Minimal invasive dentistry – An emerging trend in pediatric dentistry: A review

Modern dentistry has evolved into minimally invasive approach. Natural human enamel and dentin are still the best dental materials in existence and thus “minimally invasive procedures” that conserve a great part of the original, healthy tooth structure, are being focused on. The application of “minimally invasive restorative dentistry” can be justified on the grounds that no restorative material can adequately replace natural tooth structure for the long-term and hence its preservation is of paramount importance. Dentistry has witnessed an era of development of new techniques and instruments that make conservative dentistry in true sense - A practical possibility, and ultra conservative dentistry a realit

Comparative evaluation of Nano-Hydroxyapatite preparation and Calcium Sucrose Phosphate on microhardness of deciduous teeth after iron drop exposure - An in-vitro study

To evaluate and compare the microhardness of deciduous teeth treated with nano-hydroxyapatite and calcium sucrose phosphate after iron drop exposure. Twenty healthy anterior deciduous teeth were collected and stored in 0.9% saline solution at room temperature. All the teeth were immersed in artificial saliva in an incubator shaker at 37° for an hour and then subjected to Vickers microhardness test at 100g load for 5 seconds. The teeth were then immersed in iron drop for 5 minutes, twice daily, rinsed with distilled water and kept in artificial saliva. This procedure was repeated for 7 days and teeth were subjected to microhardness testing. Further, the teeth were divided in two groups, each group containing 10 teeth. In group I, nanohydroxyapatite preparation and in group II, calcium sucrose phosphate were applied for 10 minutes, twice daily for 7 days and subjected again to microhardness testing again. Vickers microhardness analysis revealed that iron drop exposure to teeth caused significant decrease in microhardness (p<0.05). Application of nanohydroxyapatite preparation in Group I showed significantly increased enamel microhardness (206.90) than that after iron drop exposure. Similarly, application of calcium sucrose phosphate in Group II showed significantly increased enamel microhardness (200.89) than that after iron drop exposure. Statistical difference was seen between the two groups, with nanohydroxyapatite preparation showing increased microhardness than calcium sucrose phosphate. Nanohydroxyapatite preparation and calcium sucrose phosphate have remineralizing effect over teeth affected by acid challenge of iron drops, nanohydroxyapatite preparation showing better results than calcium sucrose phosphate

Oral gymnastics - Way to a harmonious dentition

The facial musculature has important roles in performing a variety of orofacial functions such as speech, mastication, and swallowing. Exercises associated with the function of the muscles of the face and lips can be called orofacial myofunctional exercises. One of the important elements of myofunctional therapy includes facial and tongue exercises in order to promote proper tongue position, improved breathing, chewing and swallowing. Orofacial muscle exercises are a part of interceptive orthodontic treatment, which if employed in early ages can help to reduce the severity of dental malocclusion. Furthermore, the management of deleterious oral habits can be carried out via these exercises. In addition, there can be an improvement in the muscle tone and speech of the patient that leads to a harmonious orofacial functioning. This therapy doesn’t just address the oral cavity but all the facial muscles; the head and neck. It facilitates nasal breathing, proper functional posturing, and chewin

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Simvastatin Paste and Aloe Vera Paste as a Pulpotomy Medicament-An In-vitro Study

Introduction: Pulpotomy is the complete removal of the coronal part of the dental pulp, followed by the application of an appropriate dressing or medicament to promote healing and maintain the viability of the teeth in the dental arch. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties which can be used as a pulpotomy medicament. Simvastatin, a lipid-lowering medication has recently emerged as a potential medicament in regenerative dentistry. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Hence, it can be used as a pulpotomy medicament. Aim: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of Aloe Vera paste and Simvastatin paste as pulpotomy medicament against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. faecalis Materials and Methods: An in-vitro study will be conducted in Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry at Sharad Pawar Dental College, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, in which Aloe Vera paste and Simvastatin paste will be prepared in an aseptic environment. The antimicrobial activity of simvastatin paste and Aloe Vera paste against E.faecalis and pseudomonas will be assessed using the agar diffusion method. It will be cultured overnight in brain heart infusion broth. On blood agar media, pseudomonas aeruginosa will be inoculated. 4 mm wells will be punched out on plates with a puncher and will be instantly loaded with freshly customised test materials. The agar plates shall then be incubated in an incubator at 37°C for 24 hours and 72 hours before being analysed. Statistical analysis will be done using Chi-square test, ANOVA test and multiple comparision 2k test. Expected Results: Aloe Vera and Simvastatin in the paste form shall be able to show its antimicrobial efficacy as a pulpotomy medicament. Conclusion: Aloe Vera paste and Simvastatin paste shall provide antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis and pseudomonas and prove to be a better pulpotomy medicament for primary teeth

