Estimation of the Efficacy of Remineralizing Agents on the Microhardness of Deciduous Teeth Demineralized Using Pediatric Formulations.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the demineralizing effect of commonly used pediatric syrup formulations on primary teeth and the efficacy of two readily available remineralizing agents in treating this effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety primary teeth were used for sample preparation and divided into three groups: antibiotic syrup (group A), cough syrup (group B), and control (group C) groups. These groups were further categorized into intragroups according to the treatment with remineralizing agents: groups A1, B1, and C1 received GC Tooth Mousse (casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, CPP-ACP paste) and groups A2, B2, and C2 received Clinpro Tooth Crème. The samples were subjected to a series of demineralization cycles for 14 days, and remineralization cycles until 30 days were performed using two remineralizing agents, that is, GC Tooth Mousse (CPP-ACP paste) and Clinpro Tooth Crème and were evaluated using Vicker's microhardness test. RESULTS: Antibiotic syrup (group A) and cough syrup (group B) showed a significant decrease in surface microhardness compared with control (group C). All intragroups showed an increase in surface microhardness after treatment with remineralizing agents, which was significantly higher in intragroups A1, B1, and C1 treated with GC Tooth Mousse (CPP-ACP paste). CONCLUSIONS: Oral liquid medications showed definite demineralization potential. CPP-ACP paste was found to be better than Clinpro Tooth Crème for demineralized teeth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of over-the-counter drugs has increased among the average Indian population, especially for the treatment of fever, cold, and cough. Unwise use of medications by the present population without proper medical guidance will lead to irreparable changes in future generations.

Barriers to dental care for children with special needs: General dentists' perception in Kerala, India.

INTRODUCTION: Special children are among the underserved dental patient groups around the globe. Oral health care for disabled children remain an unmet challenge. One out of two persons with a significant disability cannot find a professional resource to provide appropriate dental care. Identification of barriers can be the first step in addressing the deficiencies in dental care for such patients. AIM: To investigate the perception of dental practitioners in Kerala, India regarding the hurdles faced by them in providing dental care to Special Needs Children including the challenges faced by them. MATERIALS AND METHOD: 149 dental professionals were interviewed through a questionnaire for their perceived barriers to provide oral health care for children with special needs. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data was obtained and Chi-square test, Pearson correlation coefficient and logistic regression model were assessed using the SPSS version 20.0. All analyses were performed using a level of 0.05 for statistical significance. RESULTS: Greatest barriers as perceived by the practitioners were their level of training and lack of motivation of caretakers. Significant association was found between experience of the dentist with the frequency with which they reported seeing children with special needs (pConclusion: Findings from this study provide a valid picture of barriers to access for children with special needs within general dental private practice system. Recommendations for amendment of undergraduate dental curriculum is made in order to equip future graduates to deal with this group of children better.