Esthetic management of developmental enamel opacities in young permanent maxillary incisors with two microabrasion techniques--a split mouth study.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of two microabrasion materials for the removal of developmental enamel opacities in young permanent maxillary incisors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a split-mouth study design, 37% phosphoric acid and 18% hydrochloric acid were used for removal of visually unesthetic developmental enamel opacities of young permanent maxillary anterior teeth from 25 subjects (11-13 years old) by two microabrasion techniques for 10 and 5 seconds respectively. This procedure was repeated four to six times during each clinical appointment. The subjects were evaluated about their satisfaction with the treatment. Two blinded evaluators appraised both sides of the mouth using visual analog scale. The records were analyzed using Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The majority of the subjects (approximately 97%) reported satisfaction at the end of the treatment (p = 0.001**). Statistical significant reduction in enamel opacities was observed by evaluators immediately after microabrasion technique in group 1 (81.75%) and in group 2 (81.4%) (p < 0.002). Reduction was increased to 97.2% in group 1 and 96.7% in group 2 after 1 month. CONCLUSIONS: Both microabrasion techniques showed comparative highly significant successful results in esthetic management of enamel opacities clinically and in terms of subject's satisfaction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Developmental enamel defects like diffuse opacities due to high-fluoride content in water and demarcated opacities associated with positive dental history and are commonly seen in young permanent maxillary incisors of both boys and girls in their developing years. They are aware of unesthetic appearance of these newly erupted permanent anterior teeth and become highly motivated when informed about minimally invasive, patient friendly, cost-effective, and safe treatment like microabrasion for esthetic improvement. Both noninvasive microabrasion techniques using 37% phosphoric acid (group 1) and 18% hydrochloric acid (group 2) show comparatively high success results in treating enamel defects successfully to the subject's satisfaction along with their parents.

Reducing transmission of high-risk antibiotic resistance genes in whole-crop corn silage through lactic acid bacteria inoculation and increasing ensiling temperature.

The microbial hosts of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) found epiphytically on plant materials could grow and flourish during silage fermentation. This study employed metagenomic analysis and elucidated the occurrence and transmission mechanisms of ARGs and their microbial hosts in whole-crop corn silage inoculated with homofermentative strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum or heterofermentative strain Lentilactobacillus buchneri ensiled under different temperature (20 and 30 °C). The results revealed that the corn silage was dominated by Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Lentilactobacillus, and Latilactobacillus. Both the ensiling temperature and inoculation had greatly modified the silage microbiota. However, regardless of the ensiling temperature, L. buchneri had significantly higher ARGs, while it only exhibited significantly higher mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in low temperature treatments. The microbial community of the corn silage hosted highly diverse form of ARGs, which were primarily MacB, RanA, bcrA, msbA, TetA (58), and TetT and mainly corresponded to macrolides and tetracyclines drug classes. Plasmids were identified as the most abundant MGEs with significant correlation with some high-risk ARGs (tetM, TolC, mdtH, and NorA), and their abundances have been reduced by ensiling process. Furthermore, higher temperature and L. buchneri reduced abundances of high-risk ARGs by modifying their hosts and reduced their transmission in the silage. Therefore, ensiling, L. buchneri inoculation and higher storage temperature could improve the biosafety of corn silage.

Deciduous Mandibular First Molar with Single Root and Single Canal: An Astounding Occurrence.

Having just one root canal in a primary mandibular first molar is an extremely unusual congenital defect. One possible cause of this odd root shape is the invagination of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) failing. A pediatric dentist may successfully provide root canal therapy by drawing on extensive knowledge of root canal evaluation, morphological and anatomical differences of primary teeth, and other relevant topics. Herein, we detail the treatment of a singular root, single canal primary mandibular first molar that presented with a unique morphology. The patient underwent pulpectomy, obturation, and restoration. How to cite this article: Prakash S, Sharma V, Khan W, et al. Deciduous Mandibular First Molar with Single Root and Single Canal: An Astounding Occurrence. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(2):198-201.

Responses of microbial community dynamics, co-occurrences, functional shifts, and natural fermentation profiles of Elymus nutans silage to altitudinal gradients.

