Prevalence and correlates of dental caries among 2-5 years children with special reference to breastfeeding in Kamrup District, Assam.

Background: Dental caries among children is one of the most common health-related issues worldwide. Aim: To find out the prevalence of dental caries among 2-5 years old children in Kamrup district of Assam with reference to breastfeeding and associated variables. Materials and Methods: In this community-based cross-sectional study, 1439 children were examined from 15 wards of Kamrup Metro and four randomly chosen blocks of Kamrup Rural. Children were examined to assess the mean decayed/filled primary teeth (dmft) index, and a self-administered validated questionnaire was given to the mothers to collect data on the practice of breastfeeding initiation, its duration, and dental hygiene habits. Results: Dental caries prevalence was found to be higher in urban areas (54.6%) than rural areas (45.4%). The frequency of using toothpaste was highest among the tooth-cleaning materials. A significant difference in caries prevalence was observed among the children, those who brushed twice a day, and those who did not brush (P = 0.039). The difference was significant in the mean dmft of children from the upper socioeconomic class (P = 0.023) compared with the other classes. A significant difference was also observed between breastfeeding duration (P = 0.010), exclusive and nonexclusive breastfeeding, time of initiation of breastfeeding within 12 h (P < 0.001), and alternative feeding with caries prevalence (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Dental caries were higher in urban localities and upper socioeconomic classes. Breastfeeding initiation and duration may play an important role in the causation of dental caries. No significant association was found between colostrum, prelacteal feeding, and caries prevalence.

Anticariogenic Activity of Black Tea: An In Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: The prevention of dental caries has always remained a challenge. Caries prevention through dietary intervention holds promise. Studies have revealed that several constituents present in tea have anticariogenic properties. Tea is a widely consumed beverage and hence could be utilized as a suitable caries preventive agent. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of black tea on caries progression in experimental animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out in 17-day-old albino rat pups. The animals were divided into three groups, with eight animals in each group. They were fed on a cariogenic diet (MIT 200) and inoculated with Streptococcus mutans. Group I was given MIT 200 with water, Group II was placed on MIT 200 with black tea, and Group III was placed on MIT 200 with fluoridated water for a period of 45 days. After 45 days, the animals were killed under ether anesthesia, and their teeth were examined for caries. RESULTS: The carious lesions were scored for the first two molars in each quadrant. In each group, a total of 64 teeth were examined. The caries score between the upper and lower jaws was compared using ANOVA. CONCLUSION: From this study, it may be inferred that drinking black tea reduced the development of dental caries in young rats fed on a cariogenic diet. The tea used for this study was prepared using fluoride-free water, so we can assume that besides fluoride, certain components are present in tea leaves that possess anticariogenic properties.

Comparative Evaluation of Colour Stability and Surface Roughness of Nanohybrid Composite Resins in Mouth Rinse and Colouring Beverages.

Objectives An ideal restorative material should be capable of supplanting the biological, functional, and aesthetic qualities of a healthy tooth structure. There has always been a search for optimal and aesthetically pleasing restorative materials. This study aims to evaluate the surface roughness and colour stability of three nanohybrid composite resins post-exposure to mouth rinse and colouring beverages. Methods One hundred and twenty specimens of dimension 10 mm x 8 mm x 1 mm were randomly allocated into three equal-sized groups and fabricated using three different nanohybrid composites (Group A: Filtek Z250 XT, Group B: Tetric N-Ceram, and Group C: Solare Sculpt). Sixty samples, comprising 20 from each group, were examined for colour stability and 60 for surface roughness after exposure to chlorhexidine and coffee. Baseline and post-exposure readings of the surface roughness and colour absorbance of the specimens were obtained by atomic force microscopy and spectrophotometer, respectively. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test followed by a post hoc Tukey's test and an independent t-test were used for data analysis, considering a p-value<0.05 as significant. Results Irrespective of the composite, the surface roughness and colour change were substantially higher in the samples exposed to coffee (p-value<0.01). Filtek Z 250XT showed significantly minor changes in colour and surface roughness, followed by Solare Sculpt and Tetric N-Ceram (p-value<0.05). Conclusion Coffee caused more surface roughness and colour changes compared to chlorhexidine. Filtek 250 XT showed minor changes in colour and surface roughness on exposure to both solutions.

Evaluation of physical and mental health status of orphan children living in orphanages in Sonitpur district of Assam: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Orphan children living in orphanages are often neglected. These children's physical and mental health status is essential as they are highly prone to malnourishment and psychosocial distress. We aim to evaluate the orphan children's physical and psychosocial status living in orphanages. METHODS: This study adopted a cross-sectional research design conducted with the children living in the orphanages using a pretested, predesigned schedule. A total of 83 children