Emerging technologies and potential applications of algae in dentistry - A critical review.

Algae are effective predecessors of nutrient foods and preventive drugs, gaining global attraction in recent years. It exhibits potent antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-glycemic, and cholesterol-lowering properties due to their richness in highly valuable secondary metabolites. Nevertheless, algae produce valuable bioproducts, its application in dentistry is in its primitive stage. This review focuses on the emergence and emerging role of micro/macroalgae as a natural source of therapeutic, preventive, and biocompatible agents in dentistry. Several studies unveiled that Cyanobacteria, Spirulina, and Chlorella species offer high oral antibacterial and antifungal properties compared to gold standard agents. The characteristic of algae to scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl free radicals, fabricate them as an anti-oxidative and anti-cancer agent. Either alone or by synergism with pinnacle therapies they are found to produce promising curative actions against periodontitis by embattling proinflammatory cytokines. Technologies extend the functions of microalgae as a detoxifying agent, potent drug delivery system, and adjunct regenerative material in chronic periodontitis. Its application as thickening, binding, anticariogenic agent in toothpaste, antibacterial agent in mouthwash, and biocompatible agent in dental impression materials remains very primitive. Low-cost and eco-friendly technologies are needed for the production of oral hygiene products using algal biomass.

Prevalence and Comparison of Dental Caries experience among 5 to 12 year old school children of Chandigarh using dft/ DMFT and SiC Index: A Cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is the most common chronic disease of childhood that interferes with normal nutrition intake, speech, and daily routine activities. Dental caries affects people of all ages with the highest priority risk group being school-going children. Hence, this cross-sectional study helps to determine the prevalence and to compare the dental caries experience among 5- to 12-year-old school-going children of Chandigarh using dft/DMFT and SiC index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted among 3354 school children in the age group of 5 to 12 years. The subjects were selected from four randomly selected schools in Chandigarh. Independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare the mean difference at 5% significance level (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was found to be 46.9% with a mean dft and DMFT score of 1.36 ± 2.16 and 0.28 ± 0.80, respectively. The SiC index score for primary and permanent dentition were 3.53 ± 2.53 and 0.85 ± 1.20, respectively. The dft scores declined progressively as the age advanced whereas the DMFT scores increased from 5 to 12 years. CONCLUSION: Caries prevalence was high in primary than permanent dentition. Comparison between dft/DMFT and SiC indices indicated there is a subgroup that presented with a higher caries rate.

Comparative Evaluation of Retention, Cariostatic Effect and Discoloration of Conventional and Hydrophilic Sealants - A Single Blinded Randomized Split Mouth Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Pit and fissures are approximately eight times vulnerable than the smooth surface caries lesion. Sealants are effective in preventing, arresting, and progression of pit-and-fissure occlusal caries lesions. The failure of sealant resin-based retention is mainly attributed to the moisture contamination. To overcome this drawback, UltraSeal XT® hydro, a moisture-friendly sealant, has been introduced. AIM: This study aimed to compare and evaluate the retention, cariostatic effect, and discoloration of conventional Clinpro™ 3M™ ESPE™ and hydrophilic UltraSeal XT® sealants among 12 to 15-year-old schoolchildren for 3 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-blinded, randomized, split-mouth clinical trial was conducted among thirty schoolchildren aged 12-15 years. Sealants used in the present study were Group I - Clinpro™ and Group II - UltraSeal XT® hydro. Sealants were provided in the school by two operators based on the computer-generated random sequence and the study participants were evaluated after 3 months for sealant coverage, caries incidence, and discoloration using Color, Coverage and Caries sealant evaluation system. Sealant coverage between the two sealants was compared using Mann-Whitney U-test and Z-test for proportions. RESULTS: A total of 47 teeth (78.3%) with UltraSeal XT® Hydro had the sealant covering in all the fissures compared to Clinpro™ 3M™ ESPE™ which was 46.7% (28 teeth) and the difference was observed to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Hydrophilic UltraSeal XT® Hydro yielded better sealant coverage (retention) compared to the conventional Clinpro™ 3M™ ESPE™. No difference was observed with regard to cariostatic effect and discoloration.

