Influence of pretreatment exposure to pediatric dental care using the "Tiny dentist" game on 4-7 years old children's pain and anxiety: a parallel randomised clinical trial.

There have been no experiments on interactive modelling through computer games, although there have been a few on modelling a pre-exposure method for managing anxiety among preschoolers. The impact of partaking in a dental simulation game prior to the dental treatment on pain and anxiety in kids aged 4 to7 years during their first appointment was studied. A total of 156 kids who required unilateral pulp therapy and preformed crowns on their mandibular primary molars were enrolled in this double-blind, randomized clinical trial. They were then randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group engaged in the game three times/day for 07 days prior to the anticipated appointment. The Wong-Baker Faces Rating Scale (WBFRS) was used to record their pre- and post-operative pain experienced during the dental procedure. Additionally, a finger pulse oximeter was used to record heart rate (HR) at each of the six treatment phases: baseline (the first session, two weeks prior to treatment) and stages 2-6. Playing video games considerably lowered the heart rate. Playing and the treatment period interacted in a major way. On comparing the groups at every time point, the intervention group displayed lower HR during injection, tooth preparation with an air-rotor and biomechanical preparation with endodontic rotary files.The results suggest that engaging in specific dental simulation games prior to the 1st dentist visit could help preschoolers feel less anxious during routine dental operations.

Response of stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth to Bio-C Repair and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Repair HP: Cytotoxicity and gene expression assessment.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the cytotoxicity and gene expression of Bio-C Repair, Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) HP Repair, and Biodentine on stem cells derived from exfoliated deciduous teeth. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study MTT assay was used to assess the cellular viability at three different dilutions. The gene expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin [OCN], and dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) was measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction after 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days of incubation. One-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni posttest were used for statistical analysis (p=o.o5). Results: After 72 h of incubation at dilution 1:4, stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) cultivated in Biodentine, followed by Bio-C Repair and MTA Repair HP reported with highest cellular viability. The highest mRNA expression of Runx2, ALP, OCN, and DMP-1 was reported in SHEDs cultured in Biodentine (after 21 days of incubation). Conclusion: Bio-C Repair and MTA HP Repair are biocompatible and capable of odontogenic differentiation similar to Biodentine when cultured in stem cells derived from exfoliated primary teeth.

Socioeconomic burden of orthodontic treatment: a systematic review.

Objective: The relationship between Socio-Economic Status (SES) and the factors that may play a role in orthodontic treatment demand and uptake have not been explored. Such information is needed for better planning of orthodontic services and to ensure that health care is provided equally among all social classes. The objective of this systematic review was to find out whether socioeconomic status affects the treatment needs of orthodontic patients. Methods: Literature search was done using Medical Subject Heading terms (MeSH) in PubMed, LIVIVO, Google Scholar, and EbscoHost from 1 January 1965 to 1 August 2021. All cross-sectional studies were included. Both male and female participants were included in the review. The quality of assessment for the included studies was evaluated independently by two reviewers using "The Jonna Briggs Institute" tool (JBI) for cross-section studies. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was modified and used for assessing the risk of bias and risk of summary. Results: A total of 704 articles were found. The relevant database searches were PubMed 259 articles, followed by EbscoHost 280, LIVIVO 145, and Google Scholar 20 articles. A final of 10 cross-sectional studies were included in the review. Conclusion: The reviewers found evidence that parents ultimately decide whether the child will undergo treatment, possibly depending on their financial situation.

Evaluation and comparison of silorane resin composite to glass ionomer in occluso-proximal restorations of primary molars: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: In general, proximal restorations of primary molars fracture, so it is vital to study the new materials that could solve this problem. Hence, the present trial assessed the success of occluso-proximal atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations using silorane and glass ionomer cement (GIC) in carious primary molars for a period of 2 years. Materials and Methods: One hundred and ninety-two children between the age group of 4 and 9 years were randomly allocated to GIC or silorane. In the clinical set up, they were treated by a pediatric dentist, and their restorations were evaluated at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome was the survival of restoration, which was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier and superior Cox regression models. As a sensitivity analysis, intention-to-treat (ITT) was executed. Sex, age, molar, jaw, cavity volume, and caries incidence were the independent variables. Results: The restoration survival after 24 months for GIC and silorane was 82.75% and 88.88%, respectively, whereas ITT analysis showed a success of 84.37% and 89.58% for GIC and silorane, respectively. Conclusion: With regard to longevity, there was no statistically significant difference between silorane and GIC in primary molar occlusoproximal ART restorations.

