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Willems gender-specific and non-specific maturity scores derive the age of the individual with acceptable error margins in the Belgian Population. This needs to be validated in various subpopulatio...

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of tobacco and its association with oral precancers and cancers. Materials and methods: Medical records of 1,007 individuals were assessed for the patterns of tobacco abuse and the presence of tobaccorelated oral mucosal alterations. Results: This study comprised 1,007 individuals (M:F: 95.4%:4.6%). In the cohort, 60.1% had smoking habit and 56.1% had smokeless habit. Of the bidi smokers, 18.2% developed carcinoma, 14.3% developed leukoplakia, which is statistically significant (p < 0.001). A logistic regression analysis of the development of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) shows that habit of smokeless forms of tobacco has an odds ratio (OR) of 18+ when compared with smoking. Combination of bidi and gutkha had 12.3 times higher risk of developing oral cancer and 4.4 times risk of developing leukoplakia. A total of 33.3% betel quid and gutkha chewers presented with tobacco pouch keratosis, which is statistically significant. Conclusion: Smoked and smokeless forms of tobacco were equally popular among the study population. The packeted form of smokeless tobacco (gutkha) was more prevalent. Oral submucous fibrosis was more common than leukoplakia, and oral cancer developed more frequently in elderly men smoking bidis. Clinical significance: This study throws light on the fact that the use of both smoke and smokeless forms of tobacco is still prevalent, and the use of gutkha was most prevalent. These findings will help tobacco cessation and counseling centers to focus their effort in motivating people to stop gutkha chewing habit. This also brings to the forefront the need to create better treatment strategies to manage OSMF.

Objectives: To evaluate the time taken and the mechanism through which the occlusion settles following the placement of a preformed metal crown (PMC) using the Hall technique. The secondary objective was to assess any temporo mandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) resulting from the Hall technique through a questionnaire. Study Design: 44 children fulfilling the inclusion criteria were evaluated for changes in overbite and occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) following the placement of preformed metal crowns (PMCs) using the Hall technique. The overbite and OVD measurements were taken before treatment, immediately post treatment, then at one, two, three and four weeks post treatment. After four weeks, a questionnaire recorded the occurrence of any signs or symptoms of TMD. Results: At the fourth week, the overbite measurement did not show a statistically significant difference (p value= 0.58) compared to baseline values indicating that the occlusion settled by the fourth week. By the third week the OVD values obtained did not show a significant difference compared to the baseline (p value= 0.42) indicating that the OVD had been restored. The questionnaire provided at the end of four weeks showed negative response for signs and symptoms of TMD in all the children. Conclusion: Any changes in occlusion following the placement of a Hall crown settles in four weeks. The OVD settles three weeks post placement implying that extrusion of teeth do not play a role in settling of the occlusion. The children do not develop any signs or symptoms of TMD post a Hall crown.

Background Erosion of the teeth is a chronic irreversible process leading to loss of surface enamel and even the dentin, in turn causing sensitivity and pain. Increased consumption of carbonated beverages remains a major cause for dental erosion. However, many of the so called safe beverages that are consumed may also have sufficiently low pH to cause dental erosion. One of the parameters to measure the dental erosion is estimation of hardness and surface roughness. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the difference in hardness and surface roughness of enamel and cementum using three beverages namely (carbonated drink, lime soda, lime juice) in deciduous and permanent teeth. Material and Methods Ten permanent and three deciduous teeth samples each were kept in lime juice, lime soda, carbonated beverage and tap water. The VHN using Vickers hardness tester and Ra value using surface profilometer were assessed at baseline, 1 day and 10 days. Results At the end of 10 days the decrease in hardness of enamel of permanent teeth was maximum for teeth immersed in carbonated beverage followed by lime soda and lime juice. However, in the deciduous teeth it was observed that the VHN drop was maximum at 1 day in relation to teeth immersed in carbonated beverage followed by lime juice and lime soda. The hardness of cementum decreased significantly at the end of ten days both in deciduous as well as permanent teeth. Conclusions The present study shows that many of the most commonly used beverages like lime juice and lime soda have a sufficiently low pH to cause erosion of the enamel surface as well as that of cementum of both deciduous and permanent teeth. Though protective mechanisms do exist in the oral cavity to neutralize the acids present in these beverages, continuous usage of these beverages leads to irreversible damage to the tooth structure. Key words:Dental erosion, hardness, surface roughness, permanent teeth, deciduous teeth.

