Treatment Outcomes of Pulpotomy with Propolis in Comparison with MTA in Human Primary Molars: A 24-month Follow-up Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aim and objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of propolis as pulpotomy medicament in human primary molars. Materials and methods: This randomized controlled trial is a two-arm, parallel group study with blinded outcome assessment. The study included a total of 60 primary molars that require pulpotomy treatment in 4- 8-year old children. Teeth were assigned to two groups randomly: Propolis (Test group); Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) (Control group). All the pulpotomized teeth were given stainless steel crowns and the teeth were evaluated clinically and radiographically at 6, 12, and 24 months to grade them as either success or failure. Chi-square test was employed to analyze the data. Results: Success rates of pulpotomy with propolis and MTA were 80% and 93.1% respectively at 24 months of follow-up interval. Propolis has shown success rates of 90% and 80% at 6- and 12-month follow-up, while MTA has shown a consistent success rate of 93.1% at all the follow-up intervals. The difference in success rate between the groups at all the time intervals is statistically nonsignificant. Conclusion: Propolis has demonstrated a clinically acceptable success rate comparable to MTA as pulpotomy medicament in primary teeth. Clinical significance: Biocompatible materials with regenerative potential have drawn the momentum in vital pulp therapy. In this regard, MTA has been emerged as most successful material, but its high cost has limited its use. Hence, there is an absolute need of cost-effective pulpotomy material with regenerative potential. This study provides an evidence that propolis has clinically acceptable success rate as pulpotomy medicament. Considering its low cost and ready availability, it can be recommended as a cost-effective alternative for primary teeth pulpotomy. How to cite this article: RojaRamya KS, Chandrasekhar R, Uloopi KS, et al. Treatment Outcomes of Pulpotomy with Propolis in Comparison with MTA in Human Primary Molars: A 24-month Follow-up Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-1):S3-S7.

Evaluation of caries arresting potential of silver diamine fluoride and sodium fluoride varnish in primary molars: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Caries management in the modern era has shifted away from the traditional surgical method toward a medical paradigm, which often includes fluoride therapy. Fluoride used in various forms has been proven to be effective in dental caries prevention. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish are effective in arresting caries in primary molars. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 38% SDF and 5% NaF varnish in arresting caries in primary molars. Settings and Design: This study was a split-mouth randomized controlled trial. Materials and Methods: The randomized controlled trial comprised 34 children aged 6-9 years with teeth having caries in both right and left primary molars without pulpal involvement. Teeth were randomly allocated into two groups. In Group 1 (n = 34), 38% SDF + potassium iodide was applied and in Group 2 (n = 34), 5% NaF varnish was applied. The second application was done after 6 months in both groups. Children were recalled at 6- and 12-month intervals and evaluated for caries arrest. Statistical Analysis: Chi-square test was used to analyze the data. Results: Caries arresting potential was found to be higher in the SDF group compared to the NaF varnish group at both 6-month (SDF - 82% and NaF varnish - 45%) and 12-month intervals (SDF - 77% and NaF varnish - 42%) and the difference was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.002 and 0.004, respectively). Conclusion: SDF was more effective in arresting dental caries in primary molars compared to 5% NaF varnish.

Association of serum Vitamin D and salivary calcium and phosphorus levels in 3-11-year-old schoolchildren with dental caries.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D plays an essential role in the formation of healthy teeth, protection against dental caries, and the appropriate secretion of salivary calcium. Salivary calcium and phosphate help in maintaining equilibrium between demineralization and remineralization of teeth. If we know the association between serum Vitamin D and salivary calcium and phosphorus, we may get a clue regarding serum Vitamin D levels which in turn is essential for good oral health. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the association of serum Vitamin D levels and salivary calcium and phosphorus levels in children with dental caries. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a comparative cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred children of age 6-11 years, 50 with Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) ≥5 (test group) and 50 with DMFT = 0 (control group), were included in the study. Oral examination was carried out and DMFT/deft scores were recorded. Serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D levels and salivary calcium and phosphorous levels were measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Independent sample t-test, linear regression analysis, and Pearson correlation test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Children with dental caries have shown lesser mean serum Vitamin D levels (15.37 ± 3.53) than caries-free children (17.26 ± 3.16). Children with decayed teeth have exhibited lower salivary calcium levels (3.92 ± 0.99) than those without caries (4.42 ± 1.37). Conversely, children with dental caries have shown higher mean salivary phosphate levels (6.27 ± 1.74) than caries-free children (5.18 ± 1.47). There is a significant decrease in salivary calcium (P = 0.018) and serum Vitamin D (P = 0.004) with a significant increase in number of decayed teeth. The greater the Vitamin D deficiency, the lesser are the salivary calcium levels observed (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Children with Vitamin D deficiency have lower salivary calcium levels. Vitamin D deficiency and lower salivary calcium levels can be the potential risk factors for the occurrence of dental caries.

Impact of Calcium Glycerophosphate-supplemented Carbonated Beverages in Reducing Mineral Loss from the Enamel Surface.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface microhardness and mineral loss from enamel exposed to carbonated beverages supplemented with and without calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty enamel blocks were prepared from 20 extracted premolars, and their initial surface microhardness was measured using the Knoop microhardness testing machine. The samples were divided into four groups based on the concentration of CaGP added to the beverage: group I: beverage without CaGP (control group), group II: beverage with 2 mM CaGP, group III: beverage with 5 mM CaGP, and group IV: beverage with 10 mM CaGP. The samples were subjected to four cycles of exposure to plain and CaGP-supplemented carbonated beverage with an intermittent buffering in artificial saliva, after which the final surface microhardness was measured. The mineral loss from enamel blocks was estimated spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: The obtained data were analyzed using paired t test and analysis of variance. A highly significant (p < 0.01) reduction in surface microhardness was observed in group I (beverage without CaGP). The reduction in surface microhardness in group III (beverage + 5 mM CaGP) and group IV (beverage + 10 mM CaGP) was not significantly different from that of sound enamel. A highly significant difference in calcium loss was observed between the groups (p = 0.00). Calcium loss reduced as the CaGP concentration increased in the groups. A similar trend was observed when phosphate loss was analyzed. CONCLUSION: Addition of CaGP to the carbonated beverages significantly prevented the reduction in surface microhardness of enamel and mineral loss. As the concentration of CaGP in carbonated beverages increased from 2 mM to 10 mM, the mineral loss is decreased. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Consumption of carbonated beverages has been increasing among the children and adolescents, leading to a higher incidence of dental erosion and caries. Hence, supplementation of these acidic beverages with buffering agents such as CaGP may help in preventing such dental problems among vulnerable populations. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Manaswini YH, Uloopi KS, Vinay C, et al. Impact of Calcium Glycerophosphate-supplemented Carbonated Beverages in Reducing Mineral Loss from the Enamel Surface. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(1):1-5.