Second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) as the 'anatomical marker' and reproductive 'hormonal fingerprint' in the occurrence dental plaque accumulation.

OBJECTIVES: Digit ratio (2D:4D), as endocrine fingerprint, can indicate prenatal androgen exposure. It serves as an anatomical marker for various systemic diseases and a few studies relating it to oral health. The present study aims to evaluate the association between digit ratio and susceptibility to dental plaque formation. METHODS: The study was conducted on young adults aged between 18 and 25 years. Digit ratio and reproductive hormones were measured; dental plaque score and gingival index (GI) were recorded. Data were analysed using the MedCalc. v.20. RESULTS: Male and female participants were categorized into two groups based on their digit ratios being either above or below the calculated average (0.99 for females, 0.98 for males). Those with a digit ratio below the average had a significantly higher mean dental plaque score (p < 0.0001) than those with ratios at or above the average. However, there was no significant difference in the GI between the two groups. Reproductive hormone profiles varied significantly between the higher and lower digit ratio groups for both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Digit ratio may find potential to be used as an anatomical marker to identify the susceptibility to dental plaque build-up.

Comparative Evaluation of Resin Dentin Interface using Universal and Total- Etch Adhesive Systems on Sound and Eroded Dentin: In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the resin-dentin interface of sound and eroded dentin using universal and total-etch adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty caries-free extracted human premolars were collected, and the occlusal surfaces were ground by using slow speed diamond disc with copious water supply until a flat superficial dentin was exposed. The test group underwent erosive cycle (n = 20), and another group (n = 20) was reserved for control group. Erosive protocol consisted of immersion in 1.23% citric acid for 1 minute every 12 hours and stored in artificial saliva. Both the control and eroded teeth were further subdivided (n = 10) for composite restoration by using either self-etch or total-etch systems. Then the tooth samples were sectioned longitudinally and observed under confocal laser scanning microscope at ×10 magnification to evaluate resin tag length and hybrid layer thickness. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data obtained were analyzed by using independent t-test. RESULTS: The highest mean value of the resin tag length and thickness of hybrid layer was observed with total-etch system in sound dentin group compared with other groups (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The resin-dentin interface of sound dentin was found to be better than eroded dentin by using total-etch system. The resin-dentin interface of eroded dentin was superior to sound dentin by using self-etch adhesive system.

Evaluation of the isosceles-configured SUN TeethTMtoothbrush in dental plaque removal and gingival health.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety profile of a novel-designed isosceles-configured (SUN Teeth™) toothbrush in comparison to a standard reference toothbrush with end-rounded bristles (approved by the American Dental Association [ADA]). Methods: The sample size was determined using the G-Power-software, version 3.1.2 and, accordingly, 104 subjects (ages 19 years to 25 years) were recruited and randomized into either the test group (n = 54) or the control group (n = 50). Prior to study commencement, scaling was performed followed by abstinence from oral hygiene for 24 hours. Baseline pre-brushing gingivitis scores (Lobene) and plaque scores (Turesky modification of Quigley Hein) were recorded. Brushing was performed for 3 minutes and post-brushing scores were recorded on days 1, 14, and 28 without refraining from regular brushing. Data were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM-SPSS, v.25.0). Results: Post-brushing plaque scores showed significant reduction in both groups at all time intervals. However, no significant differences between the test and control brush groups were achieved at any time points. Conclusion: The isosceles-configured SUN TeethTMtoothbrush is equivalent in plaque removal to the conventional flat-bristled ADA reference brush.