Background The practice of young adults smoking e-cigarette may have been adopted as a way of smoking cessation or just to follow a trend. Most people still remain unaware of the detrimental effects of e-cigarette. This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of the habit of smoking e-cigarette and the awareness of its harmful effects among adults aged 18–23 years. Methods A questionnaire adopted from a study conducted in Italy was used in the study following due permission. After taking their consent, participants were requested to fill the survey irrespective of their smoking status. Results In total the study comprised 710 participants aged 20.7 ± 1.7 years (females = 412 and males = 298) from six countries. Most respondents were from India followed by the USA and then the UK. The most common mode of information for the participants on the existence of e-cigarette was from the family members, friends followed by Internet search engines and TV/newspaper advertisements. Among the participants, e-cigarette had a prevalence of 5.63%. Among these, 26 participants were using e-cigarette for less than 1 year and 2 participants for more than 5 years. E-cigarette smokers also experienced sore throat, cough, headache, dizziness and sleeplessness. Conclusion Majority of the young population was unaware about the use and harmful effects of e-cigarette.

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity is primarily caused due to patent or exposed dentinal tubules. Nonfluoridated-desensitizing agents deposit hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA), within the dentinal tubules, thereby relieving hypersensitivity. Fluoride-containing bioactive glass-based agents form fluorapatite which is less soluble when compared to hydroxyapatite and HCA. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study forty dentin specimens obtained from extracted human premolars were divided randomly into four groups (n = 10): Group 1 – fluoridated bioactive glass (FBaG); Group 2 – bioactive glass (BaG); Group 3 – arginine calcium carbonate; Group 4 – saline. 37.5% phosphoric acid was used to ensure patent dentinal tubules. Test agents from each group were applied using a rubber cup. Half the treated samples were then subjected to 6% citric acid treatment. The degree of occlusion was evaluated using the scanning electron microscope, and the microscopic images were scored before and after the citric acid challenge by two blinded endodontists. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, one-way ANOVA, and post hoc Tukey test (P = 0.05). Results: Group 1 demonstrated better tubule occlusion in comparison with Group 2 and a statistically significant difference when compared to Group 3 (P = 0.001). Following acid challenge, Group 2 showed significantly more occluded tubules when compared with Group 3 (P = 0.001) and comparable difference with Group 1. Conclusion: All desensitizing agents showed satisfactory dentinal tubule occlusion. While fluoridated bioactive glass demonstrated better occlusion immediately after application, Bioactive glass showed better resistance to acid treatment.

Introduction: Rapid palatal expansion was initially done during circumpubertal age. However, the correct evidence suggests visualizing the patency of midpalatal suture (MPS) radiologically at different chronological age as there can be early or late fusion of suture in some cases. Objective: This study was aimed at assessing the fusion of MPS at different stages of cervical vertebrae maturation and to find any correlation between them from the patients of two South Indian districts. Design and Setting: A total of 144 subjects aged 10–20 years were included in our study. Materials and Methods: Skeletal age based on cervical vertebrae was assessed from lateral cephalograms. MPS staging was done by two observers using cone-beam computed tomography at 2-time intervals. Inter- and intra- examiner reliability for suture staging was analyzed by kappa statistics. Correlation of skeletal age to sutural maturation was done using Kendall’s tau-b test. Results: A fair agreement was obtained by kappa test for inter (0.313) and intraexaminer reliability (0.219 for first and 0.451 for the second observer) for 144 subjects. Kendall’s tau-b test showed a significant correlation between skeletal age and suture maturation, with the maximum association between CS 4 skeletal age and Stage C of MPS, with P < 0.001. Conclusion: A strong correlation was found between skeletal age and sutural fusion. Predominantly, Stage C coincided with CS 4 with greater gender predilection toward females.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the quality of obturation between the two tested methods for root canal filling with a newer system in primary teeth. Study design: A total of 104 canals were prepared and obturated using zinc oxide eugenol paste. The three delivery systems compared were: Rotary lentulospiral and Navitip® withNavitip® Double Sideport. Radiographs were used to evaluate the canals for length of obturation and presence of voids. Results: The data were analyzed using chi-square tests. Significant differences was seen between the three groups for the presence of voids (p value =0.042) with less voids in Navitip® Double Sideport. There were no difference between the three groups for the extent of filling (p value=0.170). Conclusion- Navitip® Double Sideport showed the better results in terms of extent of obturation and absence of voids when compared to the Rotary lentulospiral and Navitip®.

