Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy and Clinical Outcomes of Triphala and 2.5% Sodium Hypochlorite as Intraradicular Irrigants in Pulpectomy of Primary Teeth.

A natural irrigation solution with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial coverage, triphala was selected for the pulpectomy procedure. Because of its natural ingredients, it is well-known for promoting tissue healing. It also supposedly has certain additional qualities as compared to usual irrigation solutions that are made chemically. Although 2.5% NaOCl is thought to be perfect since it meets most of the requirements for an irrigation solution but it cannot be optimized for pulpectomy procedure. Primary teeth that were recommended for pulpectomy underwent this randomized controlled experiment. Two groups of eighty-four primary teeth were randomly assigned to receive irrigations: triphala in Group A; 2.5% Sodium hypochlorite in Group B. Sample were taken from infected primary root canals. A sterile test tube with bhi broth as the transport media was used to collect pre- and post-irrigation samples using sterile absorbent paper tips. On agar media, microorganisms were cultivated and their mean colony count was assessed. Following the procedure, the patient's follow-up visits at one, two and three months were used to evaluate the clinical result. The post-microbial colony count was dramatically reduced (p<0.001) by both irrigation treatments. Triphala in Group A is demonstrating desirable efficacy. Clinical success was found satisfactory in both the groups studied (p<0.001). But statistically significant difference was not found (p=0.175). Considering undesirable properties of sodium hypochlorite triphala can be a better alternative as a root canal irrigants in pulpectomy of primary teeth.

Allium Sativum Oil as an Alternative Non-Vital Pulpotomy Medicament in Primary Teeth - A Randomised Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To use Allium sativum oil as non-vital pulpotomy medicament in primary teeth by evaluating its antibacterial effect (Colony-Forming Units/ml- CFU/ml), against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. STUDY DESIGN: A double-blinded, randomised controlled trial. Place and Duration of the Study: Paediatric Dentistry Department, de' Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore in collaboration with the Microbiology Department, Lahore General Hospital, from October 2022 to February 2023. METHODOLOGY: Forty patients aged between 4 to 8 years, each containing at least one non-vital primary molar, were randomly divided into Group A (Formocresol) and Group B (Allium sativum oil) using the lottery method. Non-vital pulpotomy (NVP) was performed by removing the coronal necrotic pulp. Sterile paper points were dipped in the root canals and taken to the laboratory. Cotton pellets soaked in the respective medicaments were placed over the root canal orifices and filled temporarily. Patients were recalled after one week. Samples were again taken, and the tooth was restored. Comparison was made between bacterial count at baseline and after one week of treatment, and it was expressed as CFU/ml. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in median Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus bacterial count in each group after one week of treatment (p <0.001). Formocresol showed a higher average reduction (30300 ± 14060) compared to Allium sativum oil (24850 ± 9121). However, statistically, the difference was insignificant (p = 0.314) indicating both the medicaments possessed comparable antibacterial effects. CONCLUSION: Allium sativum oil was found an effective alternative to Formocresol. KEY WORDS: Formocresol, Allium sativum, Non-vital pulpotomy, Primary teeth, Randomised controlled trial.

Predictors of Developmental Defects of Enamel in Primary Maxillary Central Incisors Using Bayesian Model Selection.

INTRODUCTION: Localized non-inheritable developmental defects of tooth enamel (DDE) are classified as enamel hypoplasia (EH), opacity (OP), and post-eruptive breakdown (PEB) using the enamel defects index. To better understand the etiology of DDE, we assessed the linkages amongst exposome variables for these defects during the specific time duration for enamel mineralization of the human primary maxillary central incisor enamel crowns. In general, these two teeth develop between 13 and 14 weeks in utero and 3-4 weeks' postpartum of a full-term delivery, followed by tooth eruption at about 1 year of age. METHODS: We utilized existing datasets for mother-child dyads that encompassed 12 weeks' gestation through birth and early infancy, and child DDE outcomes from digital images of the erupted primary maxillary central incisor teeth. We applied a Bayesian modeling paradigm to assess the important predictors of EH, OP, and PEB. RESULTS: The results of Gibbs variable selection showed a key set of predictors: mother's prepregnancy body mass index (BMI); maternal serum concentrations of calcium and phosphorus at gestational week 28; child's gestational age; and both mother's and child's functional vitamin D deficiency (FVDD). In this sample of healthy mothers and children, significant predictors for OP included the child having a gestational period >36 weeks and FVDD at birth, and for PEB included a mother's prepregnancy BMI <21.5 and higher serum phosphorus concentration at week 28. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our methodology and results provide a roadmap for assessing timely biomarker measures of exposures during specific tooth development to better understand the etiology of DDE for future prevention.