The COVID-19 pandemic in a paediatric population: A health care perspective.

SARS-CoV-2, a member of the coronaviridae family, has caused a deadly pandemic known as the Coronavirus disease 2019, (COVID-19). Paediatric patients get infected by direct exposures or airborne droplets, mostly from households with a cluster of infection or a history of exposure to outbreak areas. COVID-19 is contagious in children (those under the age of 18), with an average incubation time of around 6.5 days. Paediatric patients account for less than 5% of total COVID-19 patients worldwide, and hence studies involving such subjects are unlikely in the near future. As a result, there are inadequate data about COVID-19 infection in children. Therefore, we present this systematic review to understand the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic outcomes, and available options for the management of COVID-19 in paediatric populations in order to advise clinical and public health policy choices for safety of children worldwide.

Assessment of the Influence of Various Concentrations of Sodium Hypochlorite on Stem Cell Derived From Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth (SHED) Proliferation and Differentiation.

Objectives  Previous research has established that sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) has a detrimental effect on dental stem cell viability and maturation. However, a review of the literature revealed no study evaluating the response of NaOCl to the survival of stem cells derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs). Hence, the aim of the present trial was to assess the influence of various dilutions of NaOCl on SHED proliferation and differentiation. Materials and Methods The 5.25% NaOCl solutions at concentrations of 0.5, 0.1, 0.025, 0.0125, and 0.005 mg/ml were used to assess the response to SHED proliferation and differentiation through methyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction gene expression analysis at various time point intervals. Results  MTT assay showed that the viability of SHEDs decreased with an increase in the concentration of NaOCl and an increase in incubation time. The ALP activity decreased with an increase in the concentration of NaOCl up to 14 days of incubation. However, the ALP activity of all the test specimens further decreased after 14 days of incubation. The gene expression levels of osteocalcin, dentin sialophosphoprotein, and STRO-1 were statistically significant when compared to the control after one, three, and seven days of incubation. Conclusion  Different doses of NaOCl other than 0.5 mg/ml revealed encouraging outcomes in terms of proliferation, long-term ALP functioning, and odontogenic differentiation potential when cultivated in SHEDs.

Effect of propolis mouth rinse on oral microorganisms - a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of prepared propolis mouth rinse with Chlorhexidine mouthwash on oral pathogens and also the plaque and gingival index scores. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A triple-blind, concurrent parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted on 120 participants randomized to 4 mouth rinse study groups: (1) Hot Ethanolic Propolis extract; (2) Cold Ethanolic Propolis extract; (3) Chlorhexidine and (4) Distilled water. After a washout period of two weeks, oral prophylaxis and polishing was performed. Participants rinsed twice a day for 3 months. Saliva was collected at baseline, 5 min and 1 h for microbiological analysis. Plaque and Gingival index were recorded at baseline, 15 days, 1 month and 3 months. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A decline in the concentration of S. mutans was observed in samples collected after the use of mouth rinse (p < 0.05). In comparison with baseline, L. acidophilus and S. mutans count decreased simultaneously when exposed to Hot Ethanolic mouthwash group (5.5 × 102) and Chlorhexidine mouthwash (5.8 × 102) respectively. At the end of 3 months, similar reduction in plaque scores was found in Chlorhexidine (0.45), Cold Ethanolic (0.46), Hot Ethanolic (0.47) mouthwash groups. CONCLUSION: Propolis was found to be as efficient as Chlorhexidine in reducing plaque, gingivitis and dental caries pathogens. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Common microorganisms implicated in oral disease are S. mutans and L. acidophilus. There is great paucity of information on antimicrobial activity of propolis, against these microorganisms. Hence, the present study has been taken up to assess the effects of propolis on these oral pathogens.The effects of propolis on oral health have been proved which is obviously a new finding of significance.

Perception of sexual ramification among women toward male doctors in today's Indian society.

