A comparative study of fluoride release from two different sealants

Objectives: The introduction of fluoride releasing sealants and glass ionomer cements as fissure sealants adds another dimension to prevention of pit and fissure caries. The ability of resin sealants and glass ionomer cements to release fluoride on a long term basis to the sealed enamel and the adjacent unsealed pit and fissure and cuspal in - cline enamel may allow for further reduction in pit and fissure caries experience for children. Hence, the study was conducted to compare the amount of fluoride release in the plaque after placing fluoride releasing pit and fissure sealants and glass ionomer fissure sealants used in Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) approach. To compare the fluoride release of both the materials at the different time intervals. Material and Methods: A total of 60 school going children were included in this study. Before application of the sealants, baseline plaque fluoride levels were estimated from all the study subjects. After application of sealants again the same was estimated at an interval of 24 hour, 9 days, 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Results: The peak plaque fluoride levels were achieved at 24 hours after application of fissure sealants in all the groups. Conclusions: Within the limitation of the study, the present study indicated that fluoride releasing fissure sealants may act as a source of fluoride in plaque which will help in preventing pit and fissure and smooth surface caries in the tooth sealed with fissure sealants

Parental Knowledge of Preventive Dentistry Procedures and Its Utilization

ABSTRACT Preventive dentistry is the area of dentistry that focuses on those procedures and life practices that help people to prevent the beginning or progression of oral disease. It includes at-home dental care performed by patients, as well as dental care and education by professional dental staff in the office or clinic. To assess the knowledge & utilization of preventive dentistry procedures among parents. A household survey was conducted on mothers of school children belonging to 6 to 10 year's age. A multistage sampling is used to include 800 in the study. Results: 91.13% of subjects are aware of importance of primary dentition and permanent dentition but not aware about preventive dentistry procedures to maintain the oral health. The information about the self utilizable preventive measures was obtained mainly by the media. Knowledge of preventive dentistry procedures and utilization rate among parents is very less. Less than 30% of the parents know about Preventive dentistry procedures