Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Aqueous Extract of "Ocimum Sanctum-Queen of Herb" on Dental Caries Microorganisms: An In Vitro Study.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of three different concentrations of Ocimum sanctum aqueous extract against various caries causing microorganisms, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Materials and methods: Aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum was prepared by the cold extraction method. The extract was diluted with milli Q water, to obtain 3 different concentrations [2%, 3%, and 4%] of the extract. Glycerol 6%v/v and tween-80, 0.1%v/v were also added to get a stable suspension. About 0.2% chlorhexidine was used as a positive control and milli Q water was used as a negative control. The extract, along with the controls, was then subjected to microbiological investigation to determine which concentration among the three different concentrations of extract gave a wider inhibition zone against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The zones of inhibition were measured in millimeters. Results: Ocimum sanctum aqueous extract demonstrated maximum antimicrobial activity against microorganisms responsible for dental caries at the 4% concentration level although 3% and 2% were also effective. Maximum activity was seen against S. mutans and S. sanguis with 4% extract. Conclusion: Ocimum sanctum aqueous extract was effective against all caries causing the microorganisms. Clinical significance: Dental caries is still a major oral disease in children which affects their quality of life. It is important to come up with an alternative oral hygiene aid which is easily available and with lesser side effects and maximum benefits by acting against caries causing microbes. Thus aqueous extract of commonly available tulsi is studied to know its effect on caries causing microorganisms. How to cite this article: Pai KR, Pallavi LK, Bhat SS, et al. Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Aqueous Extract of "Ocimum Sanctum-Queen of Herb" on Dental Caries Microorganisms: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S176-S179.

Effect of Fluoride-based Varnishes with Added Calcium and Phosphate on Microhardness of Esthetic Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study.

Background and objectives: Fluoride varnishes are being used to prevent caries in children. The high concentration of fluoride in varnishes apart from caries prevention may cause changes in surface properties of esthetic restorations. The study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of four commercially available fluoride varnishes with added calcium and phosphate on microhardness of three esthetic materials namely conventional GIC (Fuji II), high viscosity GIC (Fuji IX), and nanocomposite (Filtek Z350). Materials and methods: A total of 28 pellets were made of each material and stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 48 hours. The microhardness of the pellets was tested which served as a baseline. These were then randomly divided into four subgroups. In one subgroup Profluorid varnish was applied, second subgroup MI varnish was applied, third subgroup Embrace varnish was applied, and in the fourth subgroup Enamel Pro varnish was applied as per protocol. Thereafter, all the pellets were subjected to microhardness testing (load = 100 g for 15 seconds). Results: The fluoride varnishes increased the microhardness of conventional GIC (Fuji II) whereas in case of high viscosity GIC (Fuji IX) the application of varnishes reduced the microhardness. In case of nanocomposite restorative material (Filtek Z350) only Profluorid varnish increased its microhardness. Conclusion: Fluoride varnish and calcium-phosphate containing fluoride varnish effect on the microhardness of restorative material is material dependent. So, the choice of fluoride varnish with or without proprietary additives depends on the nature and composition of the restorative material. How to cite this article: Shetty RS, Bhat SS, HK Sundeep, et al. Effect of Fluoride-based Varnishes with Added Calcium and Phosphate on Microhardness of Esthetic Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(2):187-193.

Prosthodontic Management of Congenital Hypothyroidism with Anodontia: A Case Report.

Thyroid dysfunction has various manifestations which include orofacial abnormalities like delayed eruption, retained deciduous teeth, etc. Early detection of this deregulation of thyroid homeostasis can prevent associated complications. This report is a case of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in a 4-year-old boy who presented with a completely edentulous maxilla and hypodontic mandible. Based on various biochemical and radiographic investigations, a diagnosis of CH was established. He was prosthodontically rehabilitated with removable dentures. How to cite this article: Bhat V, Bhat VS, Vadakkan J, et al. Prosthodontic Management of Congenital Hypothyroidism with Anodontia: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(4):586-589.

Comparative Evaluation of Two Remineralizing Agents on Artificial Carious Lesion Using DIAGNOdent.

