Fluoride Concentration in Saliva following Professional Topical Application of 2% Sodium Fluoride Solution.

BACKGROUND: Topical fluoride application in moderate and high-risk individuals and in those living in low-fluoride communities has been a common practice by dental professionals. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess fluoride concentration available in saliva after a professional 2% sodium fluoride solution application (9000 ppm), and the duration of its availability to have an evidence-based practice for application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two percent sodium fluoride application was carried out in 45 participants residing in a boarding school. The participants were non tea drinkers and nonfluoride users. Water fluoride of the area ranged from 0.34 ppm to 0.38 ppm. Whole mixed saliva samples were collected at baseline and various time intervals postapplication of 2% sodium fluoride solution. Fluoride in saliva was estimated using the fluoride combination electrode (Orion model 94-09, 96-09) coupled to an ionanalyzer. RESULTS: IBM SPSS statistics version 23.0 was used for the analysis. Normality of the data was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and box plot, and it was found to be nonnormal. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare all time intervals with baseline, and statistically significant differences were observed (P = 0.0001). Salivary fluoride according to this study showed a biphasic clearance pattern with a peak at 15 min and a rapid fall in 60 min followed by a slow, consistent decline over a 20-h period. The fluoride concentration in saliva remained elevated above baseline from 0.03 ppm to 0.076 ppm even 3 months after application. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study show that, in this population, the frequency of application should be between 2 and 3 months (four applications per year).

Guiding the Child's Teeth with Class III Dental Malocclusion into Correct Occlusion: A Clinician's Parenting.

Pediatric dentists are often the first ones to be consulted for the presence of an anterior cross bite in the primary dentition. The condition requires an early interception to avoid progressive dentoalveolar and skeletal changes. The management, however, poses unique challenges in terms of young age of the child, correct choice of appliance and unpredictability of the response to treatment due to inability to ascertain the inherent growth potential. It is very important therefore for the specialist, to be able to recognize the early signs of a developing class III malocclusion tendency and also know the basic details of successful management of such cases. The following article describes the appropriateness of appliance choice for a case of incisor cross bite in primary dentition using different appliances based on their varied clinical presentations.

A comparative assessment of fluoride concentration available in saliva using daily prescribed topical fluoride agents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the availability of fluoride concentration in saliva following the use of fluoride mouthrinse and dentifrice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experiment was carried out in 7-15 year-old school children of Chandigarh (n = 90). The children were nonfluoride users. Baseline saliva samples were collected. The subjects were exposed to two test agents, i.e., fluoride mouthrinse (0.05%, 225 ppm F) and dentifrice (1000 ppm F) for 7 days and on the day 8, saliva samples were collected over a 20 hrs period. Wash out period of 3(1/2) months was there before the subjects were exposed to the second test agent. Fluoride in saliva was estimated using fluoride ion-specific electrode. Written informed consent was taken. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to test the normality of the variables. Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare the fluoride concentration available in saliva at respective time intervals subsequent to use of the two test agents. RESULTS: Fluoride concentration was elevated in saliva compared to baseline for both the test agents. Fluoride mouthrinse (0.05% sodium fluoride [NaF]) and dentifrice (1000 ppm monofluorophosphate [MFP]) showed a biphasic clearance. Peak in saliva occurred at 15 mins postuse. Night-time use resulted in higher concentration of fluoride in saliva compared to baseline. There was statistically significantly higher fluoride concentration available in saliva for the dentifrice at 5 hrs, 10 hrs, and 20 hrs postuse (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Subsequent to the use of NaF (0.05%) daily mouthrinse and MFP dentifrice (1000 ppm) the fluoride concentration in saliva remained elevated to a level of 0.12 ppm for mouthrinse and 0.14 ppm for dentifrice compared to baseline (0.03 ppm) up to 20 hrs postuse. The therapeutic window though not yet established but suggested is 0.1-1 ppm for prevention of demineralization, indicating that daily use of fluoride mouthrinse and dentifrice provides fluoride concentration in saliva for the prevention of demineralization.

