THE ROLE OF GREEN TEA IN ORAL HEALTH – A REVIEW

  Tea is the most widely consumed and a popular beverage in the world. Over the past decade, molecular components of teas and their health benefits on humans have received increasing attention from researchers. Functional foods are foods with positive health benefits that extend beyond their normal nutritional value. They interrupt the functions of the body and help in the management of specific health conditions and preventing pathologic changes. One such nature's gift is green tea. Green tea, a leading beverage in the Far East for the past thousand years, is an important source of polyphenol antioxidants. (EGCG) epigallocatechin 3 gallate, a polyphenol, constitute the most interesting components in green tea leaves. There is an increasing interest on the health benefits of green tea in the field of oral health. Green tea is renowned for its antioxidant, anti-cariogenic, anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This traditional beverage is also used in the management of chronic systemic diseases including carcinoma. Recent studies has emphasized that in addition to the microbial activity, the host immuno-inflammatory reactions destroy the oral tissues to a greater extent. In such cases green tea is considered to be a natural preventive and curative agent. There is a growing search of evidence for understanding the beneficial role of green tea and its polyphenols in oral health. Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects on the regular intake of green tea in maintaining oral health. Even though studies demonstrate the health effects of green tea polyphenols, more clinical and biological studies to support guidelines for green tea intake as part of prevention and treatment of specific oral pathologies are needed

Clinical Assessment of the Abutment Teeth of Children Undergoing Space Maintainer Therapy- A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: The band and loop space maintainer are one of the most commonly used fixed space maintainers in children. However, prolonged use of appliances in the oral cavity may lead to changes in gingival health and an increased risk of caries. This study aims to evaluate the clinical parameters of the abutment teeth, specifically the banded teeth and the tooth to which the loop is extended. Materials And Methods: This prospective clinical study included 35 children between the age group of 5 to 9 years. The abutment teeth were evaluated on bleeding on probing, pocket depth, gingival index, and occurrence of primary/ secondary caries. Results: There is a significant difference in the bleeding on probing, pocket depth, gingival index, and occurrence of primary/ secondary caries (p\u3c0.05). Conclusion: Precautions and thorough knowledge about the consequences of the delivery of appliances can prevent and overcome the causes. Oral health education and constant motivation should be provided to the children on dental hygiene and regular follow-ups to avoid any extensive invasive management

Patient Preferred Fixed Treatment Modalities For One Or Two Missing Teeth - An Institution Based Retrospective Study

 Replacement of missing teeth represents the largest category among patients in clinics who are looking for better esthetic and/or functional teeth. The fixed partial denture (FPD) is one of the most commonly preferred definitive treatment options for a single missing tooth.To assess the patient preference of type of fixed treatment modalities a retrospective study was carried out using case records of 1208 patients who reported to the Department of Prosthodontics from June 2019 to March 2020.The number of patients preferring fixed treatment modalities for one or two missing teeth were observed from the case records and tabulated on a spreadsheet. The collected data was analysed by computer software SPSS version 21 using Chi square test indicating the level of significance.Fixed partial denture was taken as a treatment of choice in 52.2% of the patient and implant was taken as treatment of choice in 47.8% of the patients. Both fixed partial denture and implant treatment were opted more among the male patients than female patients. Below the age of 30 years fixed partial denture was opted by 197(16.31%) of patients and implant by 163(13.49%) patients. Between the age of 31-60 years 369 patients(32.78%) opted fixed partial denture and 380 patients(31.46%) opted implants as treatment of choice. Above the age of 60 years, 37 patients(3.06%) and 35 patients(2.90%) had fixed partial denture and implant respectively with 31- 60 years age group patients receiving maximum fixed treatments. Patient preferred treatment options with fixed prosthesis had no significant association with neither age(p value-0.50) nor gender(p value-0.20)

Efficacy and Safety of Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Sedation in Paediatric Dental Patients: A Comparison of Different Concentrations

Introduction: In order to effectively treat children, managing terrified and nervous paediatric dental patients is crucial. The choice of a specific behaviour control strategy is at the operator’s discretion, but it may be influenced by parental approval. Clinically beneficial pharmacological therapies, such as Nitrous Oxide-oxygen Inhalation Sedation (NOIS), have been demonstrated. However, prolonged exposure to specific amounts of these therapies could pose health hazards for medical personnel. Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of utilising N2 O inhalation sedation at a 70% concentration in a paediatric dental setting, compared to administering it at 50% and 60% concentrations. Materials and Methods: A non randomised clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry at Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, India. The duration of the study was three months, from June 2022 to August 2022. A total of 42 young patients between the ages of 4 and 10 who required mandibular pulpectomy and crown were selected. During the study, the researchers recorded each patient’s levels of sedation and cooperation at four specific time points while administering a fixed concentration of N2 O. The concentrations at these time points were 50% at the 10th minute, 60% at the 20th minute, 70% at the 30th minute, and 70% at the 40th minute. The study compared the primary outcomes of sedation and cooperation levels, along with the secondary outcome of adverse effects, between the different time intervals using the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by post-hoc tests for pairwise comparison. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of the children included in the present study was 7.4±1.324 years. At the end of 40 minutes at a 70% concentration, a deep sedation score of six was achieved by 7 (16.7%) of the patients, while none of the patients achieved this sedation level at concentrations of 50%, 60%, or 70% at the end of 30 minutes. The mean sedation score of patients at the end of 40 minutes at a 70% concentration (4.86±0.683) was higher than the sedation score of patients at the end of 30 minutes at a 70% concentration (4.36±0.656). Cooperation at a 70% concentration was better at the end of 40 minutes (5.83±0.377) than at the end of 30 minutes (5.40±0.497). At 50% and 60% concentrations, no adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: Sedation at a 60% concentration was more effective than 50% in achieving satisfactory cooperation to complete dental treatment without any adverse effects. Additionally, at a 70% concentration, sedation and cooperation were higher, but adverse effects were noted, warranting caution when considering its use for extended periods

COMPARING THE EFFICIENCY OF 2% LIDOCAINE AND 4% ARTICAINE AS A LOCAL ANESTHETIC AGENT IN CHILDREN

 Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the anesthetic efficiency of conventional 2% lidocaine with 4% articaine when infiltrated in the maxillary arch for pediatric patients during pulp therapy and extraction.Methodology: A randomized control trial was done with 45 children (n=45) of the age group 4–8 years. The children were randomly allotted to two experimental groups. Group A – Children received 2% Lidocaine HCL infilteration both buccally and palatally, Group B – Children received 2% Lidocaine infilteration buccally and Group C – Children received 4% Articaine infilteration baccally as local anesthetic agent. Post treatment, pain assessment was done using visual analog scale.Results: Articaine group had significantly lower pain scores when compared to the lidocaine group.Conclusion: Articaine infiltration can be considered as an effective alternative for the conventional lidocaine infiltration.Â

Single-rooted primary first molars

Knowledge regarding the morphological variations in roots and root canals aids in successful dental treatment. However, literature regarding dysmorphology of roots in primary dentition is sparse. The purpose of this article is to present a case of bilateral primary mandibular first molars with an unusual morphology of single root. Review of literature regarding variations in root number in primary dentition has been discussed in this article. The etiology for occurrence of such variations has also been briefly reviewed

Surgical management of mucocele in buccal mucosa

Mucocele is a salivary gland lesion that occurs due to extravasation of the mucus into the fibrous connective tissue leading to a cyst-like cavity. The wall of the cavity is formed by compressed bundles of collagen fibrils and is filled with mucin. We report a case of mucocele in the right buccal mucosa due to unknown origin

ABO blood grouping: A potential risk factor for early childhood caries - A cross-sectional study

Aim: The paradigm of etiology of early childhood caries (ECC) is shifting toward genetics. Of various inherited factors, blood group of an individual is genetically determined. The aim of the study is to determine if blood group of an individual will serve as a potential risk factor in the development of ECC. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Chennai. Blood samples were collected from a total of 500 children <71 months of age for determination of the blood group. Of which 96 children (24 per blood group) were randomly selected and were included in the study. Oral screening of the selected children was done by a pediatric dentist who was blinded to the blood group of the children. Decayed, extracted, and filling index was noted. Details on other associated factors for the development of ECC such as the socioeconomic status, oral hygiene measures, diet, and feeding practices were collected by directly interviewing the parents through a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis test and post hoc Tukey test with significance level set at 0.05. Results: Intergroup analysis of the associated factors showed no significant differences between the children of different blood groups. A statistically significant relation was noted between the blood groups and development of ECC (P = 0.025). Conclusion: Blood group is a potential risk indicator for the development of ECC

Aesthetic management of anterior discolouration of teeth - an institution based retrospective study

Dental aesthetics has considerable impact on a person's confidence in a society. The darkening of the anterior teeth causes concern for adolescents due to the compromised physical appearance.The aim of the study was to assess different aesthetic treatments preferred by patients for anterior teeth discolouration in a university hospital setting .A retrospective study was carried out using case records of 76 patients who reported to the Department of Aesthetic dentistry from June 2019 to March 2020.The various methods preferred for treatment discolouration of anterior teeth were observed from the digital records and tabulated on a spreadsheet. The collected data were analysed by computer software SPSS version 21 using Chi square test indicating the level of significance. The common reasons for discolouration were fluorosis(22.4%),tobacco stains(10.5%), post root canal treatment(60,5%) , enamel hypoplasia(1.3%),traumatic injury(2.6%) and unknown reasons(2.6%) and the most common reason for discoloration was post root canal treatment(60.5%) and the treatment for management of discolouration were directing veneering(7.9%), indirect veneering(5.3%), vital bleaching(25%) and non vital bleaching(61.8%) and the most preferred treatment was non vital bleaching(61.8%). Among the age groups 18-66 male patients below the age group of 30 desired treatment for their anterior tooth discolouration compared to the other age groups. The reason for discolouration had significant association with age(p value-0.00) and no significant association with gender(p value-0.82). Regarding the treatment preferred for discolouration age had no significant association(p value-0.94) while gender had significance(p value-0.02)

Lobular Capillary Haemangioma in the Anterior Maxillary Gingiva of a Six-year-old Patient: A Case Report

Haemangiomas are benign proliferative tumours with vascular tissue origin. These neoplasms are recognised as benign tumours commonly found in infancy, characterised by a period of rapid growth accompanied by proliferation of endothelial cells, followed by gradual involution. The male to female ratio is observed to be 3:1, with a predominant impact on the female population, particularly during the early stages of their second decade of life. The diameter of the lesion spans from a few millimeters to several centimeters, with rare instances exceeding 2.5 cm. The present case report details the occurrence of Lobular Capillary Haemangioma (LCH) in a young male patient of six years, who exhibited gingival overgrowth in the anterior maxillary region. The patient presented with symptoms of discomfort during mastication, occlusal interference, and excessive hemorrhage during oral hygiene practices. Due to the lesion’s extensive blood supply and the confirmation of the diagnosis in the histology report, it was surgically removed in a single session while the patient was under conscious anaesthesia. The patient underwent a thorough six-month follow-up examination, which demonstrated a favourable outcome with no evidence of lesion recurrence. Although haemangiomas are prevalent soft tissue tumours in the head and neck region, they are infrequently found in the oral cavity and rarely encountered by doctors. Intraoral haemangiomas most commonly occur in the lips, tongue, buccal mucosa, and palate. However, this case report describes a rare occurrence in the maxillary anterior site, which has limited documentation. The treatment involved the use of monopolar cautery, which effectively reduced bleeding at the surgical site after the use of a scalpel. The purpose of present case report is to report an unusual case of a benign tumour occurring in the anterior maxillary region, which was diagnosed as LCH