DNA finger printing of S. Mutans present in the saliva of caries active children and those associated with intellectual disability - An RAPD analysis.

AIM: The aim of this study is, to evaluate and compare the diversity of S. Mutans genotypes with respect to caries activity among normal children and intellectually disabled children, which would enable the clinician to plan better strategies for early caries detection, management and prevention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotyping of S. Mutans was done by collecting the saliva samples from 40 caries active children (20 normal and 20 children associated with intellectual disability by Rapid amplified polymorphic DNA analysis using three arbitrarily primers (P1, P2, P3). Rapid amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is preferred because of its reliability, reproducibility in generating genetic fingerprints of Streptococcus isolates. RESULTS: Number of bacterial counts in Group I showed a mean of 111.6500 followed by the Group II with a mean of 102.6500. Therefore, the difference in the number of bacterial counts was not significant between the two groups (p < 0.001). Genotype encoding Primer 1 was present in almost 82.5% of the total population of both groups. Genotype encoding Primer 2 was present in 95% of the total population. Whereas, Genotype encoding Primer 3 was present in 20% of children associated with intellectual disability and 95% of normal children. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in S. Mutans count of normal caries active children to that of caries active children with intellectual disability, but, there was a significance difference in the distribution of S. Mutans genotypes in both the groups.

Pulpotomy with curcumin: Histological comparison with mineral trioxide aggregate in rats.

CONTEXT: It is important to develop new therapeutic materials that have requisite clinical actions, are safe and economical. AIMS: This study aims to histologically evaluate curcumin, an extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) as a pulpotomy agent in rat molars and to compare it to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Animal study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twelve Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into two groups of 6 each. Pulpotomies were performed on caries free maxillary first and second molars on both sides of the arch, with MTA and curcumin (24 teeth each), respectively. Access cavities were sealed with resin-modified glass ionomer cement. Postoperative histological evaluation of pulpotomized teeth in both groups was done at 7, 14, and 30 days under a light microscope (×10). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were evaluated with Freidman's test and Mann-Whitney test at 0.05 level. RESULTS: (a) There was a gradual reduction in inflammatory cell response in both groups across time periods tested (MTA P = 0.074, curcumin P = 0.039). (b) The overall architecture of pulp was maintained better in the curcumin group across all time periods tested (P = 0.368). (c) Dentinal bridge formation was consistently seen across time periods tested in MTA group (P = 0.9094) and was feeble in curcumin group (P = 0.9094) across time periods tested. CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin has been shown to have wound healing properties. It has the potential to be developed into a predictable and cost-effective vital pulp therapy medicament.

An in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity of curcumin against human periodontal ligament fibroblasts.

INTRODUCTION: Curcumin, a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), is a molecule of multitude of medicinal properties. Although curcumin has found a place in the treatment of gingival and periodontal diseases, there are no reported cytotoxicity studies on the cells of clinical significance (i.e., periodontal ligament [PDL] fibroblasts). AIMS: The objective of this research was to assess the in vitro cytotoxicity of curcumin against human PDL fibroblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human PDL fibroblasts from premolar teeth were cultured and used for cytotoxicity tests from healthy children presented for orthodontic extractions. Test concentrations of curcumin (100%, 50%, and 25%) were prepared by diluting 95% curcumin with di­methyl­sulfoxide and added to 96­well microtiter plate (in triplicate) containing the fibroblast culture (approximately 2 × 104 cells/well). Fibroblast cells without treatment (without curcumin) acted as a control group. The viability of cells after 48 h of incubation at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% air was ascertained by the 3­(4, 5­dimethyl­thiazol­2­yl)­2, 5­diphenyl­tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The viability of PDL fibroblast cells of experimental wells was expressed relative to that of control, in terms of change in the color intensity. Absorbencies were recorded at 450 nm on a microplate reader with background subtraction at 620 nm. The cell viability at various concentrations of curcumin against the PDL fibroblasts was calculated as mean absorbance (optical density) and percentage values. RESULTS: Cell viability of PDL fibroblasts to 100%, 50%, and 25% curcumin concentration was 111.75%, 112.50%, and 114.40%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: No in vitro cytotoxicity was detected for curcumin against human PDL fibroblasts, at any of the concentrations used (100%, 50%, and 25%) by MTT assay at the end of 48 h.