Comparative Evaluation of the Viscosity and Length of Resin Tags of Conventional and Hydrophilic Pit and Fissure Sealants on Permanent Molars: An In vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization considers sealing the pit and fissures as a primary preventive measure and is one of the most effective, least invasive means to ensure the complete protection of the occlusal surface from the carious phenomenon. In vitro tests play a vital role in providing the necessary information regarding the efficacy of newer brands of sealants in a short period. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the viscosity and length of resin tag of conventional and hydrophilic sealant on permanent molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty extracted third molars were randomly divided into two groups: Group I: Conventional sealant (Clinpro 3M ESPE) and Group II: Hydrophilic sealant (UltraSeal XT Hydro). Occlusal surfaces of each tooth were pretreated with the acid etchant, and the respective sealants were placed. Both the groups were then subjected to thermocycling and sectioned longitudinally. The sectioned tooth specimens were examined under scanning electron microscope for resin tag length measurements. Viscosities were evaluated using an Anton Paar viscometer. Independent t-test was used to compare the difference in mean resin tag length of Group I and Group II sealants. RESULTS: Viscosity measurements of Group I and Group II were found to be 0.9 mega Pascal (MPa) and 0.7 MPa and the mean resin tag length of Group II (10.03 ± 1.00 µm) was found to be higher than Group I (7.46 ± 0.95 µm) and was found to be significant statistically (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that Group II sealant exhibited lower viscosity and formed resin tag of sufficient length than that of Group I sealants. Therefore, hydrophilic sealant showed better results as compared to a conventional sealant.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Probiotic, Green Tea, and Chlorhexidine- and Fluoride-containing Dentifrices on Oral Microbial Flora: A Double-blind, Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cavity harbors wide variety of microorganisms; these are considered crucial for the dental caries initiation and progression. Plaque-induced caries is a local disease; therefore, dentifrices are the most ideal vehicle for the daily delivery of antibacterial agents. In recent years, alternatives to fluorides such as green tea, probiotic, and chlorhexidine (CHX) toothpastes have been proposed to possess antiplaque and anticariogenic properties. AIM: To compare the effectiveness of probiotic, green tea, and CHX- and fluoride-containing dentifrices on oral microbial flora. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double-blinded, parallel group, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted among healthy adults. Fifty-two individuals were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 13): Group I - green tea dentifrice, Group II - fluoridated dentifrice, Group III - CHX dentifrice, and Group IV - probiotic dentifrice. Plaque and saliva samples were evaluated for Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus at baseline and 15th and 30th days of follow-up. Paired t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare the mean differences of plaque and salivary S. mutans counts at two and three time periods. Wilcoxon signed-rank and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare the mean Lactobacillus count in plaque and saliva samples at two and three time periods, respectively. RESULTS: The mean S. mutans and Lactobacillus counts in plaque and saliva samples were significantly reduced by all the treatment groups at the 30th day of follow-up. However, Group III showed the highest reduction and was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: All the four groups exhibited antimicrobial activity by bringing about a significant reduction in the mean S. mutans and Lactobacillus colony counts at the 30th day of follow-up. Among all the preventive modalities, Group III (CHX dentifrice) showed better results compared to other groups.

Dental caries status of inmates in central prison, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

AIM: To understand the dental health among prison inmates, we assessed the dental caries status of central prison inmates in Chennai, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1060 inmates from three divisions of the central prison in Chennai were assessed by a single investigator for dental caries status based on World Health Organization specifications. RESULTS: Among the inmates, 58.2% of males and 54.2% of females had decayed teeth. About 4.1% of males and 2.9% of females had filled teeth. The mean decayed, missing, filled teeth index was 5.1 and 3.9 for female and male prisoners, respectively. The prevalence of dental caries was highest among inmates younger than 24 years age. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that a high proportion of prison inmates was affected by dental caries, which necessitates the need for initiating oral health promotion activities among prison inmates.

Prevalence of permanent tooth loss among children and adults in a suburban area of Chennai.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of permanent tooth loss among children and adults in a suburban area of Chennai. DESIGN: Cross sectional descriptive study. STUDY SETTING: The study was conducted in Tiruverkadu, a suburban area of Chennai. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A house-to-house survey was done in Tiruverkadu. The study population consisted of 6, 12, 15 years children, 35-44 years, and 65-74 years adults. Type III dental examination was carried out. Cross tabulations and Chi-square statistics were computed. The level of significance was chosen as P<0.05. RESULTS: Out of the total 679 subjects, 309 subjects had tooth loss. Females (47.9%) had greater tooth loss compared to males (42.9%). Tooth loss increased as age progressed. Subjects in the lower socio-economic status had greatest tooth loss. The mean tooth loss among the subjects was 2.7. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that tooth loss increases with age and differs for gender and socio-economic status. The prevalence of tooth loss among the subjects was found to be high in children as well as in adults. Therefore, dental professionals should utilize various measures available in preventive dentistry to minimize tooth loss.