Development of Artificial Intelligence Models for Tooth Numbering and Detection: A Systematic Review.

Dental radiography is widely used in dental practices and offers a valuable resource for the development of AI technology. Consequently, many researchers have been drawn to explore its application in different areas. The current systematic review was undertaken to critically appraise developments and performance of artificial intelligence (AI) models designed for tooth numbering and detection using dento-maxillofacial radiographic images. In order to maintain the integrity of their methodology, the authors of this systematic review followed the diagnostic test accuracy criteria outlined in PRISMA-DTA. Electronic search was done by navigating through various databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Saudi Digital Library for the articles published from 2018 to 2023. Sixteen articles that met the inclusion exclusion criteria were subjected to risk of bias assessment using QUADAS-2 and certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE approach.AI technology has been mainly applied for automated tooth detection and numbering, to detect teeth in CBCT images, to identify dental treatment patterns and approaches. The AI models utilised in the studies included exhibited a highest precision of 99.4% for tooth detection and 98% for tooth numbering. The use of AI as a supplementary diagnostic tool in the field of dental radiology holds great potential.

Evaluation of Papacarie®, Carie-Care™, BRIX3000™ and conventional hand instrumentation for caries removal in primary teeth: a randomized control study.

In the current odontological era, carious lesions are removed while tooth tissue is preserved. Most of these ideals are met by chemomechanical caries removal (CMCR) methods, which are easy and comfortable to use, differentiate and eliminate infected tissues, minimize pressure, vibration and heat, and are cost-effective. This study examines the efficacy of commercially available CMCR agents, namely Papacarie®, Carie-Care™ and BRIX3000™, and a conventional hand instrumentation method for caries removal in deciduous molars in terms of time consumption, ease of application, and pain perception. For this randomized clinical trial, 120 children aged 4 to 9 years were selected and randomly allocated to four groups of 30 patients each. Time consumption, ease of application, and pain perception were evaluated at three intervals: pre-, during- and post-caries removal, using Wong-Baker FACES (WBF) Pain Rating Scale and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale. The results showed that among the compared materials and conventional hand instrumentation technique, Carie-Care™ was statistically found to be the least time-consuming with a p-value of 0.019, have the least pain perception with a p-value of 0.02, and was clinically the best with respect to manipulation and handling. While all three CMCR agents aid in the removal of carious tissue, Carie-Care™ was the most effective based on time consumption, pain perception and simplicity of administration.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Dual-dye and Dual Laser Photodynamic Therapy on Oral Biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Prevotella intermedia: An In Vitro Study.

Aim: To assess and compare the antibacterial efficacy of methylene blue (MB) and red laser (660 nm) antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), indocyanine green (ICG) and infrared laser (810 nm) aPDT, and dual-dye (MB and ICG) and dual light (red and infrared) aPDT on oral biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia), and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Materials and methods: Biofilms of E. faecalis, S. mutans, and P. intermedia were grown at 36°C and 5% CO2 for 7 days in a 96-well plate in a brain heart infusion (BHI) growth medium. Before aPDT, a total of 27 inoculums were collected from culture wells and grown on culture plates to assess baseline colony forming units (CFU). The microbial wells were treated with MBaPDT (group I), ICGaPDT (group II), and MBICGaPDT (group III). Post-aPDT, inoculums were collected from wells to be cultured to assess CFU. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and student paired t-tests were used for statistical analysis. The significance level was fixed at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Methylene blue antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (MBaPDT) caused a significant reduction in E. faecalis counts compared to other groups (f = 11.15, p = 0.01). aPDT on S. mutans resulted in a significant (p = 0.04) reduction of bacterial counts in the ICGaPDT group. aPDT on P. intermedia resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial counts (p ≤ 0.05) in MBaPDT and ICGaPDT groups. Conclusion: Dual-dye and dual light aPDT showed an antibacterial effect against E. faecalis. It was ineffective against S. mutans and P. intermedia. Clinical significance: Dual-dye aPDT may effectively reduce E. faecalis counts in infected root canals and improve the outcomes of root canal treatment. How to cite this article: Yavagal C, Yavagal PC, Marwah N, et al. Antibacterial Efficacy of Dual-dye and Dual Laser Photodynamic Therapy on Oral Biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Prevotella intermedia: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-2):S128-S132.