Effect of oral-transmucosal midazolam sedation on anxiety levels of 3-4 years old children during a Class II restorative procedure.

AIM: A double-blind randomized control trial was conducted to assess the effect of oral-transmucosal midazolam sedation on changes in anxiety levels of precooperative children during a Class II amalgam restorative procedure. METHODOLOGY: A sample of 40 healthy, American Society of Anesthesiologists I, children aged 3-4 years having at least one carious primary mandibular molar requiring a Class II amalgam restoration with no previous dental history were randomly divided into experimental and control groups comprising of 20 children each. The children in the experimental group (Group I) received 0.5 mg/kg body weight of midazolam mixed in strawberry syrup and those in the control group (Group II) received the same syrup mixed in saline, 15 min prior to the restorative procedure. Routine nonpharmacological behavior management techniques were used in both groups. The anxiety levels were recorded using Venham's anxiety scale at the start and end of each procedural step. RESULTS: There was a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in the anxiety levels of children in the experimental group on entry into the operatory compared with the control group. Introduction of each fear evoking stimuli showed a somewhat similar increase in anxiety levels in the two groups. In spite of a similar trend, the anxiety levels remained much lower in Group I than in Group II. CONCLUSION: Midazolam in conjunction with behavior management is more helpful in relaxing the child initially than behavior management alone, thus increasing the chances of successful and easy accomplishment of further treatment steps.

Correlation between mutans streptococci counts of parents and their children residing in Chandigarh, India.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of Mutans Streptococci (MS) in children and to evaluate the relationship between the salivary levels of MS in children and their parents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 children aged 3-6 years along with their parents (100 mothers and fathers each) were included in the study. The children were segregated depending upon their age and level of caries experience. The children were examined clinically on an ordinary chair in natural daylight using the Møller's index criteria. Assays for Mutans Streptococci (MS) were done for both the children and their parents using the Dentocult SM strip mutans test. Collected data was assessed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of MS in the children was 83%. A statistically significant correlation (p<0.05) was observed between salivary MS counts of children and their mothers. No significant correlation was seen with the fathers. CONCLUSIONS: The findings conclude that if primary caregivers harbour high levels of MS in their saliva, it is likely that their children will have the same. Key words:Mutans streptococci, parents, children, dentocult SM kits.

Progressive changes in arch width from primary to early mixed dentition period: a longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to evaluate, on a longitudinal basis, the changes in intercanine and intermolar widths form the primary to the early mixed dentition periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 children aged 4-5 years, with normal occlusion without any proximal caries or any dental anomalies, were selected. The impressions were recorded and casts were prepared. Intercanine and intermolar widths were measured on these dental casts with the help of a digital vernier calliper. After 3 years follow-up, the impressions were recorded again and dental casts were prepared. Intercanine and intermolar widths were measured again at this stage and were compared with the baseline data using the paired t-test and the chi square test. RESULTS: There is a significant increase in the intercanine (3.93 + 1.70 mm) and intermolar width (1.49 + 1.77 mm) during the transition period from primary to early mixed dentition in both the arches and both the sexes. The gender-wise comparison showed a greater increase in males than in females, but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A thorough knowledge of growth changes during various stages of the mixed dentition period are important for a pediatric dentist to make an accurate diagnosis and treatment planning during preventive and interceptive orthodontics.

Natural prevalence of antibody titers to glucosyltransferase of Streptococcus mutans in serum in high and low caries active children.

In this investigation, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) titers, as well as total immunoglobulin concentration (IgG + IgA + IgM), were found to be raised with the increase in the number of dental caries. Only the total serum antibody titer in high dental caries (HDC) group was found to be significantly raised as compared to no dental carries (NDC) group. Although the IgG and IgA titers were raised in blood with the increased number of caries, the results were not statistically significant. However, we could not find any correlation between serum antibodies and dental caries except that there was an increased trend of serum antibodies to GTF with the increased number of carious lesions.