PURPOSE: The current in vitro study was conducted to assess the remineralization potential of CPP-ACP and a customized dentifrice (tricalcium-phosphate) on artificial carious lesions using DIAGNOdent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one extracted premolars that satisfied the inclusion criteria were painted using acid-resistant nail varnish. A window of 4 × 4 mm was exposed on the center of the buccal surface of each tooth. After 20 minutes of drying, the baseline reading of enamel specimens was assessed using DIAGNOdent. The teeth were then immersed in a bath of demineralizing solution. An incubation period of 96 hours at 37°C resulted in artificial caries-like lesions on the specimen. Readings of the specimen within the window after demineralization were recorded using DIAGNOdent for all the samples. The specimens were divided into three groups randomly [group I-casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), group II-customized dentifrice, group III-artificial saliva]. Samples were subjected to the daily treatment regimen for a period of 30 days. The samples were evaluated for remineralization by laser fluorescent device (DIAGNOdent) on the 15th and 30th day, respectively. RESULTS: The statistical analysis was done using the Friedman test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon sign rank test, and Mann-Whitney test. The results showed that both CPP-ACP and customized dentifrice showed almost similar remineralization potential but CPP-ACP showed significant remineralization (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The DIAGNOdent observation conclusively proves that CPP-ACP and customized dentifrice remineralizes the demineralized tooth samples in vitro with CPP-ACP showing significant remineralization. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Arjun DS, Bhat SS, Hegde SK, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Two Remineralizing Agents on Artificial Carious Lesion Using DIAGNOdent. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):192-195.

Evaluation of the Effect of Extraction and Restorative Procedures on Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate Due to Anxiety in 6- to 12-Year-Old Children: An In Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the changes in the cardiovascular parameters, blood pressure, and pulse rate due to anxiety in children undergoing dental extraction and restorative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 children were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The parameters were measured at four and three intervals for the extraction and restorative group, respectively. The obtained data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance test. RESULTS: In the extraction group, the change in blood pressure in female children (144 mm Hg) was significant compare to male children (141 mm Hg). In the restoration group, the change in blood pressure in male children (140/84 mm Hg) was found to be statistically more significant when compared to female children (139/85 mm Hg). The pulse rate change in both sexes was equally significant in restorative and extraction group. CONCLUSION: It can be inferred that pain and fear anxiety play important roles in the cardiovascular changes during dental treatment because there was significant change in blood pressure and pulse rate over time during dental treatment.

An in vitro evaluation of nickel and chromium release from different commercially available stainless steel crowns.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to estimate nickel and chromium release from commercially available stainless steel crowns (SSCs) in artificial saliva. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten crowns from three manufacturers were immersed in 10 ml of artificial saliva and stored in separate tubes in an incubator at 37°C for 28 days. The crowns were removed from each tube on every 7th day, and placed in other tubes with fresh artificial saliva. Flame type atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to check for the release of metal ions in the solution inside each tube at the end of 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days and the control samples. RESULTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Two-way analysis of variance and pairwise comparison using Bonferroni test was used for statistical analysis. There was statistically verified difference in the release of nickel and chromium on different days in each of the group of SSCs tested. However, no significant difference was seen in the release of both metals among the groups. CONCLUSION: In all the SSCs tested, there was the release of nickel and chromium, but the total release of both the metals even at a period of 28 days was below the critical level to cause any toxic effects. Hence, the release of metal ions should not be an alarming concern for the use of any of the group of commercially available SSCs.

Effectiveness of precooling the injection site using tetrafluorethane on pain perception in children.