Comparative evaluation of Tell-Show-Do technique and its modifications in managing anxious pediatric dental patients among 4-8 years of age.

Background: Dentistry has made a remarkable progress in techniques, materials and technologies, however the anxiety of the child related to dental treatment still remains constant. Tell Show Do is the most common technique behaviour management of the child in the dental clinic since many years. Recently, many modifications of Tell Show Do technique have been researched and most of them provided an enhanced potential for the conventional technique research but were always individually compared to conventional technique. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Tell Show Do technique in comparison with its 4 modifications Tell Play Do, Tell Play Do with Smart Phone Dentist Game, Tell Show Play Doh, Ask Tell Ask among 4-8 years old children during restorative treatment. Methodology: 150 children aged 4-8 years were randomly selected divided into 5 groups comprising of 30 patients each. Evaluation of anxiety was done using Physiologic-Pulse Rate, Facial Image Scale and Venham's Anxiety Scale. Results: Except for Ask Tell Ask Group the anxiety level of the subjects decreased in all groups according to physiologic readings and facial image score. Anxiety Score decreased preoperatively to postoperatively in all groups except for Tell Play Do and Ask Tell Ask group according to venhams anxiety scale. Conclusion: Although Tell Show Do technique is most widely accepted and modified technique, due to changing scenarios of today's children Tell Play Do, Tell Play Do with Smart Phone Dentist Game and Tell Show Play Doh are also showing encouraging results.

A New Criteria to Assess Quality of Obturation in Primary Teeth: KEDOO Classification.

Aim: The success of the pulpectomy depends on adequate access, cleaning, shaping, and good-quality obturation. Evaluating the quality of obturation is the major tool that determines the success of the procedure. The present study aimed to assess the quality of obturation in all the canals of primary teeth and suggest a new classification. Materials and methods: A total of 1,000 radiographs of the pulpectomy procedure performed in primary molars were evaluated. The quality of obturation was assessed for each canal using the criteria given by Coll and Sandrian. The prevalence of each obturation criterion in every canal was represented in the form of a percentage. Results: It was observed that among the mandibular primary molars, most of the mesial canals were underfilled, and in the distal canal, most of the canals were overfilled. Among the maxillary primary molars, most of the mesial canals were overfilled, more distal canals were underfilled, and with respect to palatal canals, optimal obturation was seen. Conclusion: The pitfalls of the previous classification were revised, and a new classification for assessing the quality of obturation was proposed, which is arch, segment, and canal specific. Clinical significance: The new classification will give a more precise assessment for the evaluation of various techniques and materials used for pulpectomy in primary teeth. How to cite this article: Jeevanandan G, Govindaraju L, Kotian N, et al. A New Criteria to Assess Quality of Obturation in Primary Teeth: KEDOO Classification. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):376-379.

Arginine: A New Paradigm in Preventive Oral Care.

Dental caries is ubiquitous and one of the most prevalent oral diseases and the foremost cause of dental pain and poor quality of life (QoL). Fluoride is an effective caries preventive agent; however, despite its use, there remain some gaps in prevention of dental caries. Arginine, an amino acid, helps to maintain a noncariogenic plaque. It shows synergistic effects with fluoride in dental caries and can help nourish the tooth by enhancing the remineralization effect of fluoride. Supplementing fluoride dentifrices with arginine can bridge the gap in caries prevention. Several clinical studies with 1.5% arginine + fluoride provide evidence for its use in prevention of dental caries. This report throws light on the benefits of arginine in dental caries and guides on its use with fluoride. Recommendations given in the report will help in effective prevention of dental caries. How to cite this article: Goyal V, Damle S, Puranik MP, et al. Arginine: A New Paradigm in Preventive Oral Care. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):698-706.