IMPORTANCE: On the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), feed shortages are common due to cold environmental conditions and the short growing season of crops. Therefore, effective preservation, such as the ensiling of local forage, is becoming increasingly important to balance the seasonal imbalance between the forage supply and the nutritional needs of domestic animals in this area. However, the structure of the microbial community of the forage, which is influenced by climatic conditions such as altitude differences, has a major impact on the fermentation quality and microbial succession of the ensiled forage. Therefore, we investigated microbial community dynamics, co-occurrence, functional shifts, and natural fermentation profiles of Elymus nutans silage as a function of altitudinal gradients. Results show that silage from Chenduo at higher elevations has better fermentation quality and higher abundance of Lacticaseibacillus and Levilactobacillus than ensiled forage from other regions. This work may contribute to guiding for silage production in QTP.

Investigating the efficacy of an exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L75 on oat silage fermentation at different temperatures.

This study investigates the effectiveness of an exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum L75) alone or in combination with Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the fermentation characteristics, antioxidant capacities and microbial community successions of oat silage stored at various temperatures. A rapid decrease in pH and lactic acid accumulation was observed in silages treated with L. plantarum and S. cerevisiae (LS) as early as 3 days of ensiling (p < 0.05). Over the ensiling period of 7-60 days, L. plantarum (L)-inoculated groups showed the lowest pH, lowest ammonia nitrogen and the highest amount of lactic acid regardless of the storage temperatures. When the oat silage was stored at 15°C, LS-inoculated group exhibited a higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than control and L-inoculated group. Furthermore, the proportion of Lactiplantibacillus in the combined inoculation group increased by 65.42% compared to the L-inoculated group (33.26%). Fungal community data revealed abundant Penicillium carneum in the control and L-inoculated groups stored at 15°C. Conclusively, these results showed that combined inoculation of L. plantarum L75 and S. cerevisiae improved the fermentation quality of oat silage at 15°C, thus proposing a technique for enhancing the fermentation quality of silage in regions with low temperatures during harvest season.

Study of Developmental Defects of Enamel in Young Permanent Maxillary Incisors in 11-13-year-old Indian Children for Occurrence Distribution and Associated Factors.

Purpose: The aim of present study was to assess the frequency, severity, and distribution of developmental defects of tooth enamel and correlate the etiology with the type of defect in 11-13-year-old Indian children. Materials and methods: The present study included examination of permanent maxillary incisors in 500 children in the age-group of 11-13 years to examine the occurrence of distribution of developmental defects of tooth enamel. Materials and methods: Only the buccal surface of four permanent maxillary incisors was examined for enamel defects using modified developmental defects of enamel (DDE) index by Clarkson which recognized three basic types of enamel defects; namely demarcated opacities, diffuse opacities, and hyploplsia. Personnel details, dental history which included dental infection, extraction, trauma, lifetime fluoride, fluoride in water, and medical history were also recorded. Data was coded and analyzed for distribution of developmental defects of tooth enamel by tooth type and gender using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Result: Out of 500, 114 (22.8%) children showed defective enamel in permanent maxillary incisors. Of all enamel defects, diffuse opacities were most prevalent with 48.25% occurrence followed by demarcated opacities 38.5%, hypoplasia 10.52%, and any other defects 1.75%. No significant difference was observed in males and females for the occurrence of developmental enamel defects. The occurrence of dental enamel defect significantly correlated with dental history as well as with medical history (Chi-squared statistical test, p-value = 0.001**). Conclusion: (1) High fluoride in water accounts for most prevalent diffuse opacity. (2) Demarcated opacities are associated mainly with positive dental history. (3) Hypoplasia of incisors was found to be least prevalent associated with trauma, periapical infections. How to cite this article: Sheoran N, Garg S, Dhindsa A, et al. Study of Developmental Defects of Enamel in Young Permanent Maxillary Incisors in 11-13-year-old Indian Children for Occurrence Distribution and Associated Factors. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-2):S176-S182.

To Assess the Prevalence of Dental Caries and Its Association with Body Mass Index, Socioeconomic Status, Dietary Habits, and Oral Hygiene among 6-12-year-old Children in Faridabad.

Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries and the body mass index (BMI) in included school-going children. Moreover, to examine the relationship between the prevalence of dental caries, BMI, and socioeconomic (SES) status and to evaluate sugar consumption and other dietary habits as risk factors for dental caries. Materials and methods: The present cross-sectional study was performed among 400 school-going children aged 6-12 years from Faridabad city, Haryana. Parents filled out questionnaires for their respective children. The clinical examination of dental caries was performed according to World Health Organization (WHO) 1997. The BMI calculation was done by measuring height and weight. Statistical analysis: The collected data were analyzed statistically using parametric and nonparametric tests. Results: The prevalence of dental caries in deciduous teeth was 95.5% and in permanent teeth was 47.3%, respectively. Conclusion: This study displayed the positive correlation of dental caries to BMI, oral hygiene practices, beverages, aerated drinks, chips, candy, and tea/coffee. Whereas the SES status and dietary habits Jam group variable had no significance in relation to dental caries. How to cite this article: Kapil D, Saraf BG, Sheoran N, et al. To Assess the Prevalence of Dental Caries and Its Association with Body Mass Index, Socioeconomic Status, Dietary Habits, and Oral Hygiene among 6-12-year-old Children in Faridabad. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(4):626-632.

Comparison of Effectiveness of Visual and Sign Motivation on the Oral Hygiene of Students.

Aim: The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of visual and sign motivation on the oral hygiene of students with hearing and speech impairment studying in special schools of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 students. The sample was divided into two groups. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee. Data were collected at three points of time-at baseline, 1st and 3rd month. Results: In the age-group, 8-13 years, on intergroup comparison of mean oral hygiene index (OHI) score, no significant difference was observed on the first visit (p-value of 0.351) and second visit, respectively (p-value of 0.687), but on comparing the mean simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) score on third visit significant difference was observed (p-value of 0.03) and in the age 14-18 years, on intergroup comparison of mean OHI-S score no significant difference was observed on first visit (p-value of 0.593) and second visit, respectively (p-value of 0.404), but on comparing the mean OHI-S score on third visit, significant difference was observed (p-value of 0.018) Both the groups have shown that there was the positive impact of reinforcement on the oral hygiene of students in this age-group as well. Conclusion: There was a significant improvement in oral hygiene status and a significant improvement in participant satisfaction toward oral health in both groups. Sign language video playback is not as effective and efficient in improving the maintenance of oral health in hearing and speech-impaired children as compared to sign language. Clinical significance: This study has helped in the better understanding of different methods of maintaining good oral hygiene of hearing and speech-impaired children. How to cite this article: Singh R, Saraf BG, Sheoran N, et al. Comparison of Effectiveness of Visual and Sign Motivation on the Oral Hygiene of Students. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):671-677.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Parents toward the Oral Health of their School-going Children in Faridabad City.

Aim: To determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of parents toward the oral health of their school-going children in Faridabad city. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 312 parents who reported in the outpatient department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry at Sudha Rustagi College of Dental Sciences & Research, Faridabad, Haryana, India. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 18) software for descriptive and multivariate analysis, and the level of statistical significance used in this study was chosen at p < 0.05. Result: The results of this study showed that the sample selected had relatively good knowledge regarding the number of teeth present in the mouth of their child, the importance of filling the primary teeth, and trauma-related knowledge. Parents were aware that excess sugar intake, germs/bacteria, and sticky food are responsible for causing caries. On the contrary, a few of the parents were not aware of the ideal time for the first dental visit. Parents showed a positive attitude regarding the importance of supervised brushing twice with fluoridated toothpaste. Conclusion: We concluded in the present study that the knowledge of parents regarding the oral health of their children in Faridabad city is relatively good, but in a few aspects, it's been observed that this knowledge is not implemented, and the attitude of the parents toward good oral health practices needs to be improved more. As pedodontists, we can help to bring this change to the present society as we can counsel parents to take appropriate care of their children's oral health. Clinical significance: This article will help to assess the awareness of parents toward the oral health of their school-going children, which will further help in improving their knowledge, attitude, and practices, hence improving the oral hygiene of children. How to cite this article: Singh R, Mendiratta P, Saraf BG, et al. Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Parents toward the Oral Health of their School-going Children in Faridabad City. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(5):549-553.