The objective of the study was to assess the perception of women patients toward attitude of health professionals who have undergone physical examination.A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,257 women. A self-administered structured questionnaire comprising of 16 questions was designed to assess perception of patients toward attitude of health professionals.Mean perception scores of the study population were 19.79 ± 1.78. Women in the age group of 29-38 years had a greater perception (20.34 ± 1.54) that they had been a subject or could be a subject to sexual exploitation by a doctor. Graduate and above group participants had a greater perception (19.54 ± 1.86) when compared to primary and secondary education level (19.52 ± 1.85, 18.35 ± 1.5). Data were analyzed using ANOVA.Women had mixed perception of sexual gratification toward male doctors. It is necessary to educate the doctors regarding the respect, dignity, and values for female patients, which could reduce occupational defamation.

Assessment of Dental Nutrition Knowledge among Nutrition/Dietetics Students.

INTRODUCTION: Diet and nutrition plays an important role in signifying the health of an individual. Oral health is the most important aspect of the body when it comes to food intake and its health benefits. It is important for the nutrition/dietetics students to be aware of the health modalities related to oral aspect. AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess knowledge towards the effect of diet and nutrition on oral health among nutrition/dietetics students of Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among all the nutrition and dietetics students of Udaipur city. A self-administered, pretested 14 item questionnaire was given to 180 students to assess their knowledge about dietary factors related to caries, anti-cariogenic foods, frequency and duration of sugar intake etc. One-way analysis of variance and independent sample t-test were utilized for statistical analysis. Confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5%, respectively. RESULTS: The mean score for knowledge was 28.92±1.72. Mean knowledge scores for III, II and I year students were 29.91±1.94, 29.56±1.27 and 27.30±1.66 respectively. When post-hoc Bonferroni test was applied, mean knowledge score was found to be at a higher end among III year as compared to I year (p=0.03) students. CONCLUSION: This study highlights about low dental nutrition knowledge among nutrition/dietetics students. Health profess-ionals should have more information outside their immediate fields. Inter-professional team members should work in collaboration with each other to improve patient outcomes.

Assessment of oral hygiene habits, oral hygiene practices and tooth wear among fertilizer factory workers of Northern India: A Cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The association between oral hygiene habits & practices and severity of tooth wear lesion varies from community to community and also from occupation to occupation. The present study was conducted with to assess oral hygiene habits & practices and tooth wear among fertilizer factory workers of Punjab, India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional survey was conducted among 965 male workers who were aged between 19-58 years, who were the workers of fertilizers factory of Bathinda, India. An interview on the demographic profile, oral hygiene practices, and adverse habits followed a clinical examination for recording the Tooth Wear (Smith and Knight Index 1984) using Type III examination. The Chi-square test and a Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were used for the statistical analysis. Confidence interval and p-value set at 95% and ≤ 0.05 respectively. RESULTS: In the present study majority (47.2%) of the study population used chew sticks for cleaning their teeth. Overall prevalence of adverse habits was reported (92.4%). Study population showed higher prevalence of tooth wear (77.1%). Best predictors identified for Tooth Wear were oral hygiene practices, adverse habits, years of work experience and age respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable percentages of fertilizer factory workers have demonstrated a higher prevalence of tooth surface loss. This may be useful in designing the investigations that aim to further explore the causes for these findings and more importantly to plan oral health promotion program implementing both preventive and curative strategies. KEY WORDS: Tooth wear, smith & knight index, fertilizer factory.

Assessment of Tooth Wear Among Glass Factory Workers: WHO 2013 Oral Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Glass factory workers are often exposed to the hazardous environment that leads to deleterious oral health and subsequently, general health. We planned to determine the effects of the particulates present in the milieu on the tooth wear among workers. AIM: To assess tooth wear among glass factory workers in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 936 glass workers in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India from January-June 2014. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey proforma was designed for tooth wear evaluation with the help of WHO Oral Health Assessment form 2013 (for adults). Information regarding oral health practices, adverse habits and dietary habits, demographic details was gathered and clinical parameters were recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The Chi-square test, t-test, One-way Analysis of Variance and a Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The most prevalent form of erosion was enamel erosion (589, 62.93%) with few subjects of deeper dentinal erosion and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.001). Dental erosion was found to be higher among males compared to females. Years of experience and educational status were identified as best predictors for dental erosion. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that there was considerable evidence of dental erosion found among the factory workers. Due to ignorance on social, cultural and health aspects, professional approach with regular dental care services for detection of early symptoms and planning of preventive strategies is warranted.