A study of influence of sugars on the modulations of dental plaque pH in children with rampant caries, moderate caries and no caries.

The present study is undertaken to find out the pH of resting plaque in children with no caries, moderate caries and rampant caries and to determine the modulations of plaque pH with different sugar solution rinses viz: sucrose, glucose and fructose. The study was carried out on forty five children, in the age group of 3-10 years (25 males and 20 females). The child was given 10 ml of test solution and was asked to rinse and swish it in the mouth for a period of 30 sec. Plaque samples were taken from 20 different spots after 5, 10, 20 and 30 min of the rinse and pH values of all the samples were determined. Results show that there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) difference between the pH values of plaque at different intervals of time with sucrose, fructose and glucose solution rinse in children with moderate caries, rampant caries as compared to the caries free group. Sucrose was found to be highly cariogenic in all the children with a greater potentiating effect in moderate and rampant caries. Glucose also appeared to have a cariogenic role while fructose had the least of it all.

In vivo remineralization of artificial enamel carious lesions using a mineral-enriched mouthrinse and a fluoride dentifrice: a polarized light microscopic comparative evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Remineralization process is accelerated by the presence of fluoride ions in the oral environment, but this mechanism of caries reversal will be further enhanced if the concentration of calcium, phosphate and fluoride ions is supersaturated with respect to that of oral fluids. AIM: This in vivo study was carried out to evaluate and compare the remineralizing efficacy of a urea-based mineral-enriched mouthrinse and a fluoridated dentifrice using an in vivo intraoral appliance model and polarized light microscopic evaluation technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens were prepared from sound teeth and artificial caries was produced using an artificial caries medium in vitro and enamel specimens were inserted in removable orthodontic appliances that were to be worn by 14 children of 10-15 years of age. They were divided into three groups - nonfluoridated dentifrice, fluoridated dentifrice and mineral-enriched mouthrinse groups. After the 6-month experimental period, during which the enamel specimens inserted in the intraoral appliance were subjected to one of the agents (either fluoride, nonfluoride dentifrice or mouthrinse) in vivo, the specimens were retrieved from the patients and were evaluated using the polarized light microscopic technique. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS: On analysis, mineral gain occurred in all groups, viz. nonfluoride dentifrice group, fluoride dentifrice and mineral-enriched mouthrinse group. However, it was found to be complete in the mouthrinse group, i.e. both at the surface and at the subsurface (67%), while in the fluoridated dentifrice group, 43% of the samples showed mineral gain in both zones. In the nonfluoridated dentifrice group also, remineralization occurred but was limited either to the surface or the subsurface zone. CONCLUSIONS: Urea-based mineral-enriched mouthrinse was shown to be more efficacious in the process of remineralization of artificial carious lesions.

Comparison of validity of DIAGNOdent with conventional methods for detection of occlusal caries in primary molars using the histological gold standard: an in vivo study.

AIM: This study was conducted to compare the in vivo effectiveness of DIAGNOdent with other conventional methods (visual, tactile and bitewing radiographs) for the detection of occlusal caries in primary molars. Another objective of the study was to calculate new cut-off limits for the detection of caries by DIAGNOdent in primary teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-four primary molars in 52 children (aged 8-12 years), which were indicated for extraction, were selected and evaluated for dental caries using DIAGNOdent, visual and tactile examination and bitewing radiographs. Histological examination of the sections, prepared subsequent to extraction of the teeth, served as the gold standard for comparison of the above-mentioned methods. RESULTS: When considering enamel caries, values obtained for sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 48.15, 100 and 49.40% for visual examination, 48.15, 100.00 and 49.40% for tactile examination, 49.38, 50.00 and 49.40% for bitewing radiographs, 85.19, 50.00 and 84.34% for DIAGNOdent scores interpreted according to manufacturer's cut-off limits and 81.48, 100.00 and 81.93% for DIAGNOdent scores interpreted according to newly formulated cut-off limits, respectively. At dentin caries cut-off levels, the values of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for visual examination were 52.78, 89.36 and 73.49%; 50.00, 91.49 and 73.49% for tactile examination; 30.56, 82.98 and 60.24% for bitewing radiographs; 72.22, 76.60 and 74.70% for DIAGNOdent scores when interpreted according to manufacturer's cut-off limits and 77.48, 74.47 and 75.90%, respectively, for the DIAGNOdent scores when interpreted according to the newly formulated cut-off limits. CONCLUSIONS: DIAGNOdent showed higher sensitivity and accuracy as compared with other conventional methods for detection of enamel caries, whereas for detection of dentinal caries, even though the sensitivity was high, accuracy of the DIAGNOdent device was similar to other conventional caries diagnostic methods.

