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Introduction: Malocclusion is multifactorial in origin, caused by the interaction of various general and local factors. The consequences of malocclusion include dental caries, periodontitis, impaction of teeth, and compromised chewing abilities. Thus, if left untreated, malocclusion can not only lead to oral health problems like periodontal problems and dental caries but also psychological problems, causing a loss of self-esteem and confidence in the individual. Aim: To assess the potential relationship between malocclusion with orthodontic treatment needs and dental caries, periodontal diseases, dental traumatic injuries, oral hygiene, and Oral Health-related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1800 school-going and college students at their respective Institutions in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India from December 2021 to June 2022 with and without orthodontic treatment needs, to identify malocclusion and various oral conditions/diseases associated with it, in addition to the effect of malocclusion on OHRQoL. Oral health status was assessed using the World Health Organisation (WHO) Basic Oral Health Survey (2013); malocclusion was assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN) index, and OHRQoL was measured using OHIP-14. Data were analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 software, and statistical significance was assessed using Pearson’s Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U Test. Results: The study was conducted among 1800 subjects aged between 14 and 21 years (mean 17.47±1.58 years) from various schools and colleges in Chennai. Among the study subjects, 1066 (59.2%) were males, and 734 (40.8%) were females. About 46.7% of the study subjects had malocclusion. The binomial logistic regression analysis suggested that study subjects with orthodontic treatment needs had greater odds of experiencing dental caries, gingival bleeding, and traumatic dental injuries compared to study subjects without orthodontic treatment needs. Conclusion: There is a definite relationship between malocclusion, orthodontic treatment needs, dental caries, periodontal diseases, dental traumatic injuries, oral hygiene, and OHRQoL.

Introduction: Surgical sutures play an important role in wound healing at surgical sites, which are susceptible to microbial infections. These sutures need to prevent bacterial adhesion and proliferation, particularly in areas exposed to oral fluids, to avoid contamination inside the wound. Antibiotic-coated sutures have shown effective antibacterial properties, and silver has emerged as a promising antimicrobial agent. Additionally, Aloe vera, a natural source of bioactive compounds, has been extensively studied for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-tumour, and anti-inflammatory activities. Aim: To analyse the morphological, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of plain silk sutures compared to silk sutures coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and silk sutures coated with AgNPs and aloe vera extract. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted in the White Lab of Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, over a one-month period from September 2022 to October 2022. The study included three groups, with three samples in each group. Group A consisted of plain silk sutures, Group B consisted of silk sutures coated with AgNPs, and Group C consisted of silk sutures coated with AgNPs and Aloe vera extract. Morphological and microanalytical characterisation was performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Tensile strength was determined using straight-pull and knotpull tests, following the Instron® method, and knot efficiency. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated using antimicrobial culture tests for the three groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the Shapiro-Wilk test to assess normality of continuous variables, followed by parametric tests of significance including paired t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The tensile strength, as determined by the straight-pull test, knot-pull test, and knot efficiency, was highest in Group C, followed by Group B and Group A (statistically significant, p-value

Introduction: Periodontitis is a polymicrobial and multifactorial oral disease and is the sixth complication of diabetes mellitus. Early diagnosis is important, and the use of non invasive biomarkers are highly useful for this purpose. The level of Macrophage Activating Factor (MAF) and Procalcitonin (ProCT) corresponds to the intensity of the inflammatory response and the severity of infection; thereby indicating that an increase in concentration or persistence of high values is considered as a prognostic indicator for severity of infection with an adverse outcome. Aim: To assess the periodontal parameters and quantify the levels of MAF and ProCT in saliva samples of generalised chronic periodontitis subjects with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus and to correlate these levels with the periodontal parameters. Materials and Methods: The study was a single centre crosssectional study carried out at the Department of Periodontology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, from November 2018 to November 2019. A total of 80 subjects with generalised severe chronic periodontitis were selected and divided into two groups. Group I comprised of 40 subjects who were diagnosed with generalised chronic periodontitis without type 2 diabetes mellitus, whereas group II comprised of 40 subjects with generalised chronic periodontitis who had already been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Periodontal parameters such as Plaque Index (PI), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) were recorded. The collected samples were subjected to molecular analysis for evaluating ProCT and MAF using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.1 (Chicago, USA Inc). Student’s Independent t-test was used to compare the mean values for the variables in the control and test group. The Pearson’s correlation test was used to evaluate correlation between all the variables. The p-value 0.05. The mean salivary ProCT level in group I and group II was 268.76±152.78 ng/mL and 785.75±244.37 ng/mL, respectively. The mean salivary MAF level in group I and group II was 7.15±2.02 ng/mL and 26.56±9.12 ng/ mL, respectively. On comparing MAF and ProCT value between group I and group II, there was a statistically significant increase in group II (p-value