Impact on Quality of Life and Risk Factors Associated with Visible Maxillary Incisors Trauma among Young Children in Faridabad, Haryana.

Aim: To assess the impact of upper incisor trauma on the quality of life (QoL) in young children studying between the age group 8 and 13 years in Faridabad, Haryana. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted to assess the visible permanent maxillary incisor traumas according to the classification of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and to determine the predisposing risk factors that affect TDI and their impact on QoL in children aged 8-13 years. Questionnaires were made to gather information on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics like age, gender, and the father's and mother's education. Data on dental caries in anterior teeth were also collected using current World Health Organization criteria. Result: There were a total of 66 males and 24 females. The total decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth (DMFT) prevalence observed was 8.9%. The main reason for trauma was found to be an accident or accidental fall (36.7%). The most common place for trauma followed by road (21.1%). Time lapsed from the injury reported was >1 year in males (34.8%), while it was within 1 year (41.7%) in females (p = 0.014). The most prevalent and impacted performance was smiling (80.0%; m = 8.7778 ± 8.658), and the least affected was speaking (4.4%; m = 0.5111 ± 3.002). Conclusion: A number of risk factors need to be considered when assessing TDIs, as TDIs can have a negative impact on the functional, social, and psychological well-being of young children. As they are frequent in children, affecting teeth, their supporting structures, and adjacent soft tissues, they may cause both functional and esthetic problems. Clinical significance: When injuries to incisor(s) produce pain, disfigurement, poor aesthetics, or other psychological effects, children may avoid laughing or smiling, and this can affect their social relationships. So, it is important to address the risk factors that predispose upper front teeth to TDIs. How to cite this article: Elizabeth S, Garg S, Saraf BG, et al. Impact on Quality of Life and Risk Factors Associated with Visible Maxillary Incisors Trauma among Young Children in Faridabad, Haryana. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):652-659.

Multidisciplinary approach to the rehabilitation of a tooth with two trauma episodes: systematic review and report of a case.

Studies have shown that some children and adolescents are affected only once with dental trauma, while others seem to be accident-prone and suffer from multiple dental trauma episodes. Less is known about treatment consequences related to repeated traumatic dental injuries to the same tooth and treatment guidelines are not well established. Complicated crown fractures and crown-root fractures pose difficulties for dentists to establish adequate treatment plans because these fractures require multidisciplinary knowledge and approach for a correct case planning and prognosis. The objective of this paper was to present and discuss a case of a child who sustained a second trauma to the same tooth following treatment of an earlier sustained crown fracture. The research-based background for establishment of the treatment plan is discussed. Reattachment of tooth fragment is a minimal invasive and esthetic method. Essential advantage of the reattached teeth is the fact that all the alternative methods as direct adhesive resin reconstruction, veneers and crowns can be performed in case of failure or a refracture. As a consequence of initial trauma, the tooth suffered a complicated crown fracture which was resolved by endodontic therapy and fragment reattachment. During follow-up, the child suffered a second trauma resulting in dislodgement and fracture of the reattached fragment and a crown-root fracture extending subgingivally with involvement of the biologic width. A conservative restorative option is described. After 1 year of follow-up, the clinical and radiographic findings demonstrated that the adopted clinical protocol was successful and yielded healthy periodontal tissues with no signs of periradicular pathosis. The occurrence of repeated traumatic dental injuries to teeth involving conservative management of both crown-root fracture and complicated crown fracture on the same tooth is extremely rare and a challenge for dental professionals to treat.

Estimation of the Intercanine Width, Intermolar Width, Arch Length, and Arch Perimeter and Its Comparison in 12-17-year-old Children of Faridabad.