Introduction The color of the teeth is affected by chronological age due to the variations of the hard and soft tissue structure of the teeth. There are very few studies have assessed the shade of the Enamel and correlated it with the age changes. Hence the study aimed to assess the enamel shade with the aging in the individual. Materials and methods The central incisors of 388 individuals (5–78 years) were assessed for tooth color using a VITA 3D master shade guide and the Hue, Value and Chroma were noted. Mean grey values of the teeth were obtained by image manipulation using Image J software and normalized using the values obtained from the 18% contrast grey card. Chi square tests and linear regression analysis is used to find associations with age and tooth shade variations. Results: The teeth had higher score of Hue, Value and Chroma in older individuals. The tooth shade tended to shift towards redder hue with older age group. Simple linear regression analysis showed a significant correlation of age with normalized grey value in association with the shade parameters. (r = 0.717, SEE = 12.322 years) Conclusion: Tooth color changes with age and the mean age in grey values and shade guides can be a useful tool for age estimation., Enamel shade, Forensic odontology, Age estimation, VITA 3D master shade guide, Tooth colour

Introduction: Snacks and bakery foodstuffs like biscuits are the most preferred food items in the present decade. Thus it is important to know its cariogenicity. Aim: To study the effect of five commercially available biscuits on salivary pH, flow rate and oral clearance rate among children. Materials and methods: The study consisted of five groups of commercially available biscuits: oats, salt, glucose, cream, chocolate biscuits. Samples of saliva were collected, and pH was measured using an electrode, the flow rate directly from the calibrated test tube and the oral clearance time was estimated based on the time taken for the salivary pH to return back to the baseline values. After which, children were given one biscuit each and stimulated saliva samples were collected at different time intervals. Obtained values were subjected to the paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey’s test. Results: Salivary pH had decreased compared to baseline for all the five commercially available biscuits with maximum drop seen for glucose, cream and chocolate biscuit group at 5 minutes. Oats group showed a maximum drop in mean salivary pH at 15 minutes and salt biscuits at 10 minutes. Increased salivary flow rate was seen for oats, salt, and cream biscuit group at 15 minutes and chocolate and glucose group had reduced when compared to its baseline value. The pH at 15 minutes had not returned back to the baseline values for all groups. Conclusion: The consumption of commercially available biscuits had an effect on salivary pH, flow rate and oral clearance rate in children.

Aims: Oral and systemic comorbidities are common in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and are considered to be important predictors of the disease. Cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count serves as an important marker for the progression of HIV to AIDS. Our objective was to correlate the oral and systemic comorbidities associated with HIV infection with CD4 count in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Materials and methods: This was an observational study among 110 HIV-diagnosed patients. The oral and systemic comorbidities were noted and compared to their CD4 counts. A Chi-square analysis was carried out to see the association of oral manifestations. Results: Among the study subjects, 50 (45.5%) participants had a CD4 count of >500 cells/μL, 46 (41.8%) patients had a CD4 count of 200–499 cells/μL, whereas 14 (12.7%) had 500 cells/μL; dental caries (n = 28, 60.90%), intraoral pigmentation (n = 23, 50%), and periodontitis (n = 20, 43.50%) in patients with a CD4 count between 200 and 499; and dental caries (n = 9, 64.30%), periodontitis (n = 7, 50%), and candidiasis 6 (42.90%) among subjects with CD4 counts