Comparative Evaluation of Sealing Ability, Water Absorption, and Solubility of Three Temporary Restorative Materials: An in vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: The quality of the coronal seal of root canal filling material is important for periapical health. Absorption of water or saliva by the temporary restorative materials leads to dimensional changes, loss of retention, staining and breaking in margin contours. Hence this study was carried out to evaluate and compare the sealing properties, water absorption and solubility of IRM (intermediate restorative material), Cavit G and GC Caviton. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, in vitro intergroup randomized control trial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 36 non carious premolars were randomly selected assigned to three groups, 12 teeth in each. Standard endodontic access cavities of approximately 4x4mm wide were prepared followed by the root canal obturation with Gutta-percha and restoration with experimental materials. For microleakage testing dye penetration method was used with 2% methylene blue dye. Followed by evaluation and scoring under stereomicroscope at 40x magnification. Disc shaped 12 specimens for each group were prepared for each material, stored in desiccator at 37° C, weighed daily to verify mass stabilization (dry mass,m1). Thereafter, the specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 7days to obtain the mass after saturation with water (m2). The specimens were placed in the desiccators again, at 37° C, and reweighed until a constant dry mass is obtained (m3). Water absorption (WS) and solubility (SL) was determined by using the formulas, WS = m3 - m2/V and SL= ml - m3/ V. RESULTS: GC Caviton showed least microleakage and least water absorption followed by IRM and Cavit G, the differences were statistically highly significant ( p < 0.001) and there was no statistical difference found in all the groups with respect to solubility. CONCLUSIONS: GC Caviton is best and suitable temporary restorative material in endodontic interappointments followed by IRM and Cavit G. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Prabhakar AR, Rani NS, Naik SV. Comparative Evaluation of Sealing Ability, Water Absorption, and Solubility of Three Temporary Restorative Materials: An in vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2017;10(2):136-141.

An in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity of curcumin against human dental pulp fibroblasts.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of curcumin to primary dental pulp fibroblasts in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental pulp fibroblasts from primary maxillary central incisors were cultured and used for cytotoxicity tests after the fourth passage. Ninety-five percent curcumin was diluted with dimethylsulfoxide to prepare 100%, 50%, and 25% concentrations. Each concentration of curcumin was added in triplicate into 96-well microtiter plate containing the fibroblast culture at 104/well. Cells without treatment served as a control group. The number of viable cells after 48 hrs incubation at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere of 5 % CO2 and 95 % air was determined by the 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The relative viability of pulp cells was expressed as color intensity of the number in the experimental wells relative to that of the control group. Absorbances were read at 492 nm on a microplate reader with a background subtraction at 620 nm. RESULTS: Cell viability of primary dental pulp fibroblasts to 25%, 50%, and 100% curcumin concentration was 174%, 310%, and 317%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin promotes cell viability and induces proliferation of primary dental pulp fibroblasts and has the potential to be developed into an economical and reliable medicament for vital pulp therapy.

Effect of Whitening Dentifrice on Micro Hardness, Colour Stability and Surface Roughness of Aesthetic Restorative Materials.

INTRODUCTION: Whitening agents present in the novel whitening dentifrices may have deleterious effects over the aesthetic restorations. AIM: The present study evaluated the invitro effect of whitening dentifrice on micro hardness, colour stability and surface roughness on aesthetic restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty specimens each of compomer and of composite were prepared using brass mould. Specimens were equally divided into 4 groups. Group I (20 disks of compomer are subjected to brushing with conventional tooth paste) Group II (20 disks of composite subjected to brushing with conventional tooth paste), Group III (20 disks of compomer subjected to brushing with whitening tooth paste). Group IV (20 disks of composite subjected to brushing with whitening toothpaste). Each group was further divided into two subgroups, where 10 sample were subjected for two weeks of brushing with respective tooth paste and other 10 were subjected for four weeks of brushing. For the evaluation of micro hardness, colour stability and surface roughness, micro hardness testing machine, spectrophotometer and surface testing machine were used respectively. Initial and final readings were taken for each specimen and difference obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. One-way ANOVA was used for multiple group comparison followed by post-hoc Tukey's-test. The paried t-test was used for intra group comparison and unpaired t-test for comparing independent sample groups. RESULTS: The compomer and composite showed no significant difference in micro hardness either with conventional or whitening tooth paste both at two and four weeks. Although there was a highly significant colour change observed after using whitening tooth paste for both compomer and composite. Regarding surface roughness, there was a significant change in roughness in both conventional and whitening tooth paste with compomer and composite. However, whitening tooth paste had a significant change in surface roughness compared with conventional tooth paste. Roughness further increased at four weeks interval when compared to two weeks. CONCLUSION: Colour, surface-roughness and micro-hardness are the inherent properties of the aesthetic restorative materials. Use of whitening tooth paste will cause colour change and surface roughness of restorative material making it prone to deformation and also affects the clinical success of restoration.