CONTEXT: Dental arch morphology is an important consideration in the orthodontic treatment of dentofacial deformities. The size and shape of the arches have considerable implications in treatment planning, affecting space available, dental esthetics, and stability of dentition. The data provided by this study will be of considerable importance and relevance for practicing orthodontists and pedodontists in the region of Faridabad. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine and compare the intercanine width, intermolar width, arch length, and arch perimeter in the early adolescent group (12-14 years) and middle adolescent group (15-17 years) of Faridabad. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary and mandibular impressions were made, study casts were prepared then the measurement of the individual intercanine widths, intermolar widths, arch length of maxillary and mandibular casts with the digital caliper, and arch perimeter with the help of brass wire was taken, obtained values were calculated, hence the results were evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. It was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Graphs were prepared using Microsoft Excel. Data were normally distributed as tested using the Shapiro-Wilk W test (p value was <0.05). Inferential statistics were performed using independent Student's t-test. The level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: In the present study, all the parameters measured were increased in males in both the age-groups, i.e., the early adolescent group (12-14 years) and the mid adolescent group (15-17 years), and a significant increase was seen in the intercanine and intermolar widths in males. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Singh S, Saraf BG, Indushekhar KR, et al. Estimation of the Intercanine Width, Intermolar Width, Arch Length, and Arch Perimeter and Its Comparison in 12-17-year-old Children of Faridabad. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(3):369-375.

Arch Measurements, Bigonial Width, Dental Caries, and Their Effect on Occurrence of Mandibular Incisors Crowding in Early Mixed Dentition Period.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of various arch parameters, bigonial angle, and caries occurrence on mandibular incisors crowding during the early mixed dentition period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty children (mean age of 7.5 years) with mandibular anterior incisors crowding and class I molar relationship in early mixed dentition were selected. Bigonial width (BW) and caries occurrence were recorded during patient examination. The study casts were prepared divided into a normal group (NG) and crowded group (CG). Different vertical and transverse arch perimeters along with space available for the permanent mandibular incisors were measured manually. Statistical analysis was done to establish the association of all these variables with two crowding groups. RESULTS: The total incisor width or the tooth material was significantly more, and all arch parameters were less in measurements in CG than NG. The available space, BW, and caries occurrence did not differ significantly between NG and CG. CONCLUSION: The amount of tooth material and individual variations in arch parameters significantly contribute to mandibular anterior crowding in the early mixed dentition period irrespective of the age and gender of the child. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: All cases of early mixed dentition mandibular incisors crowding should be individually assessed for arch length discrepancy, and transverse discrepancy results of this study help in the prediction of crowding before an establishment of a customized treatment plan with the use of lingual arch or lip bumper appliances in patients with anterior mandibular crowding may be valuable. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Paul S, Garg S, Saraf BG, et al. Arch Measurements, Bigonial Width, Dental Caries, and Their Effect on Occurrence of Mandibular Incisors Crowding in Early Mixed Dentition Period. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-1):S57-S62.

Self-insertion of Foreign Objects in Teeth.

INTRODUCTION: Self-insertion of foreign objects in teeth is a common occurrence in children facing dental problems in an attempt to alleviate irritation, drainage, or other symptoms from teeth. However, this could lead to the development of infection and may worsen the condition if not intervened at an early stage. The removal of such objects and the preservation of involved teeth pose a challenge and, in some cases, the tooth must be extracted to resolve the infection. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to report cases of foreign object insertion and discuss the related consequences, thereby, stressing the importance of regular dental visits and maintenance of oral hygiene so as to minimize dental neglect. CASE STUDIES: The article discusses four case reports of children in the age group 2-14 year old who reported with self- inserted foreign objects in their teeth. DISCUSSION: Regular dental visits and timely dental management can help reduce the complications associated with such incidents. Ultrasonic instruments, the Masserann kit, periapical surgery and various other techniques have been recommended by the authors for successful removal of foreign objects from the pulp chamber and the canal. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Lakhani B, Garg S, et al. Self-insertion of Foreign Objects in Teeth. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(2):145-149.

Comparative assessment of chronological, dental, and skeletal age in children.

