Effectiveness of resin infiltration (ICON) and microabrasion-remineralization technique with two remineralizing agents (Tooth Mousse and Toothmin) on permanent incisor hypoplasia - A randomized clinical trial.

Aims: The study aims to compare the effect of resin infiltration and microabrasion-remineralization (MAb-Re) with Tooth Mousse and Toothmin on permanent incisor hypoplasia. Materials and Methods: The study included children with permanent incisor hypoplasia above 9 years of age, 171 teeth divided randomly into four groups: Group A - ICON, Group B - MAb-Re using Tooth Mousse, Group C - MAb-Re using Toothmin, and Group D - control group. Process involved taking standardized photographs at T1 - before intervention, T2 - immediately after treatment, and T3 - 6-month follow-up. Color evaluation, area calculation, participant and expert opinion using a Likert scale, treatment time, and cost-effectiveness were all taken into consideration during the assessment. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were collected, entered into a computer, and analyzed; one-way ANOVA was used for intergroup assessment. Results: Overall color change was evident immediately after treatment in the ICON group compared to other groups (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference in color change was visible between the groups after 6 months. Reduction in hypoplastic area was seen in all the groups. The mean time was similar for all the groups. Toothmin was found to be the most cost-effective in comparison with the other two interventions. Conclusions: ICON proved to be more effective immediately after treatment for masking incisor hypoplasia. However, at 6-month follow-up interval, all the groups gave similar results.

Effectiveness of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride Varnish in Preventing New Carious Lesion in Preschoolers: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Dental caries is a site-specific, multifactorial chronic disease affected globally. The prevalence of dental caries is strongly associated with social and economic disadvantage, and also the susceptibility of children to dental caries. Dental caries prevention can be achieved with topical fluoride agents. Topical fluoride promotes the remineralization of early carious lesions and reduces the demineralization of healthy enamel. Aim: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and sodium fluoride varnish (FV) in preventing new carious lesions in preschoolers. Materials and methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 285 children aged 3-6 years. Children were randomly allocated into three groups namely, group I-deionized distilled water (DIW), group II-sodium FV, and group III-SDF. The biannual application was performed at an interval of 6 months. New carious lesions were recorded using defs and International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) under LED magnifying loupes. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied and tabulated using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23.0 software. Result: There was a significant difference seen in the mean values of group III (SDF) when compared with group II (FV) and also between group III (SDF) and group I (DIW) when defs index was used. The mean score of ICDAS II after 12 months in group I (DIW) was -1.171, group II (FV) was -0.690, and group III (SDF) was -0.374. Conclusion: silver diamine fluoride (SDF) was found to be most effective in preventing dental caries and also it appears to be the most cost-saving fluoride therapy. How to cite this article: Jain A, Deshpande AN, Shah YS, et al. Effectiveness of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Sodium Fluoride Varnish in Preventing New Carious Lesion in Preschoolers: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(1):1-8.

Effectiveness of self-designed dental storybook as behavior modification technique in 5 - 7 year-old children: A randomized controlled study.

Background: Dental anxiety is one of the key factors that prevent children from obtaining dental treatment and raises anxiety levels in children. The first dental visit is usually fearful for the child and contributes to managing the child patient in a dental operatory. A pediatric dentist's role is to perform effective treatment using various nonpharmacological behavior management techniques. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effect of self-designed dental storybook on behavior and pulse rate before and after dental procedures in 57-year-old children. Settings and Design: The study was a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 380 aged 57 years. Children were randomly allocated into two groups, namely, Group A - Behavior modification using a self-designed dental storybook and Group B - Behavior modification without storybook. Research was carried out in two dental visits (screening, examination, and preventive and restorative treatment) wherein, before and after intervention, pulse rate, Facial Image Scale (FIS), and Venham Scale (VS) were recorded. Descriptive statistical analyses followed by the paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were applied and tabulated using the SPSS software version 23.0. Results: There was a significant difference observed in the interventional group as compared to the control group for pulse rate, FIS, and VS. Conclusion: Self-designed dental storybook as an adjuvant was found to be promising behavior modification technique for 57-year-old children.

Association of Anthropometric Measurements, Hemoglobin Level and Salivary Parameters among Caries-free and S-ECC Children.