Effect of Soft Drinks and Fresh Fruit Juice on Surface Roughness of Commonly used Restorative Materials.

In this in vitro study, the effects of a Cola drink, and fresh fruit juice (citrus) on the surface roughness on flowable composite and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) each was evaluated and compared. Using a brass mold 70 pellets each of flowable composite (Filtek™ Flow) and RMGIC tricure restorative material were prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions. Two groups (groups I and II) were formed containing 30 pellets of each material. Remaining 10 pellets of each restorative material did form the control group [water (group III)]. Experimental group pellets were again divided into three subgroups (mild, moderate and severe) containing 10 pellets each and were kept in plastic containers with 30 ml Cola drink (group I) and fresh fruit juice (group II) respectively. Immersion regime was followed according to M aupome G et al. Baseline and final surface roughness (Ra) value for each pellet was evaluated using a profilometer. Statistical analysis was done with Wilcoxon's signed rank test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Mann-Whitney test. Results showed that the erosive effect of both Cola drink and fresh fruit juice caused significant surface roughness on both flowable composite and RMGIC restorative materials in the mild, moderate and severe immersion regimes. How to cite this article: Maganur P, Satish V, Prabhakar AR, Namineni S. Effect of Soft Drinks and Fresh Fruit Juice on Surface Roughness of Commonly used Restorative Materials. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2015;8(1):1-5.

Cavity disinfection in minimally invasive dentistry - comparative evaluation of Aloe vera and propolis: A randomized clinical trial.

CONTEXT: The survival of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations would probably increase if near total elimination of cariogenic microorganisms could be done in the process of cavity cleaning before going ahead with the restoration. Thus, use of naturally occurring disinfecting agents for achieving this goal could herald a new beginning in the field of contemporary minimum intervention dentistry. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of hand instruments in excavating dental caries and comparatively evaluate the roles of Aloe vera and propolis as potential cavity disinfecting agents after minimally invasive hand excavation of dental caries. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: Experimental, in vivo intergroup split mouth, randomized clinical trial. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study included Group I (Control), Group II (A. vera) and Group III (propolis). Ten patients with three teeth each have occlusal/occlusoproximal lesions suitable for ART were selected. Dentinal samples were collected three times from each tooth viz., preexcavation, postexcavation and postdisinfection of the cavities. These dentinal samples were subjected to microbiological analyses for total viable count. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post-hoc test and one-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc test. RESULTS: In all the three groups, significant amount of bacteria were left behind after hand excavation. Group II and Group III, in which cavities were treated with A. vera and propolis extracts respectively, showed a significant reduction in the bacterial counts when compared to control the group. CONCLUSIONS: Hand excavation alone does not completely eliminate bacteria, which may predispose treated teeth to secondary caries. Both propolis and A. vera extracts can be used as potential natural disinfecting agents, thereby embracing the concept of phytotherapy in minimum intervention dentistry.

Comparative evaluation in vitro of caries inhibition potential and microtensile bond strength of two fluoride releasing adhesive systems.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the caries inhibition potential and tensile bond strength of two commercially available fluoride releasing adhesive systems over conventional adhesive systems. METHODS: Artificial carious lesions were produced on the buccal surfaces of human molars and treated with experimental adhesive systems: Optibond Solo Plus(®), One-Up(®) Bond F Plus and G-BOND(®) (control). The caries inhibition potential and the tensile bond strength were measured at 24 h and 3 months, respectively. RESULTS: At 24 h and 3 months, Optibond Solo Plus(®) and One-Up(®) Bond F Plus had higher caries inhibition potential over the control group, which was statistically significant. At 3 months, no statistically significant difference was noted between the fluoride releasing adhesives. One-Up Bond F Plus had higher bond strength values than other groups which was statistically significant at 24 h, whereas at the end of 3 months, Optibond Solo Plus had higher bond strength values than other groups which were statistically significant. STATISTICS: The recorded values were statistically analysed using Paired t test, ANOVA followed by Post hoc Tukey's test. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoride releasing adhesive systems were effective in caries inhibition and showed comparatively higher bond strength values than the conventional adhesive systems in vitro.

