An Assessment of the Cariogenicity of Commonly Used Infant Milk Formulae Using Microbiological and Biochemical Methods

Dental caries is an important dental public health problem and is the most prevalent oral disease among children in the world. The present study was undertaken to evaluate and comparatively assess the change in plaque and salivary pH after ingestion of various commercially available infant milk formulae, and also to evaluate and comparatively assess plaque and salivary samples for change in colony-forming units of Streptococcus mutans caused due to their ingestion. 36 children in the age group of 1-2 years were fed with infant milk formulae three times a day for 21 days and results quantified. The present study revealed a highly significant increase in the levels of colony-forming units of Streptococcus mutans in both the plaque and salivary samples when assessed at baseline and after a period of 21 days, with the t value being 11.92 for the plaque samples and 11.66 for the salivary samples. It was also observed that all the test samples produced significantly lower plaque pH values than pre-feed pH. Based upon this study, further evaluation of the cariogenicity of infant milk formulae is recommended

Formulation and Physicochemical Evaluation of a Herbal Dentifrice Formulated with Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg): An In Vitro Study

Aim: Dental plaque is the primary etiological factor of two of the most commonly encountered global oral health problems; dental caries and periodontal disease. The toothbrush-dentifrice combination is an essential aid in preventing them. There are several commercial chemical toothpastes available, but as of late herbal toothpastes have become more popular amongst people. Thus, the aim of this study was to formulate a novel herbal dentifrice with Myristica fragrans (Houtt.) (nutmeg), and compare its physicochemical properties with a commercially available herbal dentifrice without nutmeg. Material and method: A pilot study was conducted wherein the toothpaste was formulated under sterile conditions using various concentrations of nutmeg, tulsi leaves powder and clove powder as the main herbal ingredients. All herbal ingredients were 100% organic and certified by the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI). Its properties were compared and evaluated with a commercial herbal toothpaste and the most optimum formulation was then selected to be a part of the study. The properties evaluated were organoleptic parameters (colour, texture, appearance, taste, odour), pH, foamability, abrasiveness, gritty matter, homogeneity, stability and spreadability. Results: The results revealed that in comparison to the commercial herbal toothpaste, the formulated herbal toothpaste with nutmeg exhibited improved foaming ability, abrasivity, spreadability; and comparable texture, consistency, colour, gritty matter, homogeneity and stability properties. However, it had less favourable odour and taste. Conclusion: The overall results of the research provide convincing evidence of the satisfactory physicochemical properties of the nutmeg toothpaste. However, further research is warranted to test other significant properties of the toothpaste

Amelogenesis imperfecta: Report of a case and review of literature

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a diverse collection of inherited diseases that exhibit quantitative or qualitative tooth enamel defects in the absence of systemic manifestations. Also known by varied names such as Hereditary enamel dysplasia, Hereditary brown enamel, Hereditary brown opalescent teeth, this defect is entirely ectodermal, since mesodermal components of the teeth are basically normal. The AI trait can be transmitted by either autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked modes of inheritance. Genes implicated in autosomal forms are genes encoding enamel matrix proteins, namely: enamelin and ameloblastin, tuftelin, MMP-20 and kallikrein – 4. This article presents a case reported to Dr. D. Y. Patil, Dental College and Hospital, Pune, India, along with a review of this often seen clinical entity

The effect of different concentrations of water soluble azadirachtin (neem metabolite) on Streptococcus mutans compared with chlorhexidine

Despite advances in the development of anticaries chemotherapy, the newer agents are unable to control the initiation of dental caries. Research and development of natural antibacterial agents that are safe for the host as well as specific for oral pathogens is awaited. Neem tree extracts have been used for thousands of years for maintaining overall well-being. Chewing neem sticks in the morning is the most common indigenous method of cleaning the mouth in rural population. This has generated the interest of the dentists for the use of neem for controlling dental diseases. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative effect of different concentrations of water soluble azadirachtin (neem metabolite) on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) against chlorhexidine. Materials and Methods: Plaque was collected from 30 children aged 8-12 years reporting to the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Bharti Vidyapeeth Dental College, Pune and transported to the laboratory. After incubation of the plates the inhibitory zones were noted and the diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured and recorded to check the inhibition of growth of S. mutans. For testing the bacterial survival, the biofilms were prepared and colony forming units (CFU) was enumerated using a digital colony counter. Statistical Analysis Used: Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey′s test. Results: The results show that there was no statistically significant difference in the inhibition of S. mutans between 40% concentration of water soluble azadirachtin and chlorhexidine. Conclusions: This study concluded that 40% water soluble azadirachtin is as effective as 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse in reducing the S. mutans count in dental plaque. Hence, a water soluble formulation of azadirachtin may provide the maximum benefit to mankind to prevent dental caries

Comparative Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Efficacy and Abrasivity of a Herbal Dentifrice Formulated with Myristica fragrans and a Commercially Available Herbal Dentifrice: An In-vitro Study