BACKGROUND: Age of a child can be assessed from various parameters such as chronological age, height, weight, secondary sexual characteristics, skeletal age, or dental age. The present study was planned to assess and compare chronological age with dental age (Demirjian's method and Willem's method) and skeletal age (Fishman's method). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was done on a sample of 100 children in the age group of 9-14 years. The chronological age was computed through the birth certificates and dental age was calculated from their orthopantomograms (OPGs) using Demirjian's and Willem's methods. Hand-wrist radiograph of the left hand was used to compute skeletal age using Fishman's method. Paired t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated as a part of statistical analysis at a significance level of P < 0.01. RESULTS: The mean chronological age among the group was 12.37 ± 1.34 years, the mean dental age by Demirjian's method was 12.36 ± 1.72 years, the mean dental age by Willem's method was 12.36 ± 1.51, and the mean skeletal age by Fishman's method was 13.03 ± 1.34 years. Out of the all methods evaluated in the study, Fishman's method of age estimation showed the least value of correlation coefficient (r = 0.728) with the chronological age, whereas Willem's method showed the maximum correlation with the chronological age (r = 0.885). CONCLUSION: It can be concluded from the present study that the dental age estimation evaluated by the digital OPG by both the methods, that is, Demirjian's method and Willem's method, has shown high accuracy when applied to the children of Faridabad. Skeletal maturation evaluated by Fishman's method using hand-wrist radiographs was found to overestimate the age when compared to chronological age in both the sexes.

Are dental caries and overweight/obesity interrelated? A cross-sectional study in rural and urban preschool children.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and dental caries are two distinct diseases which are somewhat preventable through a common risk factor approach, as they have common underlying etiological factor, i.e., high sugar intake. AIM: The aim of the study is to examine the correlation between dental caries and body mass index (BMI) in rural and urban areas of Hisar (Haryana, India) and intercompare their correlations. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study in rural and urban preschool children of Hisar, Haryana. METHODS: A total of 500 urban and 500 rural children (age group 3-6 years) were selected from schools of Hisar and the values of their mean BMI and mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) (using the World Health Organization criteria, 2005) were compared using independent sample t-test among different groups and subgroups. Pearson correlation coefficients between dmft and BMI were calculated for groups and subgroups and intercompared. RESULTS: Males had significantly higher BMI than females (P < 0.05) and urban preschool children had significantly higher BMI than rural preschool children (P < 0.05). Mean deft was statistically non-significant across the genders and both geographical areas. Non-significant negative correlation was observed between dmft and BMI across different areas and genders. The overall prevalence of obesity/overweight was 20.2% (25.6% urban preschool children; 14.8% rural preschool children). More rural preschool children were underweight (23.8%) than urban preschool children (14.4%) with the overall prevalence of underweight being 19.1%. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant correlation between dental caries and BMI in preschool children of rural and urban areas. Obesity/overweight was more prevalent in urban preschool children, whereas rural preschool children predominantly were underweight.

A randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate and compare three chairside techniques of veneering stainless steel crowns.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing patient demands of esthetics in paediatric dentistry, pre-veneered stainless steel crowns (SSCs) have been made available commercially. However, they suffer from technique sensitivity, limited ability to crimp and associated higher costs. AIM: The present study was planned to clinically evaluate and compare the success of preformed SSCs in which esthetic modification was done using three different techniques of composite veneering. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 primary molars selected from patients between the age group of 4-9 years were randomly divided into three groups having 20 samples each: Group A (composite veneering done using the open face technique), Group B (composite veneering done after sand-blasting SSCs), and Group C (composite veneering done after preparing retentive grooves on SSCs). The patients were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months as per evaluation criteria. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA were used to compare means among three groups at different time intervals. RESULTS: All 60 SSCs were retained at the end of the study, thereby demonstrating 100% success of SSCs. Open window technique of veneering significantly showed maximum retention of composite veneers; therefore, highest level of parental satisfaction. Overall, the most common fracture was of adhesive type seen at the metal composite interface. CONCLUSIONS: All the three techniques used provide a chairside and easy method for esthetic modification of the SSCs. The open window is the most successful of the three methods of veneering and may be clinically useful technique for dental practitioners and pediatric dentists.

