Prevalence of dental erosion in Pakistani children: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Dental erosion has remained a topic of interest for more than a decade and now gripping greater attention with the rise in the number of cases being reported in children and young adults. Prevalence of dental erosion varies in different countries according to their different geographical locations, dietary habits and life styles of their people. However, little is known about the prevalence of tooth erosion in Pakistani children particular regarding the associated risk factors. Aims: This study was designed to explore the prevalence of dental erosion and to determine the associated predictors of dental erosion in school children of Pakistan aged 12 to 14 years. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional Analytical study was conducted at a private school of Karachi, Pakistan from April 2016 till March 2017. The subjects were selected on the basis of non-probability convenient sampling. Children aged 12-14 years were included for this study and children having frequent hospitalizations were excluded. The two previously calibrated examiners participated in the clinical examinations and visited the selected schools. The clinical examinations were performed in well-lit classrooms or in shaded places under natural light using plane mouth mirrors and sterilized cotton to remove debris. The central incisors, lateral incisors, and first molars in the upper and lower jaws were examined. Results: School children were assessed by O’sullivan index which showed dental erosion of 42.8% on labial or buccal surface, 9.7% on lingual or palatal surface, 7.4% on occlusal or incisal, 4% on labial, incisal/occlusal and 7% on lingual, incisal/occlusal. Grade of severity of dental erosion showed normal enamel in 43.1%, matt appearance of enamel surface with no loss of contour in 20.1%, loss of enamel only in 35.8% and loss of enamel with exposure of dentine in 1%. Conclusion: The study concludes that dental erosion is a multifactor in origin and with time is becoming increasingly commonly in younger age group. It is important that as health providers we need to identify the possible risk factors and make the community aware of the ways to prevent this condition. Key words: Surfaces of teeth, enamel surface, Soft drinks and straw

Effect of Different Irrigating Solutions on the Apical Sealing Ability of Resin Based Root Canal Sealer

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the effect of different irrigating solutions (Normal saline, 5.25% NaOCl and 90% Ethanol) on apical sealing ability of resin based root canal sealer filled with single cone obturating technique in extracted teeth.  Methods: From March 2022 to September 2022, the Case Control research was carried out  in Karachi. Sample size of 30 single root teeth were decoronated and roots were divided into Group A and B Group B is subdivided into two cases according to the type of irrigating solution used. Group A irrigation solutions include 5ml of  Normal saline solution, while group B includes 5ml of 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite and 5ml of 90% Ethanol, solution. Teeth were prepared, obturated, placed in 2% methylene blue dye and extent of dye penetration was done under a Digital stereomicroscope and maximum leakage was measured by using software. Data was analyzed on SPSS version 26.0. Results:  All solutions were normally distributed. While comparing both groups, Ethanol has the lowest mean value of dye penetration i.e. 1.07 ± 0.63 which means that this irrigating solution has least microleakage  and provide effective seal of resin  sealer to the root canal wall filled by using single cone obturating technique. Case group irrigation solutions has significant p- value i.e. 0.000 which indicates absolute absence of microleakage. Comparison of mean value of sodium hypochlorite and ethanol, ethanol is more efficient irrigation solution as it has shown least dye penetration as compare to sodium hypochlorite. Conclusion:  It has been concluded that among all the solutions, Ethanol has proved to be the most effective irrigation solution followed by Sodium hypochlorite showed least dye penetration and hence least microleakage

Viewing of clinical cases on social media by dentists: A cause of motivation or dissatisfaction?

المخلص: أهداف البحث: تقييم أفكار ومشاعر أطباء الأسنان عند مشاهدة الحالات السريرية على مختلف منصات وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي. طرق البحث: تم تطوير استبانة، تم التحقق من صحته وتأسيس موثوقيته. تم توزيعه (في عام 2022) على 355 طبيب أسنان تخرجوا منذ عامين على الأقل. كان له 3 أقسام تتألف من 20 بندا تتعلق بالمعلومات العامة، واستخدام وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي والمشاعر. تمت الإفادة بالبيانات الوصفية بمساعدة النسب المئوية. تم استخدام اختبار الكاي مربع للتحليل الاستدلالي. النتائج: كانت نسبة الاستجابة 92%. كانت غالبية المجيبين من غير الحاصلين على درجة الدراسات العليا (63%)، تحت سن 40 سنة (90%) مع خبرة سريرية أقل من 5 سنوات (41%). أطباء الأسنان ذوي الخبرة السريرية الأكثر (>15 عاما) كانوا يشاركون أعمالهم السريرية بشكل أكبر بشكل ملحوظ مقارنة بنظرائهم (15 years) shared their clinical work significantly more than their counterparts (p 40 years (p = 0.037), and thought that viewing the PCCs was the reason for personal dissatisfaction (50%). They had a belief that they possess skills (36%) and knowledge (42%), but not the necessary equipment to replicate the PCCs (39%). Conclusions: The majority of dentists felt that viewing the PCCs on SM can cause personal dissatisfaction and lack of motivation. They had a belief that they possess the skills and knowledge to replicate the PCCs, but lack equipment. Investing resources in clinical workshops, mentorship, and the procurement of modern equipment early in the career of dentists may improve their mental well-being, satisfaction, and quality of treatment delivered to patients