Effect of lactoferrin on enamel characteristics of primary and permanent teeth: an in-vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Lactoferrin, a glycoprotein naturally found in breast milk, is known for its bactericidal and antiviral properties, as well as its capacity to modulate the immune system; therefore, pediatricians routinely recommend it as dietary support. The objective of this study was to determine how lactoferrin oral suspension could affect the enamel surface characteristics of primary and permanent teeth. METHODS: This research was conducted on 40 unidentified extracted teeth, including primary and permanent teeth. Experimental teeth were free of cracks or enamel defects, as confirmed by careful examination using a dental operating microscope. The crowns were bisected into 80 specimens and assorted into two groups based on the type of dentition. Group DM included 40 specimens of second deciduous molars, while Group PM contained 40 samples of first premolars. Each of the DM and PM specimens was subsequently split based on the type of dispersion medium into two subgroups: a control subgroup (artificial saliva) and a test subgroup (lactoferrin suspension). The specimens were immersed in lactoferrin suspension for two minutes, then kept in artificial saliva for the rest of the 24 h for 30 successive days. This is a pioneering study about the effect of orally supplemented lactoferrin on teeth; therefore, we examined enamel hardness, ultra-morphology, and mineral contents. RESULTS: Our findings indicated a highly significant decrease (p < 0.01) in the microhardness of the lactoferrin subgroup in Group DM (second deciduous molars) and a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the microhardness of the lactoferrin subgroup in Group PM (premolars). Calcium weight% was not statistically different (p > 0.05) compared with a significant decline (p < 0.05) in phosphorus weight% in lactoferrin subgroups in both DM and PM groups. The enamel surface of lactoferrin subgroups in both DM and PM groups was demineralized and porous, with the enamel of deciduous teeth being more affected by lactoferrin than permanent teeth. CONCLUSION: Lactoferrin suspension decreased the microhardness of enamel and both calcium and phosphorus weight percentages. Both dentitions exhibited erosions in the enamel surface, with primary teeth being more affected than the permanent teeth.

Limas rotatorias de uso en Odontopediatría: revisión de la literatura / Rotary files for use in pediatric dentistry: Literature review

Introducción: Los dientes primarios juegan un importante papel en el crecimiento y desarrollo general de los niños, por lo que es necesario conservarlos hasta el momento de su recambio fisiológico. Cuando existe una afectación pulpar que compromete la vitalidad del diente, la pulpectomía se convierte en un reto para el odontopediatra debido a la compleja anatomía radicular de los dientes primarios. En esta revisión bibliográfica se darán a conocer diferentes sistemas de limas usados en odontopediatría, y así brindar una mirada actualizada de la instrumentación rotatoria al realizar pulpectomías en los molares primarios. Material y Método: se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Pubmed y Web of Science de acuerdo con criterios de inclusión y exclusión previamente establecidos. Resultados: tras aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión fueron seleccionados un total de 30 referencias bibliográficas de los últimos 15 años. Conclusión: las limas rotatorias pediátricas pueden considerarse alternativas seguras y más eficientes en la realización de pulpectomías en molares primarios, ya que se reduce el tiempo de tratamiento, se produce desbridamiento completo de los conductos y se mantiene la función del diente hasta su exfoliación. (AU)

Introduction: Primary teeth play an important role in the growth and development of children, so it is necessary to keep them until the moment of their physiological replacement. When there is a pulp involvement that compromises the vitality of the tooth, pulpectomy treatment becomes a challenge for the pediatric dentist due to the complex root anatomy of primary teeth. This review of the literature will present different file systems used in primary teeth and provide an updated look at rotary instrumentation when performing pulpectomies on primary molars. Material and Method: a bibliographic search was carried out in Pubmed and Web of Science according to previously established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 30 bibliographic references from the last 15 years were selected. Conclusion: pediatric rotary files can be considered safe and more efficient alternatives in performing pulpectomies on primary molars, due to treatment time is reduced, complete debridement of the root canals is produced, and tooth function is maintained until exfoliation. (AU)

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Various Herbal Products Used with Zinc Oxide as an Obturating Material in Primary Teeth: An In Vivo Study.

AIM: To compare the clinical and radiographically mixture of zinc oxide with Aloe vera, Curcumin and neem as an obturating material for pulpectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study comprised of age group 4-8 years children requiring endodontic treatment for at least a single primary molar tooth. Sixty primary molar teeth from 43 children were divided equally and randomly into four study groups. The materials used for obturation were zinc oxide powder (ZnO) and Eugenol (ZOE) (group I), ZnO and Aloe vera Gel (group II), ZnO and Curcumin Powder (group III), ZnO and neem extract (group IV). They were evaluated clinically and radiographically at immediate postoperative and then at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 9-month intervals. RESULTS: At the end of 9 months, the Chi-square test revealed 100% success rate for recovery of pain in group I and III, 66.66% in group II and 93.3% in group IV. The success rates for absence of abscess and for periradicular radiolucency in group I, III, and group IV were 100% and 66.6% for group II. The success rate for periapical radiolucency in group I and group III was 100%, in group II 66.6% and in group IV 93.35%. The success rate for all the groups shows 100% success in terms of pathological root resorption. CONCLUSION: Zinc oxide eugenol has proven to be the best obturating material. ZnO with Aloe vera showed a success rate which is significantly lower than the other medicaments. ZnO with Curcumin and ZnO with neem had shown promising clinical and radiographical results. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: ZnO with Curcumin and ZnO with neem can be used as a root canal filling material in primary teeth with further follow-up studies.