Comparative Evaluation of Penetration Ability of Three Pit and Fissure Sealants and Their Relationship with Fissure Patterns.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Pit and fissure sealant placement is considered as an effective modality for prevention of caries on occlusal surfaces. Penetration, retention and lateral wall adaptation are the key factors in success of pit and fissure sealant restorations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper was to compare penetration ability and lateral wall adaptation of three commercially available pit and fissure sealants. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The present in-vitro study was done on 45 extracted sound human molars to evaluate the fissure pattern and assess the penetration ability of three commercially available sealants [Delton® FS Sealant (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany), Clinpro™ Sealant (3M™ ESPE™, Minnesota, USA) and GC Fuji VII Glass Ionomer Cement (GC Asia Dental Pte Ltd, Singapore)] on molars divided into 3 equal groups of 15 each, with further sectioning of each sample into 2 parts giving 30 samples per group. Following thermocycling and embedding of teeth in clear auto-polymerizing acrylic resin, sections were evaluated for fissure morphology, sealant penetration, unfilled space, lateral wall adaptation, and for presence of voids. RESULTS: Penetrability of all the sealants studied was found to be significantly more in U-type fissure pattern (93.89%) followed by V-type (78.62%), IK-type (74.34%) and then in I-type (65.91). The depth of penetration of the GC Fuji VII Glass Ionomer sealant (85.82%) was found to be superior followed by unfilled resin sealant (Clinpro™ Sealant- 78.26%) and then by filled resin sealant (Delton® FS Sealant- 74.89%). CONCLUSION: U- type fissure pattern was more common than other fissure patterns and showed significantly higher penetrability of different type of sealants evaluated in the present study. GIC based sealant, due to significantly higher penetration depth than unfilled and filled sealants used in the present study, can be preferred over filled or unfilled resin sealants.

Exploring the role of Morinda citrifolia and Triphala juice in root canal irrigation: An ex vivo study.

BACKGROUND: The present ex vivo study explores the role of Indian medicaments in endodontic irrigation in an attempt to search for a safe alternative to sodium hypochlorite (NaOCL). AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of commercial preparations of Morinda citrifolia juice (MCJ) and Triphala juice against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 84 permanent extracted human teeth. After decoronation and biomechanical preparation, inoculated (with E. faecalis and C. albicans) root sections were divided randomly into four experimental (MCJ, Triphala juice, 1% NaOCl, and 2% chlorhexidine [CHX]) and two control groups (preservative control and distilled water). Colony-forming units (CFUs) obtained for each group were counted at baseline (S0) and after irrigation at 1 and 3 days (S1and S2, respectively). Mean of Log CFU at S0, S1, and S2was compared for each irrigant using Friedman's two-way ANOVA. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in microbial counts of both microbes in all groups at S1, but only CHX could demonstrate further decrease in the microbial counts of both microorganisms at S2. CONCLUSION: The overall antimicrobial effects of different irrigants were maximum for CHX, whereas MCJ and Triphala juice also showed significant reductions. The herbal irrigants hold the promise of becoming efficient irrigants and warrant further research.

Comparative Evaluation of Remineralizing Potential of Three Pediatric Dentifrices.

INTRODUCTION: Dentifrices are available in different formulations and more commonly a single dentifrice is used by whole family; be it an adult or child. However, concerns over high fluoride in pediatric formulations coupled with inability of the children to spit have led to recommendations to minimize fluoride ingestion during toothbrushing by using a small amount of toothpaste by children and incorporating minimal quantity of fluoride in the toothpastes. Literature is scarce on the remineralization potential of popularly known Indian pediatric dentifrices; hence, pediatric dentifrices containing lesser concentration of fluoride have been marketed relatively recently for the benefit of children without posing a threat of chronic fluoride toxicity at the same time. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the remineralization potential of three commercially available Indian pediatric dentifrices with different compositions on artificially induced carious lesions in vitro through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present in vitro study was conducted on 45 sound extracted primary molar surfaces divided into three groups (15 each). Artificial demineralization was carried out, followed by remineralization using dentifrice slurry as per the group allocation. All the samples were studied for remineralization using SEM and the results statistically compared. RESULTS: All three dentifrices tested showed remineralization; although insignificantly different from each other but significantly higher compared to the demineralizing surface. CONCLUSION: One can use pediatric dentifrices for preventing dental caries and decelerating lesion progression with an added advantage of lower fluoride toxicity risk. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Kapoor A, Indushekar KR, Saraf BG, Sheoran N, Sardana D. Comparative Evaluation of Remineralizing Potential of Three Pediatric Dentifrices. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(3):186-191.