Context: The implication of severe dental caries in children may have its effect on general health apart from affecting the orodental tissues. Many children reporting with severe caries have shown weighing less due to malnourishment resulting in anemia and modified somatic growth. Aims: Study aimed to assess and compare anthropometric measurements, hemoglobin level, and salivary parameters among caries-free and severe early childhood caries (E-CCC) children. Settings and design: For caries-free group [Group I] and S-ECC group [Group II] data were obtained from age-matched children with similar socioeconomic status. Materials and methods: Children with severe caries and without caries from the age-group 3- 6 years participated in the study. Children were measured for height, weight, measurement of mid-upper arm circumference, and waist circumference. Hemoglobin level was recorded. The collected unstimulated saliva was assessed for flow rate, salivary pH, and its buffering capacity. Statistical analysis used: Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were carried out using Windows software and SPSS (21). Tests of significance namely t-test and Chi-square test were used along with regression analysis. Results: Caries experience showed no statistical difference for age and gender among the sample population. Significant difference was found for all anthropometric measurements. When comparison for hemoglobin was done for both groups I and II, significant difference was observed [p = 0.003]. Conclusion: Children with severe dental caries in the present study had low hemoglobin which, if persisted, can lead to anemia. Though the anthropometric parameters may appear normal in children diagnosed with severe early childhood caries, pediatric dentist should ensure the hemoglobin level test, as iron deficiency can affect growth and development of the child, if left undiagnosed. How to cite this article: Deshpande AN, Sudani U, Wadhwa M, et al. Association of Anthropometric Measurements, Hemoglobin Level and Salivary Parameters among Caries-free and S-ECC Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S164-S171.

Tobacco cessation effects on oral health by group and individualized motivational therapy in 12 to 18 years old boys - A randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION: Adolescents are the most vulnerable population to initiate tobacco use. It is now well established that most of the adult users of tobacco start tobacco use in their childhood or adolescence. AIM: The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate the Group Motivational Therapy (GMT) and Individualised Motivational therapy (IMT) for tobacco cessation in adolescents. METHODOLOGY: Oral screening was done in a village named Vehra Khadi near Anand. One hundred and eight adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years were included in the study. They were randomly divided into three groups namely Group 1 - Interventional group consisting of 36 adolescents who were given GMT; Group 2 - Interventional group consisting of 36 adolescents who were given IMT; and Group 3 -3 6 age - matched Negative control group. Hence, a total sample size of 108 was evaluated for tobacco consumption frequency, passive smoking, gingival index, and stain index and followed up for 9 months for the effect of both interventional group as well as positive control. RESULTS: Frequency of tobacco consumption was reduced from baseline to 9 months' follow-up for both the interventional groups, which was statistically significant with <0.001 percent P value showing 84.38% change by intervention 1 and 98.30% in intervention 2. CONCLUSION: Group and individualized motivation serves as an effective means for tobacco cessation among adolescents. Improvement in gingival health and reduction of the tobacco consumption was observed with motivational intervention.

Comparative Evaluation of Microhardness and Enamel Solubility of Treated Surface Enamel with Resin Infiltrant, Fluoride Varnish, and Casein Phosphopeptide-amorphous Calcium Phosphate: An In Vitro Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim and objective of this study was to do a comparative evaluation of microhardness and enamel solubility (ES) of the treated surface enamel with resin infiltrant, fluoride varnish, and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro study was conducted on freshly extracted 85 sound permanent teeth of which 5 teeth were subjected to check for microhardness by the Vickers microhardness tester and the remaining teeth were exposed to demineralizing solution to create initial enamel lesions. These 80 teeth were assigned to four groups: group I-negative control (n = 20), group II-resin infiltrant (n = 20), group III-fluoride varnish (n = 20), and group IV-CPP-ACP (n = 20), and microhardness was checked after application. These teeth were exposed to caries attack three times a day for three consecutive days. The ES of these four groups was checked by calcium ion loss in the artificial cariogenic solution and whole saliva by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS: It was found that none of the experimental groups reached the microhardness values of sound intact teeth. At 3rd day, the values of microhardness were: group II = group III > group IV > group I. Maximum ES was found for group I (control) followed with group IV. CONCLUSION: All agents used in study remineralized initial carious lesion. Fluoride varnish has the highest microhardness and showed least ES compared to other remineralizing agents. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Fluoride varnish can be regarded as the choice of material to be used for the treatment of incipient carious lesions because of the low application frequency (once every 3-6 months), requires minimal patient compliance as it is a noninvasive procedure and less time consuming. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Dhillon SN, Deshpande AN, Macwan C, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Microhardness and Enamel Solubility of Treated Surface Enamel with Resin Infiltrant, Fluoride Varnish, and Casein Phosphopeptide-amorphous Calcium Phosphate: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(S-1):S14-S25.

Can low concentrations of metal oxide and Ag loaded metal oxide nanoparticles pose a risk to stream plant litter microbial decomposers?