Examining the Role of Vitamin D in Caries Susceptibility in Children's Deciduous Teeth: A Systematic Review.

The global prevalence of dental caries in deciduous teeth remains a significant health concern, affecting almost 70% of children by the age of six in specific regions. This systematic review aspired to methodically investigate the association between vitamin D levels and susceptibility to caries in children's deciduous teeth. A detailed search, guided by the PRISMA and PROSPERO guidelines, was conducted across three prominent electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, culminating in August 2023. The search integrated various keywords related to vitamin D and dental caries in primary dentition, yielding an initial pool of 1678 articles. After meticulous scrutiny, seven studies with a total of 7655 participants were deemed suitable for inclusion. The studies represented diverse geographical regions, showcasing varied vitamin D levels and sun exposure. Patient habits like brushing frequency, dental visits, and vitamin consumption also varied across studies. The analysis pinpointed vitamin D deficiency as a potential risk factor in some of the studies, with Odds Ratios (OR) ranging from 0.68 to 2.15. Statistically significant associations between vitamin D deficiency and caries susceptibility were documented in three studies (ORs of 2.15, 1.98, and 1.70). This comprehensive review elucidates the complex relationship between vitamin D levels and dental caries in children's deciduous teeth. While some studies spotlight vitamin D's pivotal role in dental health, inconsistencies across studies and regional differences necessitate more in-depth, globally representative investigations. Ensuring optimal vitamin D levels may play an integral role in dental health strategies. However, it is important to highlight that the roles of these studied factors might differ in deciduous teeth compared to permanent teeth.

Effect of enamel surface coating on staining capability due to iron containing supplements on primary teeth: An in vitro study.

Background: Iron supplements prescribed to anemic children may results in teeth staining. Possible methods for preventing staining of primary teeth following exposure to iron supplements are need of an hour. Aim: This study was conducted with the aim to assess effect of enamel surface coating on staining capability of iron containing supplements in primary teeth. Settings and Design: This is an in vitro Experimental study. Methods: Hundred and forty-four primary incisors with intact crowns were sequentially numbered and randomly divided into four main groups of 36 samples receiving different enamel surface coating such as no surface coating, MI fluoride varnish™, GC G-coat Plus™ and GC-Equia®-forte-coat. Each group was subdivided into two groups, namely A (sound teeth) and B (artificially demineralized teeth). All the samples were immersed in 250 ml artificial saliva containing 10 ml of iron supplement to make the iron concentration 100 mg. The shade of the teeth was measured at baseline and at 90 days, using VITA Easy shade® V digital spectrophotometer. The data was statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses was made via SPSS 23. Results: Overall color change was found to be significantly less at the end of 90th day in sound samples when GC-Equia®-forte-coat was used as an enamel surface coating with pvalue of 0.017. In demineralized samples the overall color change was least at the end of 90th day when MI Varnish™ used as an enamel surface coating with P = 0.042. Conclusions: GC-Equia®-forte-coat, MI Varnish™ and GC-G-coat-plus™ can be used as a preventive or a precautionary measure to minimizes the staining of teeth. The amount of color change at the end of 90 days with GC-Equia®-forte-coat was least followed by MI varnish™, GC G coat Plus™ and control group.

Evaluation of the impact of fluoride in drinking water and tea on the enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth.

BACKGROUND: Systemic fluoride intake is predominantly derived from drinking water and tea. It's been noted that water and tea containing fluoride, within the boundaries set by the World Health Organization, can lessen the prevalence of dental caries. A review of the literature did not uncover any study that has examined the impact of fluoride in bottled drinking water and tea on enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth. Thus, we assessed the effects of fluoride present in seven different brands of bottled water from distinct geographical regions of Turkey, and a type of tea produced and packaged in Turkey, on the enamel of deciduous and permanent teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fluoride analysis was performed on drinking water sourced from seven different regions of Turkey and a brand of tea brewed with these waters. The tea was harvested and packaged in Turkey. The analysis was conducted using an ion-selective electrode. In total, 112 tooth enamel samples (56 deciduous molars and 56 permanent molars) were randomly divided into eight distinct groups. These were kept in water for 15 min and tea for 15 min every day for a month. The eighth group was treated with fluoride gel prior to tea and water applications. The amount of fluoride in the tooth enamel structure was evaluated using an SEM EDX device before and after the experiment. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in fluoride content of enamel between water brands and tooth type (deciduous and permanent teeth). Fluoride levels were higher in the enamel of deciduous teeth than in permanent teeth. CONCLUSION: Regular exposure of enamel samples to black tea and water led to an increase in fluoride levels in the enamel; thus, regular consumption of black tea and fluoride water could help reduce the prevalence of dental caries.