Natural prevalence of antibody titres to GTF of S. mutans in saliva in high and low caries active children.

The present study was conducted to find out the role of natural immunity against dental caries. Whole stimulated saliva of various caries from active children was collected. Antigen glucosyltransferase (GTF) was prepared from Streptococcus mutans serotype C and the antibody titre was estimated using ELISA. Salivary IgG, s-IgA and total immunoglobulins (IgG + s-IgA+ IgM) concentration were assayed. The result showed an increased level of salivary IgG concentration with the increased number of dental caries, which was not statistically significant. But there were significant decrease of s-IgA titre as well as total immunoglobulin concentration in saliva with the increased number of dental caries. This study showed that because of lack of local immunity the children are more prone to dental caries.

Orthodontic management of faciolingual horizontally impacted maxillary central incisor.

This paper describes the successful alignment of a horizontally impacted maxillary central incisor positioned high in the vestibule, in a 15-year-old girl, by purely orthodontic means. A unique and innovative technique for traction was employed so as to cause minimal injury to the neighboring soft tissue. The article is a step forward in establishing the predictability of orthodontic alignment in management of such cases, which may become the method of choice over extractions or surgical repositionings.

Early class III occlusal tendency in children and its selective management.

Class III malocclusion may develop in children as a result of an inherent growth abnormality, i.e., true class III malocclusion, or as a result of premature occlusal contacts causing forward functional shift of the mandible, which is known as pseudo class III malocclusion. These cases, if not treated at the initial stage of development, interfere with normal growth of the skeletal bases and may result in severe facial deformities. The treatment should be carried out as early as possible with the aim of permitting normal growth. This paper deals with the selection of an appropriate treatment approach from the various current options available for early intervention in children developing class III occlusal tendencies; the different clinical features are depicted in the three case reports.

Evaluation of a mixture of zinc oxide, calcium hydroxide, and sodium fluoride as a new root canal filling material for primary teeth.

Endodontic treatment was performed on 25 pulpally involved mandibular primary molars in 4 to 9-year-old children; the root canals were obturated with a new root canal filling material consisting of a mixture of calcium hydroxide, zinc oxide, and 10% sodium fluoride solution, using hand-operated lentulo-spirals. All cases were evaluated clinically every 3 months and also radiographically every 6 months to assess the success of the treatment; we also examined the resorption of the root canal filling material from the root canals and the status of overpushed material, if any, as the tooth resorbed with the passage of time. At 6 months, endodontic treatment in 2 of the 25 teeth had failed and one tooth had exfoliated; the remaining 22 teeth were without any signs or symptoms. At the end of 2 years, 14 teeth could be evaluated; out of these 12 had physiologically exfoliated. It was observed that the rate of resorption of this new root canal obturating mixture was quite similar to the rate of physiologic root resorption in primary teeth. In three cases, where there was an overpush of the mixture, a gradual partial resorption was noted.

Distribution of malocclusion types among thumb suckers seeking orthodontic treatment.