Purpose: To analyze and compare the stress distribution in an implant-retained overdenture complex using ball and Locator attachments of three heights by means of a 3D finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and Methods: Six finite element models comprising an edentulous mandible with two interforaminal bone-level implants and ball attachments of heights 1 mm (A1), 3 mm (A3), and 5 mm (A5), and Locator attachments of heights 1 mm (B1), 3 mm (B3), and 5 mm (B5), were designed using ANSYSWorkbench Software. Unilateral vertical (100 N) and oblique loads (100 N at 30° to the longitudinal axis of the implant in buccolingual direction) were applied. Average von Mises stress values were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively. Results: Locator attachments showed lower stress values as compared to the ball attachments in all examined areas. The increase in the height of both resulted in increased stress values. Higher values were observed at the implant neck in allmodels, as compared to the body and the apex. The recorded stress was higher in the cortical bone as compared to the cancellous bone. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, Locator attachments demonstrated lesser and more homogenous stress distribution in the implant-overdenture complex in comparison to ball attachments. The stresses generated within the tissues increase with an increase in collar height of the attachment system and therefore, attachments should be as short as possible for more favorable stress transmission.

Aims and objectives: To assess and compare the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy and preemptive piroxicam administration in reducing the severity of pain after orthodontic separator placement. Materials and methods: It was a randomized, single-blind, parallel arm trial. Subjects of either gender between 18 and 30 years of age, scheduled to undergo regular orthodontic therapy with placement of two separators in each arch, were selected for this trial. The sample size consisted of 60 patients from whom prior informed consent was obtained. They were assigned randomly into two categories of 30 subjects each. • Group I: Subjects were given piroxicam (20 mg) 1 hour before separator placement. • Group II: Subjects were given TENS therapy immediately after separator placement. The treatment was administered by the coinvestigator, so as to blind the principal investigator to the treatment group. Perceived pain was evaluated on chewing and fitting back teeth together at 2-, 6-, 24-, and 48-hour intervals, using the visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Descriptive statistical analysis revealed that the VAS scores in the piroxicam group were marginally higher than the TENS group at all intervals, except at 2 hours. The difference was, however, statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The findings of this single blind randomized, controlled trial (RCT) suggest that TENS therapy is as effective as 20 mg piroxicam administered preemptively, in controlling pain felt due to separator placement. The TENS offers several advantages over piroxicam, as it is devoid of the inherent side effects of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like an inhibitory effect on orthodontic tooth movement and also gastric irritation. Therefore, the use of TENS is recommended over NSAIDs for the successful management of orthodontic pain, which is so critical both from the patient’s and from the clinician’s perspective.

Introduction: Biologic factors, such as the cortical bone thickness and supporting bone as well as biomechanical factors, such as proclined teeth are closely interrelated. These factors often determine the potential deleterious effects of orthodontic treatment, such as gingival recession, dehiscence, fenestration, and external root resorption. The alveolar bone thickness and bone levels vary in different facial patterns and here in this study, we are finding if there is any correlation of these to tooth inclinations. Aims and objectives: To assess the influence of mandibular incisor inclination on cortical bone thickness and alveolar bone levels in different skeletal patterns. Materials and methods: Thirty cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and lateral cephalograms of pretreatment patients were analyzed with different skeletal patterns (10 each) for their alveolar bone height, alveolar bone thickness, and cortical bone thickness at mid root level and mandibular incisor inclination. Inclination and thickness were compared among the three groups and were correlated. Results: Although there are wide variations, cortical bone thickness at mid root level in vertical, horizontal, and average growth pattern lingually and labially were 2.3 ± 0.29 mm, 2.4 ± 0.42, 2.2 ± 0.39, and 0.69 ± 0.12, 0.65 ± 0.23, and 0.59 ± 0.37 respectively, and these values were not statistically significant. The vertical alveolar bone height did not hold any significance in our study. The incisor–mandibular plane angle (IMPA) for evaluating growth patterns was found to be significant. Clinical significance: The inclination of the mandibular incisors is an important diagnostic consideration and has to be kept in mind during treatment planning. Excessive proclination of the incisors can lead to dehiscence, fenestration, as well as recession. Therefore, it becomes important to know the thickness of the bone as well as the marginal bone level to help us to use appropriate biomechanics. Conclusion: The mandibular incisor inclination and growth pattern of the patient appear to have no significant impact on the alveolar bone levels and cortical bone thickness. However, studies with a larger sample size and with high-dose CBCT are warranted.

