A clinical trial comparing antimicrobial efficacy of "essential oil of Ocimum sanctum" with triple antibiotic paste as an intracanal medicament in primary molars.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the aerobic and anaerobic antimicrobial efficacy of Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi) essential oil and compare it with that of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) by collecting microbiological samples from the root canals of primary molars. STUDY DESIGN: Forty children were selected for the study and were randomly divided into two groups of twenty each, namely, TAP group and O. sanctum group (basil). Six intracanal samples were collected for every patient, comprising of two each after access opening, irrigation and after 3 days of intracanal medicament placement. These samples were cultured in aerobic and anaerobic environment and later colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted and intragroup as well as intergroup comparison was done. RESULTS: Analysis of the results showed that there was a statistically significant reduction in CFUs after using essential oil of O. sanctum as an intracanal medicament. Saline use also leads to a statistically significant reduction in CFUs irrespective of the intracanal medicament used. TAP showed better antibiotic properties in comparison with that of O. sanctum. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic use is often associated with the adverse effects and development of resistance due to injudicious use. O. sanctum can be used in cases of long-standing infection owing to its antimicrobial efficacy and anti-inflammatory potential as an intracanal medicament in primary teeth.

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Traumatic Dental Injuries among 6- to 12-year-old Children in Bhopal City, India.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries and trauma are the most common oral health problems for many decades. There is need for prevalence data to analyze the nature of the problems and to take necessary steps in improving public health. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of dental caries and traumatic dental injuries among schoolchildren of age 6 to 12 years in Bhopal city. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Cross-sectional study design was selected. Universal sampling method was followed in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,204 children were examined. The distribution of samples was done based on age, gender, residing area, and type of school. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were collected and statistically evaluated under chi-square test and analysis of variance. RESULTS: The overall caries experience (73.17%) was found to be higher than that of traumatic injury experience (20.9%). There was age-related correlation between age and decay, missing, and filled teeth score. CONCLUSION: Since most injuries occur at home or at school, educating the individual is the key that will have a great impact on the prognosis of traumatic injuries. Also good food habits need to be instilled in children from a tender age with the help of parents, which is the ultimate solution to fight caries. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Maran S, Shashikiran ND, Ahirwar P, Maran P, Kannojiya PR, Niranjan B. Prevalence of Dental Caries and Traumatic Dental Injuries among 6- to 12-year-old Children in Bhopal City, India. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2017; 10(2): 172-176.