Taurine: A potential mediator for periodontal therapy

Taurine or 2-aminoethanesulfonic has many fundamental biological roles such as conjugation of bile acids, antioxidation, osmoregulation, membrane stabilization, and modulation of calcium signaling. It is essential for cardiovascular function and development and function of the skeletal muscle, the retina, and the central nervous system. Functions of taurine include osmoregulation; membrane stabilization; modulation of calcium levels; and antioxidation, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antilipid activities. Taurine was first discovered as a component of ox (Bos taurus, from which its name is derived) bile in 1827; it had taken over a century before insights into its physiological functions were made. The present review throws light on the multifactorial properties of taurine and its potential to be used in periodontal therapy

An overview of caries risk assessment: Rationale, risk indicators, risk assessment methods, and risk-based caries management protocols

The paradigm shift in our understanding of the dynamic, multifactorial nature of dental caries and the resultant change in caries preventive and treatment strategies necessitates that caries risk assessment (CRA) should be an integral part of any caries management protocol. This review discusses the rationale for CRA and the role various risk indicators play in the fluctuating demineralization-remineralization cycle of dental caries. It also provides an overview of different CRA methods and a risk-based clinical protocol for dental caries management in infants and children

Assessment of role of tetracycline fibres in chronic periodontitis patients

Background: Tetracycline has been used to treat periodontal disease due to its unique ability to reduce degeneration of collagenous matrix. The present study was conducted to assess role of tetracycline fibres in adjunct to scaling and root planning. Materials & Methods: 40 patients of chronic periodontitis were divided into 2 groups pf 40 each. Group I underwent scaling and root planning whereas group II patients underwent scaling and root planning followed by local application of tetracycline gel. Patients were recalled regularly at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months to assess plaque index, gingival index and Probing pocket depth. Results: The mean plaque index 1 month was 0.54 and 0.42, at 3 months was 0.72 and 0.54 and at 6 months was 0.76 and 0.60 in group I and II respectively. Gingival index was 0.44 and 0.28 at 1 month, 0.52 and 0.40 at 3 months and 0.68 and 0.56 at 9 months in group I and II respectively. Probing pocket depth at 1 month was 1.50 and 1.20, at 3 months was 1.46 and 1.38 and at 6 months was 1.40 and 1.24 in group I and II respectively.&nbsp

Antibacterial activity of four root canal sealers against Enterococcus Faecalis at 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th day duration: A In vitro study

Background: Root filling plays an important role in control of reinfection by entombing the residual organisms through antimicrobial activity of endodontic sealers. Several endodontic sealers have also been found to have antibacterial properties, depending on their chemical contents. Aim: Aim of the present study was to assess the antibacterial activity of 4 endodontic sealers i.e AH Plus (Group 1), Sealapex (Group 2), Roekoseal (Group 3) and ZOE (Group 4) against E. faecalis at 1hr, 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th day duration. Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial activities of four root canal sealers were evaluated against E. faecalis at various time intervals by direct contact test. Freshly mixed sealers were placed in 96-well microtitre plates. Plates were placed for incubation at 37°C and thereafter placed in microplate reader wherein optical density in each well was measured at 630 nm. Readings were taken at regular intervals. i.e after 1 hr (fresh specimen), then on 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th day. Statistical Analysis: Data was collected by recording optical density, considering the fact that as, bacterial population increases, absorbance reading, i.e. Optical Density (O.D.) given by spectrophotometer increases. Data were recorded, then plotted and statistically analyzed using 2 way -ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and Newman-Keuls Post hoc procedure. Result: Intragroup comparison in various groups showed greatest antibacterial effect at 1 hr, followed by a decrease in the effectiveness at 1st day, 3rd day, 5thday, 7th day. In intergroup comparison, GROUP 2 (Sealapex) showed least inhibition of bacterial growth at 1 hr interval followed by further decrease at different studied intervals. Conclusion: It was concluded that Antibacterial activity of tested endodontic sealers on E. faecalis in an ascending order was as follows: Sealapex, Roekoseal, AH Plus and Zinc Oxide Eugenol sealer