Introduction: An exigency for a biomarker arises to expeditiously detect the periodontal disease evolution and to advocate more robust therapy efficacy measurements. Nitric oxide and sialic acid have been proved to be potential inflammatory markers. Hence, the evaluation of the involvement of nitric oxide and sialic acid in periodontal disease will enable us to assimilate the aspect of the complex process of periodontal disease progression. Aim: To estimate and compare the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on serum and salivary sialic acid and nitric oxide levels in generalised chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: This study was a case-control as well as an interventional study. The subjects for this study were recruited from the Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai from April 2017 to October 2018. Hundred patients were selected for this study. Control group consisted of 50 periodontally healthy subjects and test group consisted of 50 generalised chronic periodontitis subjects. After blood and saliva sample collection for determination of salivary and serum sialic acid and nitric oxide levels, evaluation of periodontal parameters like plaque index, probing pocket depth and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) was done. Then the test group subjects underwent nonsurgical periodontal therapy and on 90th day post SRP parameters were re-evaluated. The collected data were analysed with IBM SPSS Statistics software, Version 23.0. In the above statistical tool the probability value 0.05 was considered as significant level. Results: The mean difference of plaque index, probing pocket depth, CAL, serum sialic acid, salivary sialic acid, serum Nitric Oxide (NO) and salivary nitric oxide: between the control and test group at baseline was -2.05, -5.01 mm, -5.56 mm, -12.515 mg/dL, -11.97 mg/dL, -129.762 µMol/L and -78.978 µMol/L respectively; for the test group at baseline and 90 days after nonsurgical periodontal therapy was 1.332, 3.15 mm, 3.285 mm, 14.206 mg/dL, 12.76 mg/dL, 130.082 µMol/L, 82.004 µMol/L, respectively. All the values were statistically significant with p-value

Introduction: Diseases affecting oro-facial structures can present themselves in a spectrum varying from pain like in case of acute pulpitis to psychosocial effects like in malocclusion. Poor malocclusion causes poorer oral aesthetic self-perception, and affects emotional and social well-being health domains. Aim: To assess the oral health related practices and status among college going students and to evaluate the effect of malocclusion on their quality of life. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 710 subjects of age range 17-23 years. Oral health status was assessed using WHO basic oral health survey (2013), orthodontic treatment needs according to Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN) and oral health quality of life using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Mann-Whitney test and Fisher’s-exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 710 students were examined. It was seen that in the study population, only 290 (40.8%) knew that oral health affected general health and 501 (70.6%) had never visited dentist. The mean DMFT was 1.80+2.20 and 493 (69.4%) did not have any periodontal problem and 378 (53.2%) required orthodontic treatment ranging from little/mild to very severe orthodontic treatment need and it was seen that there was a difference in all the domains of OHIP-14 among the individuals in orthodontic treatment needed and not needed group and it was statistically very highly significant (p

Introduction: Oxidised Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (Ox-LDL-C) and High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) have antagonistic action in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Use of statins reduces cardiovascular risk by reducing LDL-C levels and also by increasing HDL-C. No systematic studies were carried out to study the role of HDL-C as an antioxidant and its effect in decreasing Ox-LDL-C. Aim: To compare the values of Ox-LDL-C/HDL-C in patients with chronic Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and to evaluate the levels of Ox-LDL-C and Ox LDL-C/HDL-C ratio in patients treated with the two different statins. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study 30 patients with ACS and 30 patients with chronic CAD on rosuvastatin or atorvastatin were included in the study. Apparently normal 27 age and sex-matched controls without CAD was included in the study. Lipid profile was estimated using fully auto analyser and Ox-LDL-C was estimated using ELISA kits. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 16 software. A p-value of