UNLABELLED: The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of thumb sucking and its duration on the type of malocclusion. A total of 410 North Indian individuals between ages 12-30 years, 161 males and 249 females were examined. A specially designed proforma was used to record the detailed history of the individual. Among the etiological factors it was found that history of thumb sucking was present in 13.9% and significantly related to Class II div 1 malocclusion. When thumb sucking exceeded 18 months, it was found statistically significant (P < 0.1) in Class II skeletal malocclusion, in open bite (P < 0.1) and in extreme overjet (P < 0.5). CONCLUSION: If thumb sucking is not treated early, it can cause skeletal Class II malocclusion, anterior open bite and excessive overjet.

Epidemiology of dental caries in Chandigarh school children and trends over the last 25 years.

The prevalence of dental caries in 6, 9, 12 and 15-year-old school children of Chandigarh, selected on a randomized basis was evaluated using Moller's criteria (1966) and correlated with the various risk factors. The mean deft was found to be 4.0 +/- 3.6 in 6 year old and 4.61 +/- 3.14 in 9 year old, whereas the mean DMFT in 12 and 15 year old was found to be 3.03 +/- 2.52 and 3.82 +/- 2.85 respectively. The high prevalence of dental caries in these children was attributed to the lack of use of fluoride toothpaste (80% children), lack of knowledge about etiology of dental caries (98%) and frequency of sugar exposures up to more than five times per day (30%).

Comparative evaluation of endodontic management of teeth with unformed apices with mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) for their efficacies and time taken for formation of apical biological calcific barriers and resolution of periapical radiolucencies, if present at baseline, in teeth with unformed apices. METHODS: Twenty nonvital permanent maxillary incisors with unformed apices, stratified according to the size of periapical radiolucencies and stage of root development, were equally allocated to MTA and Ca(OH)2 groups. In group 1 (MTA group), after 7 days of disinfection with Ca(OH)2, MTA was packed into the apical one third of the root canals and obturation with gutta percha (GP) was performed in 90% (9/10) of cases within 15 to 30 days. In group 2 (Ca(OH)2 group), obturation was performed following clinical and radiographic depiction of the apical stop. RESULTS: The mean time taken for apical biological barrier formation was 3 +/- 2.9 months for group 1 and 7 +/- 2.5 months for group 2 (P=.008). The periapical radiolucencies were resolved in 4.6 +/- 1.5 months for group 1 and 4.4 +/- 1.3 months for group 2 (P=.83). The total treatment was completed in 0.75 +/- 0.4859 months and 7 +/- 2.5 months for groups 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: The 2 materials were found to be equally efficacious in the management of nonvital teeth with unformed apices. Time taken to complete the treatment and the biological barrier formation in group 1 was significantly less than that for group 2. The healing time for periapical radiolucencies was almost identical.

Is tongue thrust that develops during orthodontic treatment an unrecognized potential road block?

The role of tongue thrust has often been suspected, long debated and largely dispelled as a primary etiological factor of malocclusion. However, tongue thrust may contribute to poor occlusal intercuspation both during and after treatment. A tongue thrust may also develop during orthodontic mechanotherapy as a result of the transient creation of intra and interarch spaces and this little recognized phenomenon was found to occur in many randomly followed cases. In many instances, this seemingly adaptive and secondary response of the tongue posture and function may persist and thereafter impede the resolution of intra and interarch problems.

Winged maxillary central incisors with unusual morphology: a unique presentation and early treatment.

Winged incisors are a well-recognized clinical finding. In this report, the disorder is briefly reviewed and a unique case of winging of the two maxillary central incisors having unusual morphology in an eight-year six-month-old boy is presented. The two winged maxillary central incisors were derotated using an anterior sectional wire inserted into a pair of twin brackets, one bonded to each of the two central incisors, and reciprocal anchorage.

An esthetic point of view in very young children.

Extensive carious breakdown of primary anterior teeth to the cervical level and their loss in very young children invariably leads to lack of confidence and self-esteem and may cause psychological problems. The present paper deals with the management of three such cases by means of biological restorations, anterior fixed space maintainer and over-dentures.