Aim The aim of our study was to measure the frontal sinus morphology that could aid us in gender determination and also to assess the difference in measurements between the right and left frontal sinus. Materials and methods A retrospective study was done using 100 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images (50 males and 50 females) matched with age and gender with full field of view (FOV). The examinations were carried out using Promax 3DMid (Planmeca Oy., Helsinki, Finland) CBCT unit. The frontal sinus was assessed in coronal, sagittal, and axial planes, and the maximum measurements in each section were recorded. The results to compare the right and left frontal sinus were analyzed using paired t-tests, and independent Student's t-test was used to compare the difference in measurements of frontal sinus between males and females. Results We found that the left side of the frontal sinus was bigger than the right side, and while comparing between the genders, it was found that the measurements were greater in males. Statistically significant results were obtained on comparing between the sides and gender. Conclusion As mentioned in previous studies, frontal sinus measurements are significantly higher in males compared with females which can, therefore, be used in gender identification in cases of mass disasters. Clinical significance Frontal sinus measurements can be used as an adjunct in gender identification in mass disasters and with advances in technology. Cone beam computed tomography, in addition to providing accurate measurements, has overcome all the disadvantages with two-dimensional imaging. How to cite this article Denny C, Jacob AS, Ahmed J, Natarajan S, Binnal A, Sujir N. Frontal Sinus as an aid in Gender Identification in Forensic Dentistry: A Retrospective Study using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. World J Dent 2018;9(1):34-37.

Undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma (UHPS)/pleomorphic sarcoma NOS (earlier MFH) is a soft tissue sarcoma which shows fibro-histiocytic morphology without a definitive lineage. These tumours are extremely rare in the head and neck region and account for only 0.1% of all sarcomas in the oral cavity. A rare case of UHPS of palate is hereby reported in a 55 year old female patient with emphasis on sequential diagnosis, pathogenesis, and evolution of current terminology. We also aim to address the role of immunohistochemical profiling in head and neck sarcomas and the impact of histo-differentiation on the prognosis of such patients.

Background: Pulp capping should always be considered as the primary treatment of choice for teeth without irreversible pulpitis in lesions approaching dental pulp. The predictability of vital pulp therapy has improved with the introduction of newer bioceramic materials. Aim: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to compare the outcomes of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Angelus, Londrina, Brazil) and a pozzolan-based cement (ENDOCEM-Zr® [Maruchi, Wonju, Korea]) as an indirect pulp capping (IPC) material. Materials and Methods: IPC was performed in forty patients who were randomly divided into ENDOCEM-Zr® and MTA groups. The outcome was assessed using clinical and radiographic tests at different time intervals. The prognostic factors on the outcome of IPC were also evaluated. Results and Conclusions: The success rate of ENDOCEM-Zr® and MTA groups was 94.7% and 89.4%, respectively. The results were not statistically significant. Binary logical regression showed that the age of the patient and the status of the pulp before treatment were deciding variables for the outcome of the study. Therefore, it was concluded from the study that the evaluated pozzolan-based cement could be used as an alternative to MTA because of its faster setting time and lower discoloration potential. In addition, pulp capping should be performed with caution in individuals above 40 years and in teeth with reversible pulpitis.

Introduction: The two-stage technique of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) administration does not address the pain associated with “needle insertion” and “local anesthetic solution deposition” in the “first stage” of the injection. This study evaluated a “modified two stage technique” to the reaction of children during “needle insertion” and “local anesthetic solution deposition” during the “first stage” and compared it to the “first phase” of the IANB administered with the standard one-stage technique. Materials and Methods: This was a parallel, single-blinded comparative study. A total of 34 children (between 6 and 10 years of age) were randomly divided into two groups to receive an IANB either through the modified two-stage technique (MTST) (Group A; 15 children) or the standard one-stage technique (SOST) (Group B; 19 children). The evaluation was done using the Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability (FLACC; which is an objective scale based on the expressions of the child) scale. The obtained data was analyzed using Fishers Exact test with the P value set at