It has been widely accepted that periodontitis is a result of the host immune inflammatory response caused by various periodontal microorganisms leading to tissue degradation and bone resorption. One important mechanism of the inflammatory mediators present in periodontal tissue is the stimulation and formation of osteoclasts that are believed to be the major cell type responsible for bone resorption. This review article comprehensively explains the various molecular activities of osteoclasts and their role in periodontitis.

Gingival enlargement or gingival overgrowth can be defined as increase in the size of gingiva, caused due to a variety of etiological factors. One of the causes of gingival enlargement is hereditary gingival fibromatosis, which is a genetic disorder characterised by progressive enlargement of the free and attached gingiva. It may have a nodular enlargement, having stippled surfaces with no inflammation or may show inflamed surface. Clinically, gingiva may present dense or firm surface on palpation. It is commonly associated with mutation of Son of Sevenless-1 (SOS-1) gene, which is responsible for this disease. This case report focuses on a family, diagnosed with hereditary gingival fibromatosis in three consecutive generations. This report also discusses the diagnosis, treatment, histopathological features and the pattern of inheritance associated, which is emphasised through pedigree analysis.

Introduction: Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) has been explored as a potential biomarker for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). The human Lp-PLA2 is a serinedependent, Ca2+- independent enzyme. It gives way to oxidised free fatty acids and lysophosphatidyl choline by hydrolysing oxidised phospholipids, that leads to smooth muscle cell apoptosis, inflammatory cell chemotaxis and endothelial cell dysfunction in CVD. Owing to its role in inflammation, it may influence the development and progression of periodontitis as well. Aim: To compare the demographic variables, Gingival Index(GI), Bleeding On Probing (BOP), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) with serum lipid profile and LpPLA2 level in Chronic Periodontitis (CP) subjects. Materials and Methods: A total of 75 subjects were selected and divided into three groups; based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria: Group I - 25 subjects with severe generalized CP with CAL ≥ 5 mm in more than 30% of sites. Group II - 25 subjects with moderate generalized CP with clinical CAL 3 mm-4 mm in more than 30% of sites. Group III- 25 systemically and periodontally healthy volunteers who served as control. Clinical parameters such as Plaque Index (PI), BOP, Probing Depth (PD) and CAL, lipid profile such as Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), High density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) as well as Lp-PLA2 were assessed. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's Post-Hoc test were used for data analysis. Results: Age was higher in Group I and II when compared to Group III. Group II showed a significant correlation between PI and LDL. In Group III, lower PI was significantly correlated with high HDL and low LDL and BOP was positively correlated with TG and HDL. A significant association of Lp-PLA2 was found to be higher with increase in the TG and VLDL level in Group I and Group II when compared to Group III. Conclusion: The study concluded that Lp-PLA2, TG and VLDL already being a predictor biomarker for atherosclerotic disease can be an inflammatory marker for periodontitis.

Introduction: Dental ailments like malocclusion affect not only the functional ability and aesthetic appearance of the person but also the psychological aspect of the individual. Aim: The aim of the present study was to the find relationship between quality of life and dental malocclusion among school going adolescents in Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 342 subjects of age range 14-19 years. Oral health status was assessed using WHO basic oral health survey (2013), orthodontic treatment needs according to Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN) and oral health quality of life using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Results: A total of 342 subjects were interviewed and examined. The mean DMFT score was 1.86±2.77. A 203 (59.4%) did not require any orthodontic treatment while 139 (40.6%) had orthodontic treatment need ranging from mild to very severe. It was seen that malocclusion affected some aspects of OHIP14 significantly namely functional limitation, psychological discomfort and psychological disability. The comparison of OHIP-14 scores between treatment needed and treatment not needed was highly significant (p