Modifications of behavior management strategies pre- and post-covid-19 scenario: A survey among pediatric dentists.

Background: COVID-19 presented a unique scenario among children, specifically all over the world. The children had decrease outdoors activities and learning times, increased use of electronic gadgets and changes in sleep patterns. These altered behavior patterns of children directly influenced their behavior in the dental operatory. This coupled with the stringent protocols of COVID-19, made the behavior management of children a tedious task. However, as they say that necessity is the mother of all inventions, the pediatric dentist took this time to evaluate newer methods of behavior management and modified old strategies with newer modifications. Aim: The main aim of this study was to observe the modifications in behavior management strategies among pediatric dentists in the post-COVID-19 era while managing the child in dental operatory. Materials and Methods: Four hundred pediatric dentists were mailed a questionnaire consisting of 24 open and closed-ended questions consisting of personal data, professional information, and questions regarding various behavior management techniques used by them in pre- and post-COVID-19 era. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 26.0, IBM, and a comparison of frequencies of categories of variables with groups was made using Chi-Square test and McNemar test. Results: The results showed that there were statistically highly significant changes in behavior management strategies pre- and post-COVID-19 scenario with P < 0.01. Conclusion: Conventional techniques like Tell-Show-Do were popular in both pre- and post-COVID-19 times with minor modifications in approach, but conscious sedation and distraction techniques were evaluated to have gained more popularity in the post-COVID-19 times along with exploration of new novel techniques.

Association of Early Childhood Caries with Feeding, Dietary Habits, and Oral Hygiene Practices among Rural and Urban School Children of Jaipur.

Aim: To determine possible associations of early childhood caries (ECC) with risk factors such as feeding and dietary habits of children and oral hygiene practices by the parents or caregiver in rural and urban school children in Jaipur, India. Materials and methods: An observational cross-sectional study was designed with a dental examination and a standardized questionnaire. A total of 1,824 children, that is, 848 (46%) rural, and 976 (54%) urban school children were enrolled in the study. The data regarding their diet and feeding habits of children, oral hygiene practices of the parents or caregivers were collected with the help of a standardized questionnaire. The caries status of rural and urban school children was recorded using the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index. Data thus collected were compiled, analyzed and were subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v 26.0, IBM). Comparison of frequencies of categories of variables with groups was done using Chi-square test with p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of ECC was 34.7% in rural and 45.5% in urban school children of Jaipur (p < 0.01). Caries risk increased with the use of both bottle and breast feeding, habit of milk at night, eating snacks between meals with no habit of rinsing teeth, and decrease in parental supervision during oral hygiene practices. In urban school children there is an increased access to junk food and refined sugar daily as compared to rural school children with more than two times in a week was found statistically highly significant in the study (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The prevalence of ECC was higher in urban school children as compared to rural school children in Jaipur. It was found that risk factors such as diet and feeding habits of children and oral hygiene practices by the parents or caregiver are strongly associated with the prevalence of ECC. It was concluded that the epidemiological data, which have been collected in a very comprehensive way can be utilized more effectively to eliminate the root cause of the disease by improving oral health services in the rural and urban school children in Jaipur, India. How to cite this article: Yadav SP, Meghpara M, Marwah N, et al. Association of Early Childhood Caries with Feeding, Dietary Habits, and Oral Hygiene Practices among Rural and Urban School Children of Jaipur. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):273-279.

A rare occurrence of nonsyndromic focal microdontia of primary teeth with hypodontia of permanent teeth in a pediatric patient.

Dental anomalies in human dentition consist of a considerable variation in size, number, position, shape and structure of the tooth. Microdontia is defined as a condition in which teeth are abnormally smaller in size. Hypodontia is defined as developmental absence of 1-5 teeth excluding third molars. Simultaneous occurrence of multiple dental anomalies is most commonly seen in patients with some abnormality or syndrome; it can also occur in nonsyndromic patients. This case report describes about an unusual simultaneous occurrence of dental anomalies such as localized microdontia of primary teeth and hypodontia in a nonsyndromic 10-year-old male patient. Simultaneous occurrence of multiple dental anomalies in a nonsyndromic patient is rare. As the treatment of such cases involves multiple phases, identification and proper timely management is important to help the patient lead a better quality life.