Nanoparticles (NPs) continue to be extensively produced by many industries, which ultimately leads to its release into the aquatic environment. It is crucial to estimate the impact of low concentrations of NPs which are environmentally relevant. Litter decomposition is a key ecological process in forested streams; microbes like fungi and bacteria are recognised to play a vital role in litter decomposition. In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO), titanium dioxide (TiO2), silver loaded ZnO (Ag/ZnO) and silver loaded TiO2 (Ag/TiO2) NPs were synthesized, and impacts of low concentrations (0, 2.5, 25, 50 µM) on leaf litter decomposition, fungal sporulation and bacterial growth were assessed. Fungal assemblages consisting of Articulospora tetracladia, Neonectria lugdunensis, Tricladium splendens and Varicosporium elodeae were used to study litter decomposition in microcosms exposed to NPs for 21 days. Two freshwater bacterial species belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae were used to assess growth after 12 h of exposure to NPs. Types and concentrations of NPs affected litter decomposition and sporulation but not growth of bacteria. Leaf mass loss was significantly different between all concentrations but not between 25 and 50 µM. Fungal sporulation was significantly different among all concentrations of NPs. Fungal sporulation decreased with increase in concentration of NPs whereas a particular trend was not observed with mass loss except for Ag/ZnO. A 50 µM of Ag/ZnO had the highest impact on litter decomposition while 50 µM of ZnO on sporulation. The impact of Ag loaded metal oxides were not strikingly different from those of bare metal oxides except for the more pronounced impact on the mass loss accomplished by Ag/ZnO than by ZnO. Overall our study highlights that very low concentrations of NPs in freshwaters can impact freshwater ecosystem functioning.

Sorption of 137Cs, 133Ba and 154Eu by synthesized sodium aluminosilicate (Na-AS).

Sodium aluminosilicate has been synthesized by solution route for use as a sorbent for various radionuclides. It was characterized by XRD, zeta potential, BET surface area, FTIR spectroscopy and site density measurement. Sorption studies of (137)Cs, (133)Ba and (154)Eu on synthesized sodium aluminosilicate have been carried out at varying pH (3-10). Sorption of all the metal ions was found to increase with pH of suspension with the saturation value increasing with the oxidation state of metal ion. Effect of Aldrich humic acid (2mg/l) on sorption was also investigated. In case of (137)Cs, the sorption was not affected by the presence of humic acid, while in case of (133)Ba and (154)Eu, sorption was enhanced at lower pH and decreased at higher pH in presence of HA. A series of experiments were carried out for (154)Eu sorption on sodium aluminosilicate at various conditions. Sorption of europium was analyzed by different sorption isotherms, viz., Freundlich and D-R isotherm. Thermodynamic data reveal sorption phenomena as endothermic and spontaneous. Studies were further extended to find out effect of diverse ions (Ca(2+) and CO(3)(2-)) on sorption of europium.

Role of magnetite and humic acid in radionuclide migration in the environment.

Sorption of (137)Cs, (90)Sr, (154)Eu and (141)Ce by magnetite has been studied at varying pH (4 to 11) in the presence and absence of humic acid. The sorption studies have also been carried out at varying ionic strength (0.01 to 0.2 M NaClO(4)) and humic acid concentration (2 to 20 mg/L). Percentage sorption of (137)Cs and (90)Sr was found to be pH dependent, with the sorption increasing with increasing pH of the suspension. At any pH, the percentage sorption of (90)Sr was higher than that of (137)Cs. The results have been explained in terms of the electrostatic interaction between the positively charged metal ions and the surface charge of the magnetite which becomes increasingly negative with increasing pH. On the other hand, (154)Eu and (141)Ce were found to be strongly sorbed by the magnetite at all pH values, with the sorption being independent of pH. The strong sorption of trivalent and tetravalent metal ions suggests the role of complexation reactions during sorption, apart from the electrostatic interactions. However, in the case of (141)Ce surface precipitation of Ce(III) formed by reduction of Ce(IV) in the presence of magnetite cannot be ruled out. Presence of humic acid (2 mg/L) was found to have negligible effect on sorption of all metal ions.

Spectroscopic investigation on europium complexation with humic acid and its model compounds.

Time resolved fluorescence spectroscopy (TRFS) of Eu(III) (an analogue of trivalent actinides) complexation with humic acid (HA) and its model compounds, namely phthalic acid (PA), mandelic acid (MA) and succinic acid (SA) has been carried out at varying concentration ratios of ligand to metal ion. The emission spectra were recorded in the range of 550-650nm by exciting at an appropriate wavelength. The intensity of the 616nm peak of Eu(III) was found to be sensitive to complexation. The ratio of the intensities of 616 and 592nm peaks was used to determine the stability constants of Eu-phthalate, Eu-mandelate and Eu-succinate complexes. In the case of model compounds, the life-time was found to increase with increasing ligand to metal ratio (L/M) indicating the decrease in quenching of the fluorescence by coordinated water molecules with increasing complexation. On the other hand in the case of HA, the life-time was found to be constant at least up to L/M of 5, indicating the formation of outer sphere complex. Beyond L/M=5 the life-time value was found to increase which can be attributed to the binding of the metal ion to the higher affinity sites in the HA macromolecule.