Background: Surface roughness associated with improper finishing/polishing of restorations can result in plaque accumulation, gingival irritation, surface staining, and poor esthetic of restored teeth. The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of various finishing and polishing systems and time using various procedures on surface roughness of some esthetic restorative materials. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, samples of two composite materials, compomer and glass ionomer cement (GIC) materials, were fabricated. Finishing and polishing were done immediately (n = 40) and after 1 week (n = 40) using four systems (diamond bur + soflex discs; diamond bur + Astropol polishing brush; tungsten carbide bur + soflex discs; tungsten carbide bur + Astropol polishing brush). Surface roughness was measured using surface profilometer. Data were statistically analyzed by t-test (for each material and time period) and one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc (for finishing and polishing systems) at a significant level of P < 0.05. Results: Analysis of time period, irrespective of finishing and polishing system showed that Ra values were greater (P < 0.05) in delayed polishing in GIC > Z100 > Filtek P90 > Dyract AP, suggesting immediate polishing is better. Among the materials, Filtek P90 had the least Ra values indicating the smoothest surface among all materials, followed by Z100, Dyract AP, and GIC. Comparison of polishing and finishing systems irrespective of materials showed that Ra values were lower (P > 0.05) in diamond + Astropol combination whereas diamond + soflex had the greatest Ra values. Conclusion: It might be concluded that: (i) Filtek P90 showed least Ra values followed by < Z100 < Dyract < GIC; (ii) immediate (24 h) finishing/polishing of materials is better than delayed; and (iii) among all these polishing systems, diamond bur–Astropol and Astrobrush showed good surface finish.

Oral manifestations in HIV infections are numerous and some of these are acknowledged as being of great importance in the early diagnosis of the disease. Many HIV-associated oral infections occur early in HIV disease, not infrequently as the presenting sign or symptom. Thus, early detection of the associated oral opportunistic infections should, in many cases, result in earlier diagnosis of HIV infection. Cytology, a simple, painless, and inexpensive method, has become a preferred method and was used in our study for early diagnosis of certain lesions. To determine the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy on incidence rate of opportunistic infections among HIV-positive adults in a teaching hospital in India, a prospective study was conducted and the required sample size was 40. Study participants were selected randomly from the outpatient department of an HIV clinic who were currently on for antiretroviral therapy (ART). Data on age, gender, form of contagion, antiretroviral therapy at the time of review, number of CD4 lymphocytes per milliliter, and viral load were collected. Oral cytologic investigation was carried out and then stained for histopathological examination. A total of 40 individuals were examined and the incidence of opportunistic infections was 66.7% in individuals with CD4 counts less than 200, 55.6% in individuals with CD4 counts of 200 to 499, and 40.0% in individuals with CD4 counts more than 500. The incidence of opportunistic infection was higher in individuals with low CD4 counts in spite of being on ART.

Polycystic (dysgenetic) disease of the salivary glands is a rare entity that has only recently been described in the literature. The disease is more commonly seen in females and majority of the cases have presented as bilateral parotid gland swellings. This case presenting in a 21-year-old male is the first of this unusual entity involving solely the minor salivary gland on the lower lip. This case report highlights the importance for the clinician to be aware of this differential diagnosis, when treating an innocuous lesion like a mucocele.

Introduction: With increased trend among people to choose a healthy diet, there is an increased consumption of health drinks by children. Thus, it is important to know their cariogenicity. Aim: To evaluate the effect of consumption of health drinks viz., Horlicks, Boost and Complan on plaque pH in children. Materials and Methods: The study consisted of four groups: Group I (control)- 10% sucrose solution, Group II- Horlicks, Group III- Boost, Group IV- Complan. Samples of plaque from representative teeth were collected and pH was measured using an electrode outside the mouth. After baseline pH was recorded, children were given their respective drinks and were asked to consume slowly over a period of three to five minutes following swish with 20 ml of the test drink for one minute. The pH was then recorded after 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 minutes of the post consumption period. Obtained values were subjected to one-way ANOVA test for multiple group comparison followed by Post-Hoc Tukey’s test for group wise comparison. Results: Twenty minutes after consumption of Complan and Boost, pH was decreased, but not to the critical pH value as in case of sucrose. The pH was found to be slightly increased, 20 minutes post Horlicks consumption. Post 60 minutes consumption of all the drinks including sucrose solution, the pH was increased in comparison to post 20 minutes. However, 60 minutes post consumption of Boost and Horlicks, pH increased above the baseline. Conclusion: Consumption of health drinks viz., Complan and Boost did not lower the plaque pH to the level of critical pH. Consumption of Horlicks increased the plaque pH.