Introduction: Sudarshankriya pranayama is the control of breathing movements to regulate the energy flow throughout the body, which has shown to positively affect immune function, autonomic nervous system and psychologic-neuro pathways. The practice of pranayama has been proven to show several benefits such as reduction in stress levels, relieves anxiety and depression, increase in antioxidant levels, reduces insulin resistance and improves respiratory function. Aim: The objective of the study was to evaluate the levels of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma (PPAR-γ), Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) and the presence of Red Complex Microorganisms (RCM) such as Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia in the subgingivalpl aque samples of chronic periodontitis subjects before and after intervention with pranayama as an adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing (SRP). Materials and Methods: A total of 30 subjects (control group) were treated with SRP and 30 subjects (pranayama group) underwent SRP and pranayama for three months. Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Bleeding Index (BI) and Plaque Index (PI) were recorded and the presence of PPAR-γ, NF-κB and RCM were assessed at baseline and after three months using polymerase chain reaction. ANCOVA test was done to compare the clinical parameters between the groups. Fisher's Exact test was done to identify RCM and Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon-signed test was used to identify the expression of NF-κB and PPAR-γ in the plaque samples. Results: The change in the mean CAL from baseline to third month was significantly higher in pranayama group compared to control group (p≤0.05). There was a statistically significant reduction in the expression of NF-κB and increase in PPAR-γ expression levels in pranayama group on comparison with the control group (p

Introduction: Garcinia mangostana commonly called as Mangosteen fruit has been used as an antibacterial agent since age old times. The mangosteen pericarp has proven to have antibacterial effect, but the effect of the same on cariogenic organisms has not been explored. The present study was an attempt to gain a better understanding of the antibacterial effect of mangosteen pericarp on the cariogenic bacteria, to unravel the therapeutic potential for the same. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of the crude chloroform extract of mangosteen pericarp against cariogenic bacteria. Materials and Methods: The study was done under laboratory settings using an in vitro design. The microorganisms namely Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus oralis and Lactobacillus acidophilus were procured from American Type Cell Culture (ATCC) and Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC) were revived and lawn cultured. The antibacterial effect of mangosteen pericarp was tested using agar well diffusion method on Trypticase Soy AgarBlood Agar (TSA-BA) and de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar media. The standard antiplaque agent chlorhexidine was used as the positive control. This cross-sectional, experimental study was done in Central Research laboratory, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College for period of eight weeks. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) values were determined by microbroth dilution method. Statistical analysis was done by calculating the mean of the zones of inhibition on tested microorganisms. Mann-Whitney test was done to compare the zones of inhibition of mangosteen and chlorhexidine. Results: The antibacterial bioassay showed the highest activity for Lactobacillus acidophilus (13.6 mm) and Streptococcus sanguis (13.6 mm), whereas, it showed a medium and low activity for Streptococcus oralis (11.3 mm), Streptococcus mutans (10.6 mm) and Streptococcus salivarius (3 mm) respectively. The MBC and MIC values were lowest for Lactobacillus acidophilus (MIC 25 mg/ml, MBC 50 mg/ml) and Streptococcus oralis (MIC 50 mg/ml, MBC 100 mg/ml). Conclusion: Mangosteen pericarp extract had a higher zone of inhibition against the tested microorganisms which suggests its potent antibacterial action against cariogenic organisms. However, further analytical studies are needed to isolate the key molecules of mangosteen pericarp, to explore its anticariogenic therapeutic potential on gram negative oral microorganisms.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effects of Spirulina in-situ gel as an adjunct to Scaling And Root Planning (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis subjects. Material and Methods: 64 sites were selected with probing pocket depth of ≥5mm and they were divided into 2 groups; 33 sites were treated with SRP along with spirulina gel (Group A) and 31 sites were treated with SRP alone (Group B). Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline before SRP and at 120th day after the treatment therapy. The parameters included Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL). Results: Both the groups showed significant improvement in the parameters. However, Group A (SRP along with spirulina) showed statistically significant decrease in mean probing pocket depth and gain in the clinical attachment level after 120 days as compared to Group B SRP alone. Conclusion: Locally delivered spirulina gel, along with scaling and root planning, has been shown to cause a beneficial impact. The efficacy of the product as a local drug delivery system in the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis without any side effects has been proved. Spirulina appears to be promising. It exerts strong anti-inflammatory effects which are closely connected with its antioxidative activity. This study can have a significant impact on the treatment procedures of periodontitis, with the use of blue green algae in the future.