Quantifying Dietary Diversity by Using Food Group Scores among Schoolchildren of Jaipur: A Seasonal Longitudinal Study.

NEED OF THE STUDY: Most dentists are concerned that their patients are consuming a record number of sugar-filled sodas, sweetened fruit drinks, and other stuff that affect their oral environment. Children are invariably the victims of these foodstuffs. These items generally have very little nutritional value, albeit their commercial value. Thus, dietary habits and the choice of food among children and teens are important factors that determine how quickly they may develop oral diseases. Thus, to design good intervention programs and preventive strategies, information on food habits and dietary intake of the target population is very important. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To determine dietary diversity using food group score (FGS) among 12-15 years schoolchildren of urban and rural areas of Jaipur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Jaipur district is divided into 13 Tehsils. Based on a simple random number table, Bhanpur (Rural) and Central Jaipur (Urban) were selected for the present study. Food group scores were calculated from the 5-day diet diary of the study subjects. RESULTS: Scores were found to be higher in winters as compared to the summer season and this difference is observed to be highly statistically significant. Scores were found to be higher in urban schoolchildren as compared to rural and the difference was highly statistically significant among urban schoolchildren in winters. Scores were found to be higher among private schoolchildren as compared to government and this difference was highly statistically significant among schoolchildren belonging to urban areas. CONCLUSION: There is a need for nutritional counseling and basic oral health care in the study area irrespective of the season. The dietary diversity of children is determined by social, psychological, and economic factors. Thus, counseling should be given accordingly in conjunction with a team of health professionals including physicians, dieticians, and dentists under the supervision of parents, guardians, and schoolteachers and management. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Gaur A, Sharma M, Sharma R. Quantifying Dietary Diversity by Using Food Group Scores among Schoolchildren of Jaipur: A Seasonal Longitudinal Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(3):376-382.

Development of a Competency-Based Curriculum for undergraduate education in Pediatric Dentistry: A systematic approach.

The changing paradigm of dental education in India has led its way to the development of Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This article describes the process of developing CBC in the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry under the initiative of Dental Council of India. Rationale behind CBC development is to bring uniform system of education for improving oral health outcomes of the society in long term. The process of CBC development was a collaborative teamwork, planned meticulously with predefined outline, tasks and timelines. Workflow involved identification of curricular content, defining program goals, outlining competencies, assigning them domains / levels of clinical competence, priority, educational strategies, assessment practices, integration and numbers needed for certification in selected competencies. Early clinical exposure was introduced in CBC. The final content was validated and submitted to the Council. CBC output can be summarized as competencies with fair share of all domains, levels, prioritization and integration. It is characterized by flexibility for choosing educational strategies and assessment practices. It opens up ways for global competition. However, it still has some inherent weaknesses like diverging learning paths, time constraints and number chasing. CBC can further have more academic flexibility and develop toward an outcome-based approach. Faculty preparedness and acceptability shall be the biggest challenges in CBC implementation besides resources' availability, support from leadership and acceptability from our primary stakeholders, our learners. CBC is the beginning of evidence-based delivery of education in dentistry. An effective implementation of CBC in current form would result in increased numbers of competent oral healthcare professionals for the society.