Fetal Age Assessment From Primary Teeth and Long Bones.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated traditional and expedited methods for assessing the age of fetal remains. Because of their rare occurrence, the discovery of fresh, decomposing, disfigured, or skeletal fetuses engenders heightened awareness by forensic pathologists primarily tasked with age estimation in relation to viability. With decomposed complete or isolated fetal remains, dentists focus on primary molar mineralization, whereas anthropologists perform long bone measurements along with discernment of other indicators of skeletal maturity to obtain an age estimation.The results of this study are 4-fold: (1) The "best" technique for harvesting fetal tooth buds and long bones is the dissection of the developing tooth buds with maceration for the long bones. (2) Metric analysis was applied to the tooth buds and long bones for age estimation, and the findings were correlated. (3) There is a statistically significant difference between known age and dental age and between dental age and long bone age. The difference between known age and long bone age is not statistically significant, but a type II error exists because of the small sample size. (4) A central incisor staging technique for fetuses younger than 26 weeks was developed as a supplement to the molar staging system of Kraus and Jordan (1965).

A digital intervention using virtual reality helmets to reduce dental anxiety of children under local anesthesia and primary teeth extraction: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Behavior management of children during dental treatment is an important but challenging issue. As a new technique, VR has been applied in pediatric dental anxiety. But there is no final conclusion whether VR reduces children's dental anxiety. METHODS: The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of a digital intervention using virtual reality (VR) helmets on dental anxiety, pain perception, and behavior triggered for children, as well as occurrence of simulator sickness in local anesthesia and primary teeth extraction. A total of 128 children, who needed primary teeth extraction under local anesthesia, were randomly allocated into two groups: use VR helmets and traditional behavior guidance procedures (control). Modified Child Fear Survey Schedule Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS), Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale, Houpt Scale, and Simulator sickness questionnaire (SSQ) were used to assess children's dental anxiety, pain perception, and behavior triggered and occurrence of simulator sickness. RESULTS: CFSS-DS score in the VR group was significantly decreased after dental treatment (34.58±6.90 before operation and 32.32±15.58 after operation, p = .02). The score of Wong Baker Scale in the VR group (3.47±0.76) was significantly lower than that in the control group (5.56±1.13, p = .015). There was no significant difference in the Houpt Behavior Scale score and the SSQ score between the VR group and the control group (p = .35, p = .305). CONCLUSION: The use of VR helmets in primary teeth extraction can significantly reduce dental anxiety and pain perception in children without occurrence of simulator sickness.

Lineamientos para el uso de terapias pulpares en dientes primarios con pulpas no-vitales / Diretriz sobre o uso de terapia pulpar devitalizada para dentes decíduos / Guidelines for the use of pulp therapy in primary teeth with non-vital pulps

Objetivo: Presentar lineamientos basados en evidencia para el tratamiento de pulpas no vitales debidas a caries profundas o traumatismos en dientes primarios. Métodos: el Grupo de Trabajo de la Academia Americana de Odontología Pediátrica AAPD realizó una revisión sistemática/meta-análisis de estudios acerca de terapia para pulpa no vital en dientes primarios, producto de caries o trauma, usando el enfoque GRADE para determinar el nivel de certeza de la evidencia para recomendaciones clínicas. Resultados: La determinación de GRADE fue de elevada a muy baja. Al comparar dientes con o sin resorción radicular, el éxito de la pulpectomía fue mayor (p<0,001) en los que no presentaban resorción radicular antes del tratamiento. El éxito de las pulpototmías obturadas con ZO/yodoformo/HC EndoflasTM(Laboratorios Sanlor, Cali, Colombia) y ZOE (óxido de zinc con eugenol) no fue diferente al yodoformo(yodoformo + hidróxido de calcio, VitapexTM o MetapexTM) después de 18 meses (p= 0,55); sin embargo el éxito de ZO/iodoformo/HC y ZOE fue cercano al 90% mientras que el del yodoformo fue 71% o menor. El análisis de red demostró que ZO/iodoformo/HC y ZOE son mejores que yodoformo. ELRP fue mejor que pulpectomía (p<0,001) en dientes con resorción radicular previa al tratamiento, pero la pulpectomía fue superior si las raíces estaban íntegras (p= 0,09). La instrumentación de los conductos radiculares fue significativamente más rápida (p<0,001) que la instrumentación manual, pero la calidad de la obturación no presentó diferencia (p= 0,09) y ambas técnicas presentaron éxito similar. El análisis de red clasificó al ZO/iodoformo/HC como mejor, ZOE en segundo lugar, y yodoformo en último lugar a los 18 meses. La tasa de éxito no fue impactada por el método de obturación, método de determinación de la longitud radicular, tipo de diente, número de citas, agentes de irrigación, remoción de la capa de desechos dentinarios o momento/tipo de restauración definitiva. Conclusiones: La tasa de éxito a 18 meses para pulpectomías demuestran que ZO/iodoformo/HC y ZOE son superiores al yodoformo. Las indicaciones de ELRP están limitadas a dientes con resorción radicular y requiere la realización de un seguimiento cercano.