BACKGROUND: Injection of local anesthesia is one of the most important reasons for avoidance behavior in children. Applying a topical anesthetic before injection is the most popular way to control pain; however, topical anesthetics have some shortcomings such as longer duration of action, displeasing taste, and spread of the anesthetic agent to noninjection site areas. Cryoanesthesia using refrigerant as a topical anesthesia is being studied as an alternative to overcome the shortcomings of topical anesthetics and has shown promising results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this split-mouth design study, 50 children of aged 8-10 years who required bilateral mandibular local anesthesia administration were selected. In the first visit, application of topical anesthetic spray (lidocaine) on one side and during the second appointment cryoanesthetic tetrafluorethane on the other side was used before local anesthetic administration. Patients were asked to report their discomfort and pain using visual analog scale (VAS) (subjective method). Patients' pain perception during injection is assessed by sound, eye, and motor (SEM) scale by the dentist (objective method). RESULTS: The results were statistically analyzed using paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney tests. In VAS scale (subjective method), pain scores were significantly lower in tetrafluorethane group when compared with lidocaine group. In SEM scale (objective method), pain scores were lower in tetrafluorethane group when compared with lidocaine group, but it was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Precooling the injection site using refrigerant tetrafluorethane spray has shown to be effective in eliminating pain before local anesthesia administration in children when compared with topical anesthetic lidocaine spray.

Acidogenic Potential of Plain Milk, Milk with Sugar, Milk with Cornflakes and Milk Cornflakes with Sugar: A Comparative Study.

AIM: To compare the acidogenic potential of plain milk, milk with sugar, milk with cornflakes, and milk cornflakes with sugar by assessing the salivary pH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 40 school children of 8 to 12 years; 20 boys and 20 girls were randomly selected. The salivary pH was assessed before and after the consumption of milk; milk and sugar; milk and cornflakes; and milk, sugar, and cornflakes. Baseline unstimulated saliva was collected in sterile plastic tube and the pH was recorded. The change in the salivary pH from the respective groups after consuming the test meal was recorded as follows: (1) after 5 minutes; (2) after 10 minutes; (3) after 15 minutes; (4) after 30 minutes; (5) 120 minutes. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 18.0 (SPSS). RESULTS: The average baseline salivary pH among all the groups was 7.26. A fall in pH at 5 minutes was seen in all the four groups. However, at different time intervals 5, 10, 15, 30, and 120 minutes, the pH values between the groups showed a significant difference at p < 00.7, 0.005, 0.001, 0.010, and 0.028 respectively. CONCLUSION: The fall in pH in all the groups was not significant to a limit of critical pH. Milk when added with sugar and/or cornflakes as a meal did not pose a threat as there was not significant decrease in pH. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Bhat SS, Hegde SK, Bhat VS, Ramya KM, Jodalli PS. Acidogenic Potential of Plain Milk, Milk with Sugar, Milk with Cornflakes, and Milk Cornflakes with Sugar: A Comparative Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(3):218-221.

Effectiveness of Mouthrinse formulated from Aqueous Extract of Terminalia chebula on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Count and pH among 8- to 12-year-old School Children of Karnataka: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anticar-iogenic efficacy of hot and cold aqueous extracts of Terminalia chebula against Streptococcus mutans as an oral rinse and also to discover the acceptability of the mouthwash in children. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Sixty children between 8 and 12 years with high caries risk were selected. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10% concentration of hot and cold aqueous extracts were prepared. Children were randomly divided into extract and control group. Baseline salivary samples were taken, and the samples were re-collected at 10, 60, and 90 minutes interval after rinsing. Microbial and pH analysis were done. An acceptability questionnaire was filled. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Tukey's multiple comparison test. RESULTS: The results show statistically significant difference in S. mutans counts at 10, 60, and 90 minutes interval when compared with negative control. However, when the hot and cold extracts were compared, there was no significant difference. Acceptability questionnaire showed 65 to 75% overall acceptability for both types of extract. CONCLUSION: Results of this study showed that both types of aqueous extract of T. chebula may be used as potential anticariogenic mouthwash with acceptable taste in children. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Palit MC, Hegde SK, Bhat SS. Effectiveness of Mouthrinse formulated from Aqueous Extract of Terminalia chebula on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Count and pH among 8- to 12-year-old School Children of Karnataka: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(4):349-354.

Direct pulp capping in an immature incisor using a new bioactive material.

