Comparative analysis of colony counts of different species of oral streptococci in saliva of dentulous, edentulous and in those wearing partial and complete dentures.

OBJECTIVES: To study and compare the number of colony forming units of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus mitis and Streptococcus milleri in dentulous, edentulous and in those wearing partial and complete dentures by using semi-quantitative culture method of saliva samples with calibrated standard loop. MATERIALS: Sterile specimen collection bottles, Mitis salivarius agar plates, Standard loop, Candle jar, Incubator, Colony counter. METHODOLOGY: Study population consisted of 100 subjects with 25 in each group, with an age range of 40 to 80 years, who were attending the Department of Community Dentistry and Prosthodontics at MNR Dental College, Sangareddy, Hyderabad. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from patients and inoculated on to Mitis salivarius agar plates using calibrated standard loop. The plates were then incubated anaerobically at 37°C for 24 hours and left at room temperature for further 24 hours. Using a colony counter, the number of colonies of each species was counted. RESULTS: Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus mitis predominates in the dentulous group, Streptococcus sanguis in complete denture group, Streptococcus salivarius in edentulous group and Streptococcus milleri in removable partial denture group. CONCLUSION: The results of our study are in accordance with the previous studies, which have sought to differentiate different groups of mutans streptococci using a simple calibrated standard loop.

Reliability of Broadrick flag in determination of curve of Spee in Indian population.

INTRODUCTION: Occlusion and occlusal plane is the primary criteria in fabrication of posterior restorations. The simplest method of establishment of occlusal plane is through the use of Broadrick occlusal plane analyzer. AIMS: This study aims to know the reliability of Broadrick flag in determination of curve of Spee with different proposed radii in different skeletal relation in Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male and female dentulous subjects were selected randomly. Maxillary and mandibular full arch impressions were made; casts were prepared and mounted in semiadjustable articulator using face bow transfer. Broadrick occlusal plane analyzer was mounted on upper member of articulator. Analysis was done using the proposed radii of curvature. The same procedure was repeated by taking different radii with variations of ½ inch, difference was measured by metal caliper, tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Results showed that Indian subjects show minor variations in radii, but most of the subjects confirmed the radii, which was proposed by the Lynch CD and McConnell RJ. CONCLUSION: Statistical analysis confirmed that proposed radii confirms to existing occlusal plane for different skeletal relationships. Broadrick occlusal plane analyzer is a reliable tool with the proposed radii for Indian population.