Introduction: The primary goal in periodontal therapy includes removal of the etiological factors by mechanical periodontal treatment, which sometimes fail to eliminate the anaerobic infection at the base of the pocket and requires adjuvant chemical therapy. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 2% minocycline ointment when used as an adjunct to periodontal flap surgery and post-operative maintenance period for the treatment of generalized chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: The study included 30 subjects comprising of 60 posterior sextants in a split mouth design in which 30 sextants were treated as experimental and 30 sextants as control with a probing pocket depth≥6mm. In Group A (experimental group) 30 sextants were treated with open flap debridement followed by the application of minocycline ointment as a local drug delivery. In Group B (control group) 30 sextants were treated with open flap debridement alone. Minocycline hydrochloride ointment was applied on the 0 day and 3rd month. The clinical parameters such as plaque index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and gingival bleeding index were recorded at 0 day, 3rd month and 6th month in both the groups. Paired and unpaired t-test were used to compare the means of the two groups. Results: When Group A and Group B were compared, Group A showed significantly greater reduction in gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth and gain in clinical attachment level than Group B, from 0 day to 3 months and from 0 day to 6 months. Group A showed significant reduction in plaque index than Group B when they were compared at 6 months. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that there was significant reduction in the clinical parameters with improvement in the periodontal status on application of minocycline ointment as an adjunct to periodontal flap surgery in generalized chronic periodontitis.

Introduction: Resistin is an adipocyte derived hormone that has been shown to play a substantial role in the development of insulin resistance. Resistin acts as a pro-inflammatory molecule and stimulates the synthesis and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Recent studies have reported the association of Gingival Crevicular Fluid (GCF) resistin levels with periodontal condition. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the GCF resistin levels in obese subjects with periodontal health and disease and to correlate the disease severity with GCF resistin levels. Materials and Methods: Ninety subjects of both the sexes with age between 20–45 years were selected for the study and were categorized into four groups: 25 obese or overweight subjects with generalized chronic periodontitis (Group-I), 25 obese or overweight subjects with healthy periodontium (Group-II), 25 non-obese subjects with generalized chronic periodontitis (Group-III) and 15 non obese subjects with healthy periodontium (Group-IV). The demographic variables like age, Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC) were recorded and the clinical periodontal parameters such as Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) were also assessed in all the groups. GCF was collected and assessed for resistin levels. Results: The mean GCF resistin levels in Groups I, II, III & IV were 15.14, 9.06, 12.74 and 5.41 ng/dl respectively and the difference in mean GCF resistin level was statistically significant with the p-value

Background: Unexplained infertility remains as one of the important subtype of infertility that follows expectant management with Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) in most cases. Aim: To evaluate the clinical role of progesterone supplement as luteal phase support for women with unexplained infertility following stimulation protocol with Clomiphene Citrate (CC)/ Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG). Materials and Methods: An investigator initiated study to survey the success rate for first cycle of IUI following stimulation protocol with CC/HMG & luteal phase support with oral natural or synthetic progesterone was conducted. 120 patient records between observation period of Jan to May ’14 were retrieved especially for subjects undergoing IUI procedure for Unexplained infertility. Patients with baseline Serum (Sr). progesterone records who received Oral Natural Micronized Progesterone Sustained Release (Oral NMP SR) (N=45) or Dydrogesterone (n=33) following CC/HMG induction protocol and human Chorionic Gonadotropin(HCG) Inj., were further analysed following Luteal Phase Support(LPS) with oral natural or synthetic progesterone. Results: Baseline demographics showed 78 patients with mean age, weight and cycle duration of 29.5 yrs, 57.3 kg & 28.6 days respectively. Progesterone was supplemented as Oral NMP SR 200/300 mg OD or Dydrogesterone 10 mg bid in 22, 23 and 33 patients respectively. In all cases ovulation was triggered with HCG inj., followed by IUI within the next 48 hours while baseline sr. progesterone levels were being assessed. Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) UK recommended therapeutic compliance to suggest sr. progesterone levels of ≥14ng/ml were recorded as Mid-luteal levels in all of these patients. This therapeutic compliance was noted in 82.2% & 78.8% of the patients treated with oral NMP SR or Dydrogesterone respectively. Pregnancy was observed amongst 5 and 10 patients treated with oral NMP SR and Dydrogesterone respectively at the end of ‘First’ IUI cycle. Both the groups were well tolerated with drowsiness documented in three cases for Oral NMP SR. Conclusion: Clinical supplementation with ONMPSR suggests therapeutic compliance and alternative strategy to conventional formulations while offering dosing convenience with minimal side effects.