Antibacterial activity, fluoride release, and physical properties of an antibiotic-modified glass ionomer cement.

PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to examine the influence of adding an antibiotic mixture to conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) on its antibacterial activity, fluoride-releasing ability, and physical properties. METHODS: An antibiotic mixture containing ciprofloxacin and metronidazole was added to GIC at concentration ratios of one percent weight antibiotic/weight total powder before mixing (w/w; Group 1) and two percent w/w (Group 2) to obtain the test groups. Conventional GIC served as the control. The antibacterial activity of the cement specimens was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei using the agar inhibition test. The fluoride release from the cement specimens was evaluated using a fluoride ion selective electrode. The physical parameters evaluated were net setting time, compressive strength, shear bond strength, and microleakage. RESULTS: Group 2 showed a significantly greater inhibition zone than Group 1 against both tested organisms, while the control did not inhibit organism growth. The addition of antibiotics at one percent and two percent to GIC enhanced its fluoride release. At two percent, however, the physical properties of GIC were adversely affected. CONCLUSION: Antibiotics at one percent weight solute/weight total solution after mixing may modestly confer an antibacterial activity to glass ionomer cement and enhance its fluoride-releasing ability. Its effects on shear bond strength and microleakage were found to be encouraging.

Comparative evaluation of antibacterial property and substantivity of chlorhexidine containing dentifrices with sodium lauryl sulfate and Tween as surfactants: an in vivo study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the antibacterial property and substantivity of chlorhexidine containing dentifrices with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and Tween as surfactants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a double-blind cross over the study, a total of 20 children within their mixed dentition period (7-13 year) having Streptococci mutans count more than 10(6) were selected for the main study. Three types of chlorhexidine containing dentifrices were used with a washout period of 1 week. Out of the three toothpastes, one was without surfactant and other two toothpastes contained SLS and Tween as surfactants respectively. 20 volunteers brushed for 1 min during the study day with their assigned toothpaste. Saliva samples were collected before brushing, immediately after brushing and 1, 3, 5, and 7 hand sent for microbial analysis. The culture carried out by inoculating saliva sample onto Mitis salivarius agar for selective isolation of S. mutans followed by counting of colony forming unit. RESULTS: Group I and III (Chlorhexidine and CHX + Tween) had shown statistically significant reduction in bacterial count until 7 h when compared to their baseline values ( P < 0.001). Group II toothpaste (CHX + SLS) had shown significant reduction in bacterial count until 3 h only. On inter group comparison, Group III had shown good amount of percentage reduction in bacterial count when compared to other groups. CONCLUSION: CHX + Tween toothpaste had shown statistically significant reduction in antibacterial activity and substantivity than other groups. These findings show chlorhexidine containing toothpaste with non-ionic surfactant will be able to maintain the antibacterial property and substantivity of chlorhexidine.

In vitro remineralization of enamel subsurface lesions and assessment of dentine tubule occlusion from NaF dentifrices with and without calcium.

UNLABELLED: Currently, fluoride is the most effective preventive treatment for remineralization of incipient carious lesions and dentinal hypersensitivity due to wasting disorders. The products containing fluoride, calcium and phosphate are also claim to remineralize early, non-cavitated enamel demineralization. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the efficacy of two such products, Tooth Mousse and Clinpro tooth crème on remineralization and tubule occluding ability with 5000ppm fluoride-containing toothpaste. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty third molar teeth were placed in demineralizing solution for 5 days such that only a window of 1mm x 5mm was exposed to the environment to produce artificial caries-like lesions and randomly assigned to three groups: Group I, 5000ppm sodium fluoride; Group II, GC MI paste plus and Group III, Clinpro tooth crème. Axial longitudinal sections of 140-160 µm of each tooth which included the artificial carious lesion taken and were photographed under polarized light microscope. The demineralized areas were then quantified with a computerized imaging system. The experimental materials were applied onto the tooth sections as a topical coating and subjected to pH-cycling for 28 days. To evaluate tubule occlusion ability, thirty dentin specimens of 2mm thickness were obtained from cervical third of sound third molars. Specimens were ultrasonicated and etched with 6% citric acid for 2 minutes to simulate the hypersensitive dentin. Specimens were randomly divided into above mentioned three groups (n=10). The test agents were brushed over the specimens with an electric toothbrush, prepared and observed under Scanning Electron Microscope for calculation of the percentage of occluded tubules. RESULTS: Group I showed a significantly greater percentage of remineralization than Group III and Group II. Comparison of the remineralization potential between group II and group III were not significant.In case of dentine hypersensitivity, Group I and group III showed greater percentage of tubule occlusion ability than Group II. Intergroup comparison of the tubule occlusion potential of group I and group III were not significant. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of our study, sodium fluoride showed relatively greatest remineralizing and dentinal tubule occlusion property when compared with GC MI paste plus and Clinpro tooth crème.