Objectif: Évaluer l'efficacité clinique et le profil de sécurité d'une brosse à dents à conception novatrice d'une configuration isocèle (SUN TeethMD) en comparaison à une brosse à dents à référence standard dotée de soies aux pointes arrondies (approuvée par l'Association dentaire américaine [ADA]). Méthodologie: La taille de l'échantillon a été établie à l'aide du logiciel G-Power, version 3.1.2, et 104 sujets (âgés de 19 à 25 ans) ont été recrutés et randomisés dans un groupe d'essai (n = 54) ou un groupe témoin (n = 50). Avant le début de l'étude, un détartrage a été effectué, suivi par l'abstinence de l'hygiène buccodentaire pendant 24 heures. Des cotes de référence de gingivite prébrossage (Lobene) et des cotes de plaque (modification Turesky de Quigley Hein) ont été consignées. Le brossage était effectué pendant 3 minutes et les cotes après-brossage étaient consignées aux jours 1, 14 et 28 sans éviter le brossage régulier. Les données ont été analysées avec l'Ensemble des programmes statistiques relatif aux sciences sociales (IBM-SPSS, v.25.0). Résultats: Les cotes de plaque après-brossage ont été significativement réduites dans chaque groupe à tous les intervalles de temps. Cependant, aucune différence significative n'a été réalisée en aucun temps entre les groupes de brossage d'essai et témoin. Conclusion: La brosse à dents SUN TeethMDà configuration isocèle est équivalente en matière d'enlèvement de la plaque à la brosse de référence conventionnelle à soies plates de l'ADA.

Color Stability of a New Rice Husk Composite in Comparison with Conventional Composites after Exposure to Commonly Consumed Beverages in Malaysia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the color stability of a new organic rice husk nanocomposite as compared to four conventional composites after exposure to commonly consumed beverages in Malaysia. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five disk samples were prepared from a new rice husk-based composite and four other conventional methacrylate-based light-cured composites of shade A2. The samples were immersed in four commonly consumed beverages: coco-based drink, kopi, Chinese tea, and teh tarik for four weeks. The color measurements were carried out every week using the reflectance spectrophotometer according to the CIE L ∗ a ∗ b ∗ color system. Color changes of samples (ΔE) in each week were calculated. Statistical analysis was carried out by performing a mixed ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test in order to analyse the differences in ΔE. RESULTS: The findings revealed a statistically significant difference of ΔE reading (p < 0.05) among all composites immersed in all four beverages after four weeks. Rice husk composites exhibited lesser color stability as compared to Ceram.X One Universal (p < 0.001) and G-aenial Universal Flo (p < 0.001) but showed higher color stability compared to Solare-X (p < 0.001) and Neofil (p < 0.001). Coffee and Chinese tea had the most significant impact on color changes (p < 0.05) observed in all composites over four weeks of study. CONCLUSION: Rice husk composite showed acceptable color stability. It can be considered as an alternative to conventional composites due to its eco-friendly properties.

Application of bioelectric effect to reduce the antibiotic resistance of subgingival plaque biofilm: An in vitro study.

CONTEXT: Biofilms are known for their antimicrobial resistance, and so is the subgingival plaque biofilm, the primary etiologic factor for periodontal infections. AIMS: The objective of this study is to investigate if the subgingival plaque biofilm resistance can be reduced using doxycycline in the presence of low-intensity electric field (bioelectric effect). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was an in vitro microbiological study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subgingival plaque samples from chronic periodontitis patients were collected to grow subgingival plaque biofilms on hydroxyapatite disks. Hydroxyapatite disks with the plaque biofilms from each patient were divided into four groups: (i) No intervention - control, (ii) current alone - CU; (iii) doxycycline - AB, and (iv) combined treatment - CU + AB. After respective treatments, the disks were anaerobically incubated for 48 h, the biofilm was dispersed and subcultured and colony-forming unit/mL was estimated in all the four groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests for intergroup comparisons. T-test was done to assess the difference in current flow between the groups CU and CU + AB. RESULTS: All the three treatment modalities showed antibacterial effect. Application of current alone resulted in reduced bacterial growth than control group. Doxycycline alone resulted in reduction in bacterial counts better than control and current alone groups. The combination treatment showed greatest inhibition of bacterial colonies. CONCLUSION: The ability of doxycycline antibiotic in inhibiting plaque biofilm was significantly enhanced by application of a weak electric field (5 volts for 2 min).