Physiological Effects, Psychomotor Analysis, Cognition, and Recovery Pattern in Children Undergoing Primary Molar Extractions under Nitrous Oxide Sedation Using Two Different Induction Techniques: A Split-mouth Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Nitrous oxide inhalation sedation (NOIS) has been in use as a tool for pharmacological behavior modification and relative analgesia (RA) for well over 170 years now since its discovery in 1844 by the American Dentist Horace Wells. Advantages include raising of the pain reaction threshold, alteration of both pain sensitivity and pain reaction, reduction of fatigue, and time awareness that helps to handle stress and lengthy appointments. In addition, the most important clinical consequences of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) pharmacokinetics are rapid induction and recovery, reversibility, titrability, and adjustability. The goal of the current investigation was to analyze the safety aspects of nitrous oxide sedation. It was carried out on 25 patients within the age group 7-10 years requiring extractions of two primary molars in each patient. Split-mouth design was followed, with the first extraction done under traditional slow induction while the second extraction was done following the rapid induction technique of NOIS. N2O was studied for its physiological effects, psychomotor analysis was done, cognition and recovery patterns were analyzed utilizing the two different induction techniques. Based on the results obtained, it was found that N2O is a very safe and useful drug that delivers a comfortable patient for dental treatment. How to cite this article: Khinda V, Rao D, Sodhi SPS, et al. Physiological Effects, Psychomotor Analysis, Cognition, and Recovery Pattern in Children Undergoing Primary Molar Extractions under Nitrous Oxide Sedation Using Two Different Induction Techniques: A Split-mouth Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-2):S131-S137.

Primordial-level Preventive Measures for Dental Care Providers against Life-threatening Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).

The outbreak of this corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan city in China and now it has become a global issue. The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded globally has surpassed 100,000. The mode of transmission of COVID-19 is usually from person to person and it could also be through direct transmission such as cough, sneeze, and inhalation of droplets. Dental care providers are at higher risk since they are more prone to cross contamination with the patient's saliva and aerosols that are released during the dental procedures. They can also be transmitted through other routes such as direct contact with blood, oral fluids, and from contaminated instruments. This paper intends to provide primordial-level preventive measures for dental care providers against this life-threatening COVID-19. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Khanagar SB, Al-Ehaideb A, Naik S, et al. Primordial-level Preventive Measures for Dental Care Providers against Life-threatening Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19). Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(2):176-179.

A Comparative Evaluation of Pain Perception and Comfort of a Patient Using Conventional Syringe and Buzzy System.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pain perception and comfort of patient during local anesthesia (LA) delivery using Buzzy system and conventional syringe. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty children aged 5 to 10 years were randomly divided into two groups, the main inclusion criteria being administration of LA for dental treatment. Parameters include Wong Baker face pain reading scale (WBFPRS) for subjective evaluation and pulse oximeter and face leg activity crying consolability (FLACC) scale for objective evaluation. The values obtained were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: FLACC score was higher in conventional group as compared to the Buzzy group, which was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: External cold and vibration via Buzzy can reduce pain and anxiety during LA delivery. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Suohu T, Sharma S, Marwah N, et al. A Comparative Evaluation of Pain Perception and Comfort of a Patient Using Conventional Syringe and Buzzy System. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(1):27-30.

Comparison of Punica granatum, Terminalia chebula, and Vitis vinifera Seed Extracts used as Mouthrinse on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Levels in Children.

AIM: The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of all Punica granatum, Terminalia chebula, and Vitis vinifera on salivary Streptococcus mutans levels in children and also to evaluate their substantivity at an interval of 15 days that is at day 1, days 16, and 31. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed for a randomized clinical double-blinded study where 80 children of 8-15 years of age were living in a residential premise. Subjects were randomly divided into 4 groups of 20 each to whom mouthrinses were given. The criteria for assessing the efficacy was done by collecting the saliva sample for pH, buffering capacity, plaque index, and Streptococcus mutans microbiologic assay. These values were assessed at the baseline, days 16, and 31. Children were asked to discontinue mouthrinse from days 16 to 31. The supervisor was trained to administer the mouthrinses properly. RESULTS: The data were coded and analysis was done using the SPSS version 20. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. The pH and buffering capacity showed that values were almost the same among all four groups at various time intervals which showed statistically nonsignificant results. Punica granatum showed a maximum reduction in S. mutans count followed by T. chebula and V. vinifera, although they were statistically nonsignificant. The Vitis vinifera group had successfully reduced more plaque score at day 16 (0.04) followed by T. chebula (0.09) and P. granatum (0.12). CONCLUSION: This in vivo study implied that V. vinifera had shown the lowest plaque reduction owing to its antioxidant and phytochemical properties. And P. granatum showed the maximum substantivity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Mouthrinses helped in reducing plaque deposition, caries activity, and helped in oral hygiene maintenance. Hereby, we can conclude that nutraceutical mouthrinses are safe in children and produced superior results than the chemical mouthrinses.