Objetivo: Apresentar uma orientação baseada em evidência para terapias pulpar não vitais de cárie profundas ou trauma em dentes deciduos. Métodos: Um grupo de trabalho da AAPD realizou uma revisão/análise sistemática para estudos não vitais de dentes deciduos resultantes de trauma ou cárie e utilizou a abordagem GRADE para avaliar o nível de certeza de evidência para recomendações clínicas. Resultados: O GRADE foi avaliado de nível alto à muito baixo. Comparando os dentes com/sem reabsorção radicular, o sucesso da pulpectomia foi melhor (p<0,001) naqueles sem reabsorção radicular pré-operatória. OZ/iodofórmio/HC (óxido de zinco + iodofórmio + hidróxido de cálcio; EndoflasTM) e OZE (óxido de zinco e eugenol) o sucesso da pulpectomia não diferiu do iodofórmio (iodofórmio + hidróxido de cálcio; VitapexTM, MetapexTM) (p= 0,55) após 18 meses; contudo, as taxas de sucesso de OZ/iodofórmio/HC e OZE permaneceram perto de 90% enquanto que o iodofórmio foi de 71% ou menos. As taxas de análise da rede mostraram que o OZ/iodofórmio/HC e OZE era melhor do que o iodofórmio. LERT foi melhor (p<0,001) do que a pulpectomia nos dentes com reabsorção radicular pré-operatória, mas os resultados da pulpectomia foram melhores (p= 0,.09) se as raízes estivessem intactas. A instrumentação rotatória dos canais radiculares foi significativamente mais rápida (p<0,001) do que manual, mas a qualidade do preenchimento não diferiu (p= 0.09) e ambos tiveram sucesso comparável. A análise de rede classificou OZ/iodofórmio/HC como o melhor, OZE segundo, e iodofórmio como o mais baixo aos 18 meses. As taxas de sucesso não foram influenciadas pelo método de obturação ou determinação do comprimento da raiz, tipo de dente, número de visitas, irrigantes, remoção da lama dentinária, ou tempo/tipo de restauração final. Conclusões: As taxas de sucesso da pulpectomia de 18 meses favoreceram pulpectomias com OZ/iodofórmio/HC e OZE sobre iodofórmio. O LERT demonstrou indicação limitada para dentes com raízes reabsorvidas e requer um acompanhamento assíduo.

Abstract: Purpose: To present an evidence-based guideline for non-vital pulp therapies due to deep caries or trauma in primary teeth. Methods: The authors, working with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, conducted a systematic review/meta-analysis for studies on non-vital primary teeth resulting from trauma or caries and used the GRADE approach to assess level of certainty of evidence for clinical recommendations. Results: GRADE was assessed from high to very low. Comparing teeth with/without root resorption, pulpectomy success was better (P<0.001) in those without preoperative root resorption. Zinc oxide plus iodoform plus calcium hydroxide ([ZO/iodoform/CH]; EndoflasTM) and zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE) pulpectomy success did not differ from iodoform (iodoform plus calcium hydroxide; VitapexTM, MetapexTM) (P=0.55) after 18-months; however, ZO/iodoform/CH and ZOE success rates remained near 90 percent while iodoform was 71 percent or less. Network analysis ratings showed ZO/iodoform/CH and ZOE better than iodoform. Lesion sterilization tissue repair (LSTR) was better (P<0.001) than pulpectomy in teeth with preoperative root resorption, but pulpectomy results were better (P=0.09) if roots were intact. Rotary instrumentation of root canals was significantly faster (P<0.001) than manual, but the quality of fill did not differ (P=0.09) and both had comparable success. Network analysis ranked ZO/iodoform/CH the best, ZOE second, and iodoform lowest at 18 months. Success rates were not impacted by method of obturation or root length determination, type of tooth, number of visits, irrigants, smear layer removal, or timing/type of final restoration. Conclusions: Pulpectomy 18-month success rates supported ZO/iodoform/CH and ZOE pulpectomy over iodoform.

Evidence of habitual behavior from non-alimentary dental wear on deciduous teeth from the Middle and Upper Paleolithic Cantabrian region, Northern Spain.