Background: Disinfection of the prepared cavity can be a crucial step in the longevity of restorations. The objective of this study was to compare the antimicrobial action (AMA) of silver diamine fluoride-potassium iodide combination (SDF-KI) with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and to compare the alteration in bond strength and microleakage while using SDF-KI and CHX as cavity cleansers in resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) restorations. Materials and Methods: Samples were grouped as follows: Group 1: Polyacrylic acid (PAA), Group 2: CHX, Group 3: SDF-KI, and Group 4: Distilled water (CTRL). AMA was assessed by measuring the zone of inhibition of the above-mentioned materials by dispensing them into the punch hole prepared on agar plates with an inoculum of Streptococcus mutans. For assessing the effect of the cavity cleansers on the bond strength of RMGIC, they were applied to the dentinal samples prepared from freshly extracted noncarious molars. After the surface was treated, cylindrical restoration of RMGIC was placed and allowed to set. The shear bond strength was then evaluated using a universal testing machine. Rhodamine-B dye penetration was viewed under a fluorescent microscope to evaluate the microleakage of RMGIC following surface treatment of the standardized cavities prepared on the cervical third of freshly extracted noncarious premolars. Results: SDF-KI (34 ± 0.8 mm) showed potent AMA followed by CHX (23.9 ± 0.7 mm) and PAA (12.7 ± 0.8 mm). SDF-KI showed a drastic increase in the bond strength when compared to the PAA, CHX, and CTRL groups. Although the application of SDF-KI showed the least microleakage among all the groups, it was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The application of SDF-KI and CHX is useful against S. mutans in an in vitro study. Although SDF-KI group showed the least microleakage among the groups, it was not statistically significant. SDF-KI application has shown a drastic increase in the bond strength of RMGIC although further research is required for the suitable reasoning of the phenomenon.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the sorption and solubility of heat-cure and self-cure acrylic resins in different solutions. Materials and Methods: One heat-cure acrylic resin (Trevalon) and one self-cure acrylic resin (Rapid Repair) were studied. Five groups of square-shaped specimens (20 mm × 20 mm × 2 mm) were prepared for each acrylic resin and then immersed in five solutions: distilled water, artificial saliva, denture cleansing solution, distilled water, and denture cleaning solution for 12 h alternatively, artificial saliva and denture cleaning solution for 12 h alternatively at 37 ± 2°C, and tested sorption and solubility by weight gain/loss method, respectively, after 1, 6, and 11 weeks. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc Tukey's test. Results: Water sorption mean values varied from 17.5 ± 0.88 to 27.25 ± 1.04 μg/mm 3 for heat cure and from 12.75 ± 0.55 to 19.75 ± 1.04 μg/mm 3 for self-cure in the different solutions after different interval periods of 1, 6, and 11 weeks. These values were statistically significant (P< 0.001). Water solubility mean values varied from 0.25 ± 0.55 to 1.5 ± 0.55 μg/mm 3 for heat cure and from 1.5 ± 0.55 to 6.5 ± 0.55 μg/mm 3 for self-cure in the different solutions after different interval periods of 1, 6, and 11 weeks. These values were statistically not significant (P > 0.05). There was no linear correlation between sorption and solubility values. Overall, analysis of results showed the maximum sorption value in denture cleansing solution followed by alternative soaking in distilled water and artificial saliva. Least sorption was observed with artificial saliva followed by distilled water. Conclusion: Both heat-cure and self-cure acrylic resins showed varying water sorption and solubility. The results of both water sorption and solubility showed compliance with the International Standards Organization specification. No correlation was found between water sorption and solubility. Artificial saliva solution is a better storage medium than distilled water and denture cleansing solution for both heat-cure and self-cure acrylic resins.