Comparative Evaluation of Effects of Triphala, Garlic Extracts, and Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Counts and Oral Hygiene Status.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine and compare the effect of triphala, chlorhexidine gluconate, and garlic extract mouthwash on salivary Streptococcus mutans count and the oral hygiene status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty children aged 9 to 12 years were randomly allocated into the study groups of triphala mouthwash, chlorhexidine mouthwash, garlic extracts mouth-wash, and distilled water mouthwash. Examination included decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft)/decayed, missing, filled surface (dmfs) and DMFT/DMFS, plaque index, and S. mutans count on days 1, 15, and 30. RESULTS: The results were statistically analyzed using Friedman test, Wilcoxon signed rank, repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, post hoc Tukey's honestly significant different (HSD), Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney test; all calculations were done by MEDCALC software 14.0.0 version. DISCUSSION: Streptococcus mutans count had significant reductions using different mouthwashes at 15 days, but the chlorhexidine group showed significant difference from the remaining three groups. Intergroup comparison for plaque index scores of triphala, chlorhexidine, and garlic groups was similar in preventing plaque build-up during the 15 days of mouthwash use. CONCLUSION: All the three mouthwashes containing triphala, chlorhexidine gluconate, and garlic were comparably efficient in reducing the salivary S. mutans count as well as in limiting plaque score; however, chlorhexidine was the most effective in this aspect. In comparison of the two natural ingredients, Triphala is more effective in its antimicrobial effect.How to cite this article: Padiyar B, Marwah N, Gupta S, Padiyar N. Comparative Evaluation of Effects of Triphala, Garlic Extracts, and Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Counts and Oral Hygiene Status. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(4):299-306.

Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase-Biomarkers of Stress in Children undergoing Extraction: An in vivo Study.

AIM: The anxiety of dental procedure evokes physiological response in the human body similar to fear. The level of cortisol and alpha-amylase in saliva can be considered as one of the major biomarkers of stress and anxiety. Our study was aimed to correlate the stress and anxiety with the levels of salivary cortisol (SC) and salivary alpha-amylase (SAA) in patients undergoing routine dental extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The levels of SC and SAA were assessed pre- and postextraction in the salivary samples of 20 children. RESULTS: The values of cortisol and alpha-amylase showed a significant increase postextraction. CONCLUSION: Salivary cortisol and SAA can be considered an important and noninvasive tool for assessment of anxiety, such as dental extraction, in children. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Increase in the stress levels of a child in the dental operatory procedures like tooth extraction suggests the use of some behavior modification and shaping techniques by dentists to overcome the anxiety of the child before commencement of the procedure. This can aid in better cooperation of the child during treatment as well as helps in internal motivation toward future dental treatment.How to cite this article: Chaturvedi Y, Chaturvedy S, Marwah N, Chaturvedi S, Agarwal S, Agarwal N. Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-amylase-Biomarkers of Stress in Children undergoing Extraction: An in vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018; 11(3):214-218.

Morphological and dimensional characteristics of dental arch in children with beta thalassemia major.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the arch dimensions of beta thalassemia major patients in comparison with normal individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental arch dimensions were compared between thalassemic patients and normal individuals in the age group of 12-16 years in the maxillary and mandibular arch corresponding to each other regarding age, sex and Angle's molar relationship. A total number of sixty cases in each group were taken. Maxillary and mandibular impressions were made with alginate for all the sixty participants in each group and poured with die stone. Measurement of inter incisor, inter canine, inter premolar and intermolar arch width, arch depth, right anterior, right posterior, left anterior, and left posterior arch length was carried out from each cast using digital Vernier caliper. RESULTS: Unpaired t-test was used for comparison between the two groups. Statistically, a significant difference was found between the case and control groups in the maxillary arch in intercanine width, inter premolar width, intermolar width, right anterior arch length, right posterior arch length, and left anterior arch length. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups in inter incisor width, left posterior arch length, and arch depth in the maxillary arch. In the mandibular arch, statistically significant difference was found between the case and control groups in inter canine width, inter premolar width, inter molar width, and left anterior arch length. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the case and control groups in the mandibular arch in interincisor width, right anterior arch length, right posterior arch length, and left posterior arch length. CONCLUSION: Dental arch widths and arch lengths were significantly reduced in thalassemic patients as compared to normal individuals for the maxillary and mandibular arches.