The use of 'teeth as tools' (non-masticatory or cultural-related dental wear) has largely been employed as a proxy for studying of past human behavior, mainly in permanent dentition from adult individuals. Here we present the analysis of the non-masticatory dental wear modifications on the deciduous dentition assigned to eight Neanderthal and anatomically modern human subadult individuals from Mousterian to Magdalenian technocultural contexts in the Cantabrian region (Northern Spain). Although preliminary, we tentatively suggest that these eight subadults present activity-related dental wear, including cultural striations, chipped enamel, toothpick grooves, and subvertical grooves. We also found evidence of habitual dental hygienic practices in the form of toothpicking on a deciduous premolar. Orientation of the cultural striations indicates similar handedness development as in modern children. Taken together, these dental wear patterns support the participation of young individuals in group activities, making them potential contributors to group welfare. This study potentially adds new evidence to the importance of the use of the mouth in paramasticatory activities or as a third hand throughout the Pleistocene, which can be confirmed with a more specific reference sample.

New insights from Raman MicroSpectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy on the microstructure and chemical composition of vestibular and lingual surfaces in permanent and deciduous human teeth.

Teeth are characterized by a specific chemical composition and microstructure, which are related to their nature, permanent and deciduous, and to the sides, lingual and vestibular. Deeper knowledge in this topic could be useful in clinical practice to develop new strategies in restorative dentistry and in the choice of materials with the best performances. In this study, Raman MicroSpectroscopy (RMS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS), and Vickers MicroHardness (VMH) were exploited to: (1) identify the microstructure and the chemical/elemental composition of permanent and deciduous human teeth, also characterizing their lingual and vestibular sides, and (2) validate a new multidisciplinary analytical approach, for obtaining multiple information on calcified tissues. All applied techniques evidenced differences between permanent and deciduous teeth both in the lingual and vestibular sides. In particular, scanning electron micrographs identified areas with an irregular appearance in the vestibular and lingual sides, which presented also different VMH values. Moreover, RMS and EDS displayed a different chemical/elemental composition in outer and inner enamel and dentin, in terms of Mineral/Matrix, Crystallinity, Carbonates/phosphates, and concentrations by weight (%) of calcium, phosphorous, carbon, magnesium, and sodium. A good linear correlation was found between RMS spectral profiles and EDS and VMH measurements, suggesting that RMS may be considered a useful and non-destructive diagnostic tool for obtaining multiple information on calcified tissues.

Could the photobiomodulation therapy induce angiogenic growth factors expression from dental pulp cells?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different photobiomodulation (PBM) radiant exposures on the viability, proliferation, and gene expression of pulp fibroblasts from human primary teeth (HPF) involved in the pulp tissue repair. HPF were irradiated with Laser InGaAlP (Twin Flex Evolution, MMOptics®) at 660-nm wavelength (red); single time, continuous mode, 0.04-cm2 laser tip area, and 0.225-cm laser tip diameter, keeping the distance of 1 mm between the laser beam and the cell culture. The doses used were between 1.2 and 6.2 J/cm2 and were evaluated at the 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after PBM. MTT and crystal violet assays evaluated the cell viability and proliferation. RT-PCR verified VEGF and FGF-2 mRNA expression. A blinded examiner analyzed the data through two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test (p < 0.05). The groups with higher powers (10 mW, 15 mW, 20 mW, and 25 mW), shortest application periods (10 s), and radiant exposures between 2.5 and 6.2 J/cm2 exhibited statistically higher viability than that of the groups with small power (5 mW), longer application period (50 s), and radiant exposure of 6.2 J/cm2 (p < 0.05). VEGF and FGF-2 mRNA expression were observed at the three evaluated periods (6 h, 12 h, and 24 h) and the highest expression was in the shortest period (p < 0.05). All radiant exposures maintained HPF viable. The period of 6 h after irradiation showed statistically greater gene expression for both growth factors than other periods. VEGF mRNA had no differences among the dosimetries studied. The best radiant exposures for FGF-2 gene expression were 2.5 J/cm2 and 3.7 J/cm2.