Background and Aims: To assess the factors influencing the awareness and practice of oral hygiene among the local population Maduravoyal, Chennai, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted to understand the factors influencing the choice and practice of oral hygiene products among the population of Maduravoyal, Chennai, India. Data was collected by means of a self administered structured questionnaire written in English and validated through a pilot survey. One thousand two hundred and nine subjects, with an age range of 15 to 70 years, who visited the Department of Periodontology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College, Chennai were selected for investigation. The data obtained was analyzed using the SPSS version 13.0. The frequency of distribution and percentages were calculated. Results: The results of the study showed that tooth brush (98.5%) and toothpaste (98%) were the main products used for the maintenance of oral hygiene and around 84.6% of the population brushed once daily. Information from the media (59.4%) and decay prevention (49.7%) were the major factors that influenced the choice of toothpaste among the study population. Conclusion: The major factor which influenced the choice of oral hygiene products was based on information obtained from advertisements and other sources. There is a need for the dental professionals to be aware of the ever-increasing development and marketing of oral hygiene products from various databases. Hence, the education of people regarding the importance of oral hygiene maintenance, proper selection of oral hygiene products is essential.

The receptors of the innate immune system have evolved to recognize pathogenic bacteria in a complex manner. Out of these immune receptors, the pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) such as Toll like receptors have gained importance off late to play a key role in the activation of cascade of inflammatory cytokines in pathogenesis of preterm birth. Preterm birth has become leading cause of neonatal deaths globally. The concept of oral infection influencing the occurrence of preterm delivery has gained importance. Translocation of periodontal pathogens and inflammatory mediators play role in the pathogenesis of preterm labour. The transmembrane toll like receptors of innate immunity have been recently implicated in the association of periodontal infection and preterm labour. The TLRs are considered as a key marker and TLR blockade can be a critical method for treating women who are exposed to periodontal pathogens. This review is aimed at discussing the role of TLR in periodontal disease and its relationship with preterm birth.

The pulp and the periodontium are invariably anatomically and functionally related to each other. Lesions involving both the periodontium and the pulp complicate diagnosis, treatment planning and prognosis. An emerging approach to periodontal therapy is the concept of regeneration. In this case report, a novel combination therapy of a blend of platelet rich fibrin with bone graft and guided tissue regeneration membrane was used in the treatment of a perio-endo lesion of a multirooted tooth. A successful outcome in alleviating patient’s symptoms and regeneration was seen.

Introduction: Although the cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden is rising in different countries, the morbidity and mortality rate is not reduced to much extent because of lack of application of the biomarkers for diagnosing CVD. Hence, we aimed to establish the predictable biomarkers in conjunction to framingham risk score in order to predict the risk for CVD in non cardiac patients. Materials and Methods: Three hundred subjects were screened for the study who came for the master health checkup. Out of them 50 patients were excluded as they were under medication. 23 patients were excluded due to various systemic diseases like fever and infection etc. The remaining of 227 patients with age range of 30-80 y was randomly selected for investigation. These subjects were divided into four different groups: Group I – controls with age range: 30-60 y (n=50) these subjects were free from all the systemic ailments and risk factors. Study groups comprised of Group II - (n=44) with age range: 30-40 y, Group III - (n=50) with age range: 41-50 y and Group IV - (n=83) with age range: 51-80 y. Patients with different risk factors without medication participated as study groups. Routine biochemical parameters were analysed using fully automated analyser and atherosclerotic biomarkers was analysed using ELISA kit. In addition to this, framingham risk scores was calculated in all the groups, for 30 y risk prognosis for CVD. Results: The atherosclerotic biomarkers such as E-selectin, Leptin, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Ox-LDL were elevated among the study groups as compared to control group. Pearson correlation showed a significant association between the individual risk score (30 y framingham risk for CVD) of individuals, and the above biomarkers. The Receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis also showed a greater area under curve with higher sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: We conclude the application E-Selectin, leptin, OPG and Ox-LDL as biomarkers along with the framingham risk scores in prediction risk for CVD in the individuals with subclinical atherosclerosis. It is more reliable and predictable as compared to the individual biomarkers alone.