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial efficacy of a novel polyherbal extract against Streptococcus Mutans: An in-vitro study

Aim: The present study was done to assess the antibacterial efficacy of a polyherbal extract against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in-vitro. Materials and methods: In the current study, the ethanolic extracts of Haritaki, Bhibitak, Amalaki, Yashtimadhu, Haridra and Vacha were subjected to microbiological assay. The microbial growth inhibitory potential of the polyherbal extract was determined by using the agar disc diffusion method. Results: Mean zone of inhibition of polyherbal extract mix against S. mutans at 48 hours was 24mm. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration of polyherbal extract mix on S. mutans was 0.1gm/mL and 0.2gm mg/mL respectively. Conclusion: The polyherbal extract had antimicrobial efficacy against streptococcus mutans. This polyherbal extract could have potential clinical implications. Clinical significance: as many chemical agents used for prevention of dental caries might have long term adverse effects, use of plant based products could be an excellent treatment alternative. This polyherbal extract possesses antibacterial properties against streptococcus mutans and hence could be used for prevention of dental caries. The herbs used in the study are easily available, economically feasible and are being used since time immemorial.

Occlusal traits of deciduous dentition of preschool children of Indian children

Objectives: To assess the occlusal relationship, canine relationship, crowding, primate spaces, and anterior spacing in both maxillary and mandibular arches of primary dentition of Indian children of Wardha District and also to study the age-wise differences in occlusal characteristics. Materials and Methods: A total of 1053 (609 males and 444 females) children of 3-5 year age group with complete primary dentition were examined for occlusal relationship, canine relationship, crowding, primate spaces, and anterior spacing in both maxillary and mandibular arches. Results: The data after evaluation showed significant values for all parameters except mandibular anterior spacing, which was 47.6%. Mild crowding was prevalent at 5 year age group and moderate crowding was common at 3 year-age group. Conclusion: Evaluated parameters such as terminal molar relationship and canine relationship were predominantly progressing toward to normal but contacts and crowding status were contributing almost equal to physiologic anterior spacing. Five-year-age group showed higher values with respect to all the parameters

Knowledge and attitudes of health profession's students about inter-relationship of communication gap with generation gap

Aim: To find out the knowledge and attitude of health profession's students about communication gap and generation gap and their co-relation. Materials and Methods: A debate was organized for 200 health profession's students between the age group of 18–24 years to know their knowledge, attitude, views, and ideas about “Generation gap”, “communication gap,” and co-relation of the two. Students not only actively participated in the debate and discussed various points related to this topic but also shared their ideas on “how to solve this communication gap due to the generation gap.” Result: Prevalidated questions were asked to 200 health profession's students. Various factors responsible for communication gap and generation gap were discussed. Knowledge and attitude of health profession's students gave important clues for developing effective communication and also to improve the generation gap. Conclusion: One of the important barriers in achieving effective communication is a generation gap. As per the opinion of health profession's students, to solve this problem, one has to be a good listener, share ideas and problems, seek advice from parents, treat elders with respect, and give equal importance to career and family. Thus knowledge and attitude of health profession's students can be helpful in achieving good communication skills in the context of medical and other healthcare practice for professional-patient interaction and within the healthcare team

Evaluation of calcium ion, hydroxyl ion release and pH levels in various calcium hydroxide based intracanal medicaments: An in vitro study

Aims: Evaluation of calcium ion and hydroxyl ion release and pH levels in various calcium hydroxide based intracanal medicaments. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate calcium and hydroxyl ion release and pH levels of calcium hydroxide based products, namely, RC Cal, Metapex, calcium hydroxide with distilled water, along with the new gutta-percha points with calcium hydroxide. Materials and Methods: The materials were inserted in polyethylene tubes and immersed in deionized water. The pH variation, Ca ++ and OH− release were monitored periodically for 1 week. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey′s post hoc tests with PASW Statistics version 18 software to compare the statistical difference. Results: After 1 week, calcium hydroxide with distilled water and RC Cal raised the pH to 12.7 and 11.8, respectively, while a small change was observed for Metapex, calcium hydroxide gutta-percha points. The calcium released after 1 week was 15.36 mg/dL from RC Cal, followed by 13.04, 1.296, 3.064 mg/dL from calcium hydroxide with sterile water, Metapex and calcium hydroxide gutta-percha points, respectively. Conclusions: Calcium hydroxide with sterile water and RC Cal pastes liberate significantly more calcium and hydroxyl ions and raise the pH higher than Metapex and calcium hydroxidegutta-percha points