Remineralization efficacy of nonfluoride versus herbal-based pediatric dentifrice in demineralized primary teeth.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is one of the most prevalent posteruptive bacterial infections worldwide, characterized by a progressive demineralization process that affects the mineralized dental tissues. Although the decline of dental caries prevalence can be attributed to the widespread use of dentifrices that contain fluoride, yet there is a need for an advanced alternative nonfluoride remineralizing dentifrice. Yet, there is a need for an advanced alternative nonfluoride remineralizing dentifrice. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the remineralizing effect of nonfluoride-based and herbal-based pediatric dentifrice in demineralized primary teeth with an ideal in vitro method of pH cycling and evaluating the values under Polarized Light Microscope (Olympus BX43) using image analysis software (ProgRes, Speed XT core3). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 tooth samples were collected and placed in the demineralizing solution for 96 h to produce a demineralized lesion of approximately 100 µm, and then cut longitudinally into 60 sections that were randomly assigned to two groups with 27 samples each, Group A - nonfluoride-based dentifrice (Mee Mee®), Group B - herbal-based dentifrice (Mamaearth™), after which they were subjected to pH cycling for 7 days along with dentifrice slurry preparation. The sections were evaluated under the polarizing light microscopy for remineralizing efficacy. The lesion depth was measured and tabulated to be sent for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean demineralization value for nonfluoride and herbal-based dentifrice groups were 7.8730 µm and 28.3174 µm, respectively. Hence, it can be inferred that since lesion depth measured was lesser in nonfluoride than herbal-based dentifrice, remineralization has occurred in the nonfluoride-based dentifrice group. CONCLUSION: Nonfluoride-based dentifrice showed significant results in remineralizing the demineralized lesion, while herbal-based dentifrice showed poor efficiency in remineralizing the demineralized lesion.

Evaluación clínica de acondicionamiento dentinario y presentaciones de ionómeros fotoactivados en odontopediatría / Clinical evaluation of dentin conditioning and different presentations of light cured glass ionomer in primary dentition

Objetivo: Comparar clínicamente el comportamiento, el tiempo operatorio requerido, el costo y la dificultad de diferentes técnicas de restauración en piezas primarias, empleando ionómero vítreo fotoactivado (IVF) polvo/líquido, con y sin uso de acondicionamiento dentinario, y en cápsulas, con acondicionamiento. Materiales y métodos: El diseño de este estudio fue experimental y comparativo. Se realizaron, en 18 pacientes de 7±2 años, 33 restauraciones con IVF de una o más piezas primarias vitales con lesiones amelodentinarias en 1 o 2 superficies. Según su día de concurrencia a la Cátedra de Odontología Integral Niños, se empleó: A) IVF polvo/líquido, con acondicionamiento (3M™ VitremerTM); B) IVF polvo/líquido, sin acondicionamiento (3M™ VitremerTM); y C) IVF en cápsulas, con acondicionamiento (Riva Light Cure). Las restauraciones fueron evaluadas clínicamente al inicio y a los 12 meses según los siguientes criterios: pérdida total, pérdida total con caries, requerimiento de reemplazo por pérdida parcial, requerimiento de reemplazo por caries, aceptable con deterioro, en condiciones. El grado de dificultad se analizó utilizando una planilla diseñada para tal fin. El tiempo operatorio requerido se midió sin considerar el tiempo de inserción. Resultados: El tiempo operatorio requerido fue de 2 minutos, 15 segundos en A; 1 minuto, 25 segundos en B; y 1 minuto, 10 segundos en C, sin considerar el tiempo de inserción. El costo fue 61,11% mayor para C. La dificultad fue de 3,2±0,6 para A y B, y de 1,5±0,7 para C (ANOVA; P<0,001). El comportamiento clínico no registró diferencias significativas entre los grupos (Fisher; P=0,339). Conclusión: Los ionómeros de restauración fotoactivados encapsulados utilizados en este estudio presentaron menor dificultad de manipulación, mayor costo y similar comportamiento clínico a un año que las presentaciones polvo-líquido, con o sin uso de acondicionamiento previo en piezas primarias (AU)

Aim: To assess the clinical performance, operative time required, cost and technical difficulties of different restorative techniques in primary teeth, using light cured glass ionomers (LCG), powder/liquid, with and without dentin conditioning and light cured glass ionomer in capsules with conditioning. Materials and methods: The design of this study was experimental and comparative. 33 restorations with LCG were performed in 18 patients, 7 ± 2-years-old, in one or more vital primary teeth with carious lesions involving one or more tooth surfaces. Patients were assigned to one of the three groups according to the day of the week in which they attended to the Pediatric Department of the Dental School: A) LCG powder/liquid, with conditioning (3M™ VitremerTM); B) LCG powder/liquid without conditioning (3M™ VitremerTM); and C) LCG in capsules with conditioning (Riva Light Cure). The restorations were clinically evaluated at baseline and after 12 months according to the following criteria: complete loss of the restoration, complete loss with caries, need of replacement because of partial loss, need of replacement because of caries, good condition with some wear and good condition. Technical difficulties were analyzed using a data sheet designed for that purpose. The operative time required was evaluated without considering the insertion time. Results: Time operative time required was 2 minutes 15 seconds in A, 1 minute 25 seconds in B and 1 minute 10 seconds in C. Cost was 61.11% higher for C. Difficulty was 3.2±0.6 for A and B and 1.5±0.7 for C (ANOVA; P<0.001). No significant differences were observed among the three groups in relation to the clinical performance (Fisher; P=0.339). Conclusions: In these 12 months, study in primary teeth, the light cured glass ionomers used dispensed in capsules showed to be the easiest to handle, had higher cost and similar clinical performance than the powder liquid presentations with and without dentin conditioner (AU)

Effect of dexamethasone as osteogenic supplementation in in vitro osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth.