Background: Among various reactive oxygen species, hydroxyl radicals have the strongest chemical activity, which can damage a wide range of essential biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, and DNA. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of curcumin on prevention of oxidative damage of biomolecules by hydroxyl radicals generated in in vitro by a Fenton like reaction. Materials and Methods: We have incubated the serum, plasma and whole blood with H2 O2 /Cu2 +/ Ascorbic acid system for 4 hours at 37 0 C and observed the oxidation of biomolecules like albumin, lipids, proteins and DNA. Results: Curcumin at the concentrations of 50,100 and 200 µmoles, prevented the formation of ischemia modified albumin, MDA, protein carbonyls, oxidized DNA and increased the total antioxidant levels and GSH significantly. Conclusion: These observations suggest the hydroxyl radical scavenging potentials of curcumin and protective actions to prevent the oxidation of biomolecules by hydroxyl radicals.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess and compare the effect of smoking on mRNA expression of MMP -8 and TIMP-1 in patients with untreated chronic periodontitis and in periodontally healthy subjects and to examine the correlation of MMP-8 and TIMP-1 levels with clinical parameters. Materials and Methods: Out of 60 subjects, 40 were selected subjects for the study, and were divided into Group I (periodontitis subject) and Group II (healthy subjects). Each group was further subdivided into subgroups I-A (chronic periodontitis smokers CPS), and I-B (chronic periodontitis non-smokers CPN), subgroup II-A (healthy smokers HS) and II B (healthy non-smokers HS). Both the groups underwent periodontal examination and clinical parameters were recorded. Tissue samples from both groups were subjected to the isolation of RNA which was then followed by qRT-PCR and the expression of the mRNA levels of MMP-8 and TIMP-1 were analyzed. Results: The mRNA expression of MMP-8 and TIMP-1 was further compared with the periodontal status of all the four groups. The mRNA expression of MMP-8 was compared between the groups and showed that Group I-A (CPS) had higher expression of MMP-8 compared to group I-B (CPN). Group I-B (CPN) vs Group I-A (CPS) showed statistically significant difference in MMP-8/TIMP-1 with higher values for Group I-A (CPS) than Group I-B (CPN). A positive correlation was found between MMP-8 expression and probing depth and clinical attachment level (CAL) among Group I-B (CPN) and Group I-A (CPS) subjects. A significant correlation was also found between MMP-8 and TIMP-1 expression with probing depth and CAL among Group II B(HN) group subjects. TIMP-1 also showed a positive correlation with gingival index (GI) among group II A (HS) subjects. Conclusion: It is concluded that smoking has an impact on the periodontal status and mRNA expression of MMP-8 and TIMP-1 in chronic periodontitis patients. The earlier evaluation of MMP-8 and TIMP-1, can be used as a biomarker in predicting periodontal disease susceptibility.

Obesity is a chronic disease of mutifactorial origin, where there is increase in body fat. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of tooth supporting tissues resulting in destruction of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Periodontitis and obesity are both chronic health problems and the literature supports this association. A hyperinflammatory state observed in obesity is proposed as a mechanism to explain this association. This low grade inflammation in obese subjects triggers the worsening of non transmissible chronic diseases like periodontitis. So the aim of this article is to get the overview of association between adipose tissue derived cytokines and periodontal disease.