Comparative evaluation of the remineralising effects and surface microhardness of glass ionomer cement containing grape seed extract and casein phosphopeptide - amorphous calcium phosphate: an in vitro study.

AIM: To evaluate and compare in vitro the remineralising effects and surface microhardness of glass ionomer cement (GIC), GIC containing grape seed extract and GIC containing casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). METHODS: An in vitro study with 45 mandibular premolars with standardised class V cavities prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces. Artificial caries-like lesions were created and teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups of 15 teeth each. Each tooth was sectioned longitudinally into buccal and lingual halves; lingual half was used as control and the other as the test specimen. Axial longitudinal sections of the control specimens were analysed under polarised light microscopy. The experimental halves were restored with 3 materials. Group I: glass ionomer cement (GIC), Group II: 10% (w/w) grape seed extract and GIC (GSGIC), Group III: 10% (w/w) casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (Recaldent) and GIC (CPPGIC). The restored tooth specimens were exposed to pH cycling for 28 days and analysed again for remineralisation under polarised microscopy. For the second part of the study, 60 cylindrical specimens (20 each) were made using standardised brass moulds and the three experimental materials. The specimens were immersed individually in de-ionised water. After 7 days of immersion, 10 specimens from each group were subjected to microhardness measurements and repeated on the remaining specimens at the end of 30 days. STATISTICS: One way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: CPPGIC showed the greatest remineralisation followed by GSGIC and least for GIC. Comparisons of microhardness between the three groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Grape seed extract and CPPACP can be used for remineralisation of damaged dentine and their incorporation into GIC does not compromise the microhardness properties significantly.

Comparative evaluation of pH and antibacterial effect of various calcium hydroxide combinations on E. faecalis and its effect on root strength: An in vitro study.

AIM: To evaluate and compare the pH and antibacterial property of Ca(OH)(2) combined with iodine potassium iodide (IKI) or chlorhexidine (CHX) on E. faecalis and to assess and compare their effect on fracture resistance of root dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CHX (0.5%) The following test materials were used: Group I Calcium hydroxide + saline, Group II Calcium hydroxide + CHX (0.5%) and Group III Calcium hydroxide + IKI (2%). For antibacterial activity, 60 root dentin blocks (20 in each group) were infected by E. faecalis followed by placement of medicaments. At the end of 24 h and 7 days, 10 samples from each group were randomly chosen and assessed for antibacterial activity. For evaluation of root strength, 30 teeth were used and stored in sterile saline after placement of medicament. At the end of 30 days, samples were subjected to fracture resistance testing on the Universal Strength Testing Machine. Hounsfield strength testing machine, UK pH of the various calcium hydroxide combinations was determined with a digital pH meter. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Kruskal Wallis test, Mann Whitney U test, and one-way ANOVA test for intergroup comparison and Wilcoxon's signed rank test and student's paired t test for intragroup comparison. RESULTS: Group III showed significantly greater antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, followed by group II and control group. There was no statistically significant change in the pH and root strength values among all the groups. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that IKI or CHX in combination with Ca(OH)2 is an effective medicament against E. faecalis.

Gene Therapy and its Implications in Dentistry.