In in vitro culture systems, dexamethasone (DEX) has been applied with ascorbic acid (ASC) and ß-glycerophosphate (ßGLY) as culture media supplementation to induce osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. However, there are some inconsistencies regarding the role of DEX as osteogenic media supplementation. Therefore, this study verified the influence of DEX culture media supplementation on the osteogenic differentiation, especially the capacity to mineralize the extracellular matrix of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Five groups were established: G1-SHED + Dulbecco's Modified Eagles' Medium (DMEM) + fetal bovine serum (FBS); G2-SHED + DMEM + FBS + DEX; G3-SHED + DMEM + FBS + ASC + ßGLY; G4-SHED + DMEM + FBS + ASC + ßGLY + DEX; G5-MC3T3-E1 + α Minimal Essential Medium (MEM) + FBS + ASC + ßGLY. DNA content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, free calcium quantification in the extracellular medium, and extracellular matrix mineralization quantification through staining with von Kossa, alizarin red, and tetracycline were performed on days 7 and 21. Osteogenic media supplemented with ASC and ß-GLY demonstrated similar effects on SHED in the presence or absence of DEX for DNA content (day 21) and capacity to mineralize the extracellular matrix according to alizarin red and tetracycline quantifications (day 21). In addition, the presence of DEX in the osteogenic medium promoted less ALP activity (day 7) and extracellular matrix mineralization according to the von Kossa assay (day 21), and more free calcium quantification at extracellular medium (day 21). In summary, the presence of DEX in the osteogenic media supplementation did not interfere with SHED commitment into mineral matrix depositor cells. We suggest that DEX may be omitted from culture media supplementation for SHED osteogenic differentiation in vitro studies.

Photodynamic therapy associated final irrigation in root canals of the primary teeth.

The aim of this study was to analyze, in vitro, the reduction of Enterococcus faecalis in root canals of primary teeth after final irrigation and photodynamic therapy (PDT) use. Twenty primary molars were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis. The teeth were randomly distributed into four groups according to the irrigation solutions and PDT use: G1 (Saline solution and no PDT use), G2 (17 % EDTA and no PDT use), G3 (Saline solution and PDT use) and G4 (17 % EDTA and PDT use). For PDT, 0.005 % toluidine blue was chosen as the photosensitizer, which was inserted in the canals with sterile paper cones. Bacterial counts were performed with a BHI test in blood agar plate, where bacteria were collected inside the canal for 30 s using sterile paper cones. The collection took place before and after the irrigation and PDT protocols. The samples were diluted, spread onto a blood agar plate and then incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. There was a reduction of the microbiota from the irrigation solutions before and after the final irrigation for all groups. It was observed a statistically significant reduction (p < 0,05) when PDT was used (97.6 % at the saline solution and 89.8 % at the 17 % EDTA) when compared to the groups with no PDT use. Our data demonstrated that PDT, according to the parameters used, increased the disinfection performance of the solutions tested in the root canals of primary teeth.

Comparative evaluation of low-level laser therapy on proliferation of long-term cryopreserved human dental pulp cells isolated from deciduous and permanent teeth.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the proliferative effect of low-level laser therapy on long-term cryopreserved dental pulp stem cells (DPSCS) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDS). The DPSCS and SHEDS were divided into 2 main groups according to gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAIAs) diode laser irradiation densities as 5 J/cm2 and 7 J/cm2. Each main group was further divided into 4 groups according to laser irradiation periods as 0, 24, 48, 72 h groups. During the incubation periods, cells received laser irradiation in every 24 h according to their groups and were put into incubator after irradiation. Cell groups that were not subjected to laser irradiation were served as control groups. Viabilities of cells were determined via MTT assay at the end of all incubation periods, and data were statistically analyzed. Laser irradiation demonstrated significant effects on proliferation rate of DPSCs and SHEDs in comparison with control. Intragroup comparison data of DPSCS revealed that repetitive laser irradiation for long term (72 h) increased the cellular viability significantly in comparison with all other treatment groups; however, no significant differences were found when energy densities were compared within each time interval, except for 48 h group at which irradiation with 7 J/cm2 provided significantly higher cell viability rates of SHEDS. DPSCs showed significantly higher cellular viability than SHEDs only for the 7 J/cm2 energy density in 72 h. Longer term (72 h) repetitive laser irradiation with energy densities of 5 and 7 J/cm2 (wavelength of 980 nm) may be recommended to induce the proliferative effect on long-term cryopreserved DPSCS and SHEDS.