The antiplaque efficacy of propolis-based herbal toothpaste: A crossover clinical study.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, herbal products have been suggested as an economic, safe and probably effective alternative for prevention and control of various oral diseases. But still there are some products which need to be evaluated. Of lately, Propolis is one such product. To assess and compare the efficacy of herbal dentifrice containing Propolis with Miswak and Colgate total toothpastes in controlling plaque formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double blind, randomized, crossover study design was conducted among thirty healthy dental students. After oral prophylaxis all subjects were given a washout product for one week period. Subjects were then made to brush with (washout product) for 1 minute followed by 1 minute brushing with assigned test product. The baseline MGMPI plaque scores were recorded. Subjects were then refrained from oral hygiene for 24 hours, and were recalled to be re-disclosed and re-measured for plaque formation. This procedure was repeated according to crossover design after a washout period of (2 week). Statistical tests used were Krukalwallis and Wilcoxon sign rank test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in 24 hour score between the test products evaluated. When the change from baseline to 24 hours was analyzed, the test product Propolis resulted in a consistently and significantly (p < 0.05) lower MGMPI mean scores than the Colgate Total and Miswak toothpastes. CONCLUSION: Propolis was found to be safe and effective in reducing plaque accumulation when compared to Miswak and Colgate total toothpaste.

Knowledge and attitude toward informed consent among private dental practitioners in bathinda city, punjab, India.

OBJECTIVES: A study was conducted with the purpose to assess the knowledge and attitude towards informed consent among private dental practitioners in Bathinda City, Punjab, India. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among all private dental practitioners in Bathinda City. A self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of 14 items was used to assess their knowledge and attitude regarding informed consent. The response format was based on a 3-point Likert scale. One-way analysis of variance, independent sample t test, and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were utilized for statistical analysis. Confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5%, respectively. RESULTS: The mean scores for knowledge and attitude were 19.37 ± 31.82 and 9.40 ± 1.72, respectively. Analysis revealed that qualification and years of experience was statistically significant among both dependent variables (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: An unbalanced knowledge of informed consent among the current dentists has suggested the need for awareness programs to fill the knowledge gaps and instill positive attitudes.

The association between educational achievements, career aspirations, achievement motives and oral hygiene behavior among dental students of Udaipur, India.

BACKGROUND: There are several factors which influence oral hygiene behavior of an individual. Educational achievements, career aspirations and achievement motives of individuals are some of those factors. The objective of this study was to investigate whether educational achievements, career aspirations and achievement motives have associations with oral hygiene behavior among dental students of Udaipur, India. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among all (n=200) 1st year dental students from all dental colleges of Udaipur City, India. Self-administered structured questions were used to assess their educational achievements, career aspirations and oral hygiene behavior (OHB). Achievement motives were assessed using Achievement Motive Scale developed by Lang and Fries (2006). Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression tests were used in data analysis. Confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5% respectively. RESULTS: Students with better educational achievements undergone regular dental check-up (30.48%) (p=0.03) and used other oral hygiene aids (90.24%) (p=0.01). Tooth brushing frequency, time and replacement time of tooth brush were found to be significantly associated with career aspiration (p=0.007; p=0.002; p=0.00 respectively). Achievement motives did not have statistically significant association with oral hygiene behavior. CONCLUSION: Educational achievements and career aspirations appear to be associated with oral hygiene behavior of young dental students. Students with higher career aspirations practiced better oral hygiene behavior. There was no significant relationship between achievement motives and oral hygiene behavior.

Dental Sealants: Knowledge, Value, Opinion, and Practice among Dental Professionals of Bathinda City, India.

Objective. The purpose of the study was to assess the knowledge, value, opinion, and practice regarding use of dental sealants among private dental practitioners in Bathinda City, Punjab, India. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among all private dental practitioners in Bathinda City, Punjab. A self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of 28 items was used to assess their knowledge, value, opinion, and practice regarding dental sealants. One-way analysis of variance, independent sample t-test, and multivariate regression analysis were utilized for statistical analysis. Confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5%, respectively. Results. The mean scores for knowledge, value, opinion, and practice were 41.8 ± 3.7, 18.7 ± 2.8, 18.1 ± 1.4, and 12.9 ± 2.3, respectively. Analysis revealed that qualification was statistically significant among all dependent variables (P ≤ 0.05); work experience was significantly associated with both knowledge and opinion means scores (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion. The results suggest that dental practitioners had sufficient knowledge about dental sealants. They also acknowledge the importance of use of dental sealants. Practice of dental sealants in clinics was found adequate but they were not following the specific guidelines and standardized procedures.