Prevalence of Dental Caries in Children of Age 5 to 13 Years in District of Vaishali, Bihar, India.

CONTEXT: Dental caries is the most common type of oral health problem globally. It is known to have multifactorial etiology with a number of variables that influence the prevalence of the condition. AIM: The present study was carried out in the district of Vaishali, Bihar, India, with an aim to determine the prevalence of dental caries in children of 5 to 13 years. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: It was a descriptive type of epidemiological study and the design adopted for the study was cross-sectional. No active intervention and follow-up examinations were performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,000 children of 5 to 13 year age group were examined for the study. The study population was categorized based on age, sex, location, and socioeconomic status. The examination procedure and criteria were those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data obtained from the survey were subjected to statistical evaluation using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Test for significance was done with the help of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square test. RESULTS: The difference in the caries prevalence between the age groups and between the socioeconomic level was very highly significant (p = 0.000). There was a statistically significant difference observed in the prevalence of caries between the sexes (p = 0.016) as well as between urban and rural (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: It is expected that the data obtained with the help of this survey will prove to be very useful to the concerned authorities in handling dental caries which is a biosocial disease rooted in the technology and economy of our society.How to cite this article: Goenka P, Dutta S, Marwah N, Sarawgi A, Nirwan M, Mishra P. Prevalence of Dental Caries in Children of Age 5 to 13 Years in District of Vaishali, Bihar, India. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(5):359-364.

A comparative evaluation of retention of pit and fissure sealant bonded using sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-generation adhesives: An in vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is one of the most common preventable childhood infections. a number of measures are available to prevent occlusal caries; pit and fissure sealants are one of the various methods currently available to cost effectively reduce dental caries. AIM: To evaluate the retention of pit and fissure sealant bonded using sixth (Adper promt), seventh (Optibond) and eighth (Futurabond Dual Cure) generations of adhesives. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 37 healthy children who fulfilled the inclusion were randomly selected. A total of 148 teeth (4 in each subject) were used as samples for the study. METHODS AND MATERIAL: The teeth to be sealed were then isolated using rubber dam. The placement of adhesives was done using split mouth design. The first permanent molars were randomly divided into four groups on the basis of sealant placed without and with using 6th, 7th and 8th generation bonding agents as follows: GROUP A (N=37):- Pit and fissure sealant placed without bonding agent. GROUP B (N=37):- Pit and fissure sealant placed following sixth generation bonding agent (ADPER PROMT). GROUP C (N=37):- Pit and fissure sealant placed following seventh generation bonding agent. (OPTIBOND). GROUP D (N=37):- Pit and fissure sealant placed following eighth generation bonding agent. (FUTURA BOND DUAL CURE). The integrity of the sealant placed was assessed immediately after completion of the procedure, 3 months and 6 months after placement. The post-operative evaluation for retention was done using Simonsen criteria. A score of 0 was given for complete retention, 1 for partial retention and 2 for no retention. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software version 21. RESULTS: It was found that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups after 3 and 6 months as the value obtained (0.133) was much greater than the p-value (0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that the use of bonding agent prior to application of pit and fissure sealant does not necessarily aid in retention of sealant as compared to pit and fissure sealant placed without bonding agent, Sealants effectiveness is directly related to its retention and it dependent on application procedures. The failure of retention of pit and fissure sealants can attribute to moisture contamination, improper curing methods, inadequate adhesion, improper application procedure or early age placement.