixty extracted premolars were selected and divided into three groups of 20 teeth each. Restorative materials were applied according to manufacturer's instructions into standard windows created in the teeth, cured and placed in de-ionised water for three months. The fluoride content of successive acid etch biopsy was determined by specific ion-electrode analysis. Although significant amount of fluoride uptake occurred in all the test groups, fluoride uptake was found to be highly significant in dentin when compared to enamel in Group, I, II and III (P<0.001). The fluoride uptake was greater by both enamel and dentin in Group III ie fluoridated bonding agent with fluoridated composite resin.

An interesting lesion is presented, wherein a tiny traumatic perforation of the buccal mucosa and buccinator muscle forced a large portion of the buccal fat pad to extrude into the oral cavity. Such a situation can alarm any clinician & reinforces the importance of careful history taking and thorough examination, before treating patients.

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of a single application of three professionally applied topical fluoride agents (Sodium fluoride 2%, Stannous fluoride 8% and APF 1.23%) on the surfaces of six modern esthetic restorative materials used in pediatric dentistry viz., two conventional glass ionomers (Fuji II and Shofu-restorative), two resin modified glass ionomers (Vitremer, with and without glaze, and Photac-fil Quick) and two Polyacid modified composite resins (Luxat and Hytac Aplitip). Mean surface roughness and surface micro hardness (SMH) measurements were the parameters employed for comparison. Results showed that APF gel applications significantly increased the surface roughness measurements and decreased SMH of all tested materials, which was pronounced in conventional glass ionomers when compared with resin modified glass ionomers and polyacid modified composite resins. NaF and SnF2 produced a statistically significant increase in the surface roughness of conventional glass ionomers without any significant change in surface roughness and SMH on rest of the materials tested, except for NaF on SMH values of Fuji II, which was statistically significant.

A rare case of congenital muscular dystrophy with unique oro-facial manifestations is presented. Dental considerations and successful management techniques are discussed.

Hybridization of dentine is identified as a basic bonding mechanism between resin and dentine, hence studying the micro morphology of hybrid layer may explain lower bond strength that has been observed in primary teeth. The aim of the present study was to compare the thickness and micromorphology of Hybrid layer formed in primary and permanent teeth for 3 different durations of dentine etching time (5, 10 and 15 sec) with 10% phosphoric acid as etchant. Thickness and micromorphology of hybrid layer was observed on SEM photographs obtained at 750X. Results indicated that primary teeth presented with a significantly thicker hybrid layer compared to permanent teeth at 10 sec (P<0.05) and 15 sec (P<0.01) of dentine etching. It was concluded that owing to the high reactivity of primary teeth to etchants, the etchants be applied for shorter period on primary dentine compared to permanent dentine for better performance of composite restoration in primary dentition.

Pain is one of the protective phenomenon possessed by the body. Pain arouses and demands our immediate attention. There are instances in which there is a congenital insensitivity to pain. Two cases of congenital insensitivity to pain are reported.