BACKGROUND: The concept of transferring genes to tissues for clinical applications has been discussed for nearly half a century. The exponential increase in our ability to manipulate the genetic material of a cell via recombinant DNA technology has brought this goal closer to realization. The original perception that gene therapy should be considered only for a few major organs as a means of treating life-threatening disorders that are refractory to conventional treatment has changed. There are many non-life-threatening conditions that adversely affect a patient's quality of life, for which there are no effective treatments. The lack of suitable treatment has permitted morbidity to become a rational basis for extending the scope of gene therapy. In the past few years, remarkable progress has been made in the field of gene therapy. While considerable problems remain, thus impeding the routine clinical use of gene transfer, gene therapy will have a pervasive and significant impact on areas that are based on biological science. AIM: The purpose of this review is to examine the progress made in addressing gene transfer strategies for correcting various diseases and problems that are relevant to dental practice.

Comparative evaluation of the length of resin tags, viscosity and microleakage of pit and fissure sealants - an in vitro scanning electron microscope study.

INTRODUCTION: In this era of preventive dentistry, many techniques are available for prevention of caries, such as plaque control, use of systemic and local fluorides and pit and fissure sealants. The rationale of pit and fissure sealants is that, when they are applied into the caries prone fissures, they penetrate and seal them from the oral environment. This study aims to correlate the relationship between the viscosity of the sealant, resin tag length and microleakage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 third molars were selected for study. The teeth were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group E: Embrace wetbond, H: Helioseal, G: Guardian seal. Teeth were cleaned with pumice prophylaxis and pretreated with acid etching and bonding agent. The respective pit and fissure sealants were applied. Teeth were placed in 1% methylene blue dye and sectioned mesio-distally into two halves. These were used to assess the microleakage using stereomicroscope and resin tag length using SEM. Viscosity was assessed using Brooke's field viscometer. RESULTS: Viscosity was lowest for Embrace wetbond and highest for Guardian seal. Microleakage scores were highest with Guardian seal and lowest with Embrace wetbond. Resin tag lengths were longer with Embrace wetbond as compared to other groups. There is a definite negative correlation between viscosity, resin tag length and microleakage. Lower the viscosity, the longer were the resin tags and the microleakage decreased. Embrace wetbond pit and fissure sealant had lowest viscosity, longest resin tag length and lowest microleakage scores. CONCLUSION: Embrace wetbond appears to be compatible with residual moisture and ideal for use in children, where isolation is a problem.

Comparison of retention and demineralization inhibition potential of adhesive banding cements in primary teeth.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of banding cements in terms of retentive capability and demineralization inhibition potential. METHODS: We included 48 non-carious primary mandibular second molar teeth. Preformed stainless steel bands were adapted onto the teeth. All teeth were randomly assigned to four groups: Group I (Adaptation of bands without cementation), Group II (Cementation of bands using conventional Glass Ionomer Cement), Group III (Cementation of bands using Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Cement), Group IV (Cementation of bands using Resin cement), and placed in artificial saliva. Each day, specimens were taken from artificial saliva and suspended in an artificial caries solution for 35 minutes, every 8 hours. At the end of 3 months, retention of bands was estimated using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. The mode of failure was recorded and specimens were sectioned and examined under polarized microscope for demineralized lesions. RESULTS: The mean retention value was highest with resin cement, followed by RMGIC, GIC, and Control group respectively. The RMGIC group showed more favorable modes of failures. All the experimental groups showed significant demineralization inhibition potential. CONCLUSION: RMGIC is the preferable banding cement and can be used effectively to cement bands in primary dentition.

Cariogenicity and acidogenicity of human milk, plain and sweetened bovine milk: an in vitro study.

UNLABELLED: The objective of the present study was to determine the acidogenicity and cariogenicity of human breast milk and plain and sweetened packaged bovine milk. STUDY DESIGN: First all milk specimens were inoculated with a cariogenic strain of Streptococcus mutans (SM). The culture pH and number of colony forming units (cfus) was assessed. Second, the buffer capacity of all milk specimens was evaluated by mixing with acid. Finally, enamel windows were created on extracted primary maxillary incisors and colonized with SM. Enamel demineralization and caries progression were assessed visually, histologically, and radiographically at the end of twelve weeks. RESULTS: Plain and sweetened packaged bovine milk (BM) supported greater bacterial growth and caused more fermentation than human breast milk (HBM). The buffer capacity values for plain and sweetened bovine milk were highest; HBM, however had poor buffering capacity. The progression of the carious lesions into the dentin was most severe for the sweetened bovine milk. CONCLUSIONS: HBM and plain bovine milk are relatively cariogenic in an in vitro caries model in the absence of saliva. However, supplementation with sugar exponentially enhances the cariogenic potential of the natural milk.