Preservation of the pulp in a traumatized immature fractured incisor tooth is of prime importance in order to achieve apexogenesis, a natural apical closure. The main factor influencing this is pulpal protection by a bioactive material proving optimum marginal seal in preventing any microleakage. This case report presents an 8-year-old female diagnosed with Ellis Class 3 fracture of immature tooth 11 involving the mesial pulp horn. Under rubber dam isolation, a partial pulpotomy was performed and the pulp was sealed using a new bioactive material BIODENTINE to stimulate apexogenesis, dentine replacement and pulp protection. The fractured segment was reattached for optimum esthetics, which was a concern for the patient. The patient was followed-up for 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, which revealed continued apical closure and maintenance of pulp vitality. The patient remained asymptomatic. This case report provides evidence for the potential use of Biodentine as an effective pulp capping material in the future.

Comparison between the antibacterial efficacies of three root canal irrigating solutions: antibiotic containing irrigant, Chlorhexidine and Chlorhexidine + Cetrimide.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the antibacterial efficacy of three root canal irrigating solutions: An antibiotic containing irrigant, Chlorhexidine and Chlorhexidine + Cetrimide. METHODOLOGY: 46 permanent maxillary central incisors were made into standardized segments and sterilized. 6 teeth were used to confirm sterility. The remaining 40 teeth were infected with Enterococcus faecalis for 28 days. They were irrigated with - Group A: Co-amoxiclav/ Citric Acid/Polysorbate-80 (CCP); Group B: 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate; Group C: 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and 0.2% Cetrimide (CTR); Group D: Saline- Positive Control. Samples were collected from within the canal; spread on 5% sheep blood agar and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. Colony forming units (CFU) were enumerated and the values were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed CCP has better antibacterial activity than 2% CHX (p<0.05). But, 2% CHX + 0.2% CTR showed better antibacterial effect than both 2% CHX and CCP (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Microbial inhibition potential of CCP observed in this study opens perspectives for its use as an intracanal irrigant. Synergistic action resulted from the mixture of Cetrimide and Chlorhexidine and its efficacy was greater than Chlorhexidine or CCP.

Incipient enamel lesions remineralization using casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate cream with and without fluoride: a laser fluorescence study.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this in vitro investigation was to evaluate and compare the incipient enamel lesions remineralized by topical application of casein phospho peptide amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) cream with and without fluoride. METHOD: Sixty caries free teeth were used in the study. They were divided into four groups as positive control negative control and two experimental groups. The samples were demineralized and then remineralized using a CPP-ACP Cream with and without fluoride. The remineralization was evaluated at 7, 14 and 21 days using laser fluorescence. Results of this study showed that the laser fluorescence readings of test samples for remineralization were very highly significant at 14 and 21 days (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The degree of remineralization achieved between CPP-ACP and CPP-ACP with fluoride was statistically significant (p = 0.040) at 21 days.

Oral findings in newborn children in and around Mangalore, Karnataka State, India.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of normal findings and oral anomalies in newborn children in and around Mangalore, India, within the first week of birth. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A gloved index finger, a head torch and an extra-orally placed ruler were used to perform visual examinations in 1,038 newborn babies, who were selected by convenience sampling. The babies were examined by one of the investigators (D.G.). Normal findings like the location of upper labial midline frenum, symmetry of alveolar ridges, anteroposterior/buccolingual and vertical relationship of the alveolar ridges, and oral anomalies like white inclusion cysts that are gingival cyst of infants, Epstein's pearls and Bohn's nodules were recorded in a standard format. The findings were statistically analysed. RESULTS: Open bite was present in 102 (9.8%) children. In the anteroposterior relationship, 1,035 (99.7%) had the mandible distal to maxilla. In the buccolingual relationship, the mandible was lingual to the maxilla in 1,035 neonates (99.7%). Gingival cyst of infants was present in 143 (13.8%) of the neonates, Epstein's pearls in 365 (35.2%) and Bohn's nodules in 492 (47.4%). CONCLUSION: The present study exhibits the prevalence of normal findings and anomalies in the neonates. Longitudinal studies are required to assess any significance of the anteroposterior, buccolingual and vertical relationships of the gum pads in the neonates to the future development of occlusion.

Incontinentia pigmenti.

Incontinentia pigmenti or Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome, is a rare X linked dominant disorder with characteristic skin, hair, eye, dental and neurological abnormalities commonly affecting females. This article reports the clinical features and management of a 11 year old girl diagnosed with Incontinentia pigmenti.