Introduction: Effective plaque control is important for proper oral health maintenance, and the toothbrush-dentifrice combination is essential for achieving this. Recently, herbal toothpastes have gained more popularity amongst people. Aim: To formulate a novel herbal toothpaste containing Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) and compare its antimicrobial efficacy and abrasivity with a commercially available herbal toothpaste. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted on 24 non-carious permanent extracted teeth with intact coronal structure. These were equally divided into experimental and control groups (n=12). The nutmeg toothpaste was formulated using nutmeg powder, tulsi leaf powder, and clove powder as the main herbal ingredients. Dabur red was selected as the commercial herbal toothpaste. The zone of inhibition of both toothpastes was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species using the agar well diffusion method. Enamel specimens measuring 5×5×5 mm were mounted on acrylic blocks and brushed for 28 days. Profilometric analysis was conducted on the 1st, 7th, and 28th day. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) version 23.0 software, and independent t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) tests were used. Results: 24 teeth were used. A total of 6 samples of toothpaste were considered for antimicrobial testing. The zone of inhibition for the nutmeg toothpaste and Dabur red was 28 mm and 32.17±0.42 mm, respectively, against both organisms. The increase in surface roughness of enamel was not statistically significant between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Both toothpastes exhibited antimicrobial activity against the test microorganisms and significantly increased the surface roughness of enamel from baseline to the 28th day. The nutmeg toothpaste caused less enamel abrasion, but the difference was not significant

Dentigerous cyst enucleation: A conervative approach

Dentigerous cyst is a type of odontogenic cysts and generally occurs in the ages of twenties or thirties. Dentigerous cyst always includes a tooth which cannot complete the eruption process and occurs around the crown by the fluid accumulation between the layers of enamel organ. In rare cases, dentigerous cyst occurs in the first decade of life and develops in an immature permanent tooth as a result of a chronic inflammation of overlying nonvital primary tooth. In this report, a case of dentigerous cyst in primary dentition in a 9-year-old child patient and its treatment were presented. The standardized treatment for a dentigerous cyst is enucleation and extraction of the involved tooth. In cases of larger cysts, an initial marsupialization to diminish the size of the osseous defect, followed by enucleation and tooth extraction, has been advocated. However, if the patient is a child and the cyst is small, removal of cystic lining followed by extraction of deciduous tooth usually results in disappearance of the cyst and preservation of the permanent tooth. When dealing with larger lesions, enucleation and tooth extraction have been favored. This can lead to functional, cosmetic, and psychologic consequences for the child

Comparison of clinical performance of newer chemo-mechanical caries removal system and conventional cavity preparation technique in children

Objective: The study was aimed to compare the clinical performance of newer chemo-mechanical caries removal system and conventional cavity preparation technique in children. Study Design: Forty primary molars or first permanent molars of twenty children between the age groups of seven to ten years were selected randomly and divided into two groups of twenty teeth each: Group I was treated by the mechanical method and Group II with Brix 3000 gel method. The efficacy, time taken, and the pain threshold were evaluated during the caries removal by Ericson D et al. scale, stopwatch and modified visual analog scale, respectively. The preferred choice of treatment was assessed using a questionnaire. Results: The comparison between the time taken by the two methods showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). The caries removal efficacy indicated a significant difference as well ( P < 0.05). The pain rating results indicated a notable difference in the mean Visual Analogue Scale score (P = 0.001). The comparison between the two choices of treatment indicated a significant difference at p≤0.05. Conclusion: It was concluded that airotor was efficient in caries removal and while Brix 300 had lower pain rating and better patient acceptance

Comparative evaluation of remineralising and adsorption properties of regular cow milk and A2 milk using human enamel discs and hydroxyapatite discs: An in-vitro SEM study

Depending on the frequency and type of intake, milk can affect caries formation by virtue of its demineralisation- remineralisation properties. The effect of A2 milk on human dentition is still unexplored. Hence,the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the remineralising and adsorption properties of regular cow milk and A2 milk using Human Enamel discs and Hydroxyapatite(HA) discs in an in-vitro model. Materials and methods: To evaluate the remineralising properties of milk, 24 human enamel discs and 24 Hydroxyapatite(HA) discs were divided equally into two different milk groups. Subsurface carious lesions were created and they were subjected to remineralisation-demineralisation cycles using twenty-one-day pH-cycling model. Baseline, post-demineralisation and post-remineralisation differences between the groups were studied by microhardness test (Vicker’s Indenter) and surface roughness test (profilometer). Ca:P ratio of the subtrates was analysed using Scanned Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM-DEX) analysis of five HA discs, out of which two were  treated with the different milk types and the remaining  three with different controls. Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) based analysis, followed by densitometric evaluation was performed to examine the adsorption of caseins from the two milk types on HA discs.&nbsp

Assessment of dental anxiety by using graphological scale among 8-13-aged children: An observational study

Background: Dental anxiety is an important component of distress to patients in the dental operatory. If the dentist is aware of the level of anxiety of his patient, he is not only forewarned about the patient’s behavior but can also take measures to help reduce the anxiety during the operative procedure. Patients who are highly anxious about dental treatment may react differently than do those who are less anxious. We have many anxiety scales to detect in dental operatory but none of them have objectivity about reveling anxiety. Patients’ perceptions may change from time to time and so does their response. So we need an objective type of scale that will help to diagnose anxiety. Methodology: participants were divided into two groups 20 in each group. The children of both groups were given ACDAS scale to solve. (by patient and parent as this scale has an opinion of parents too) For detecting anxiety through graphology, Navrang Anxiety Scale (NAS), require unruled paper, writing matter, and pen was given to participants to write the essay and obtain the handwriting sample from the patient. Result: The significant association was seen between the graphological scale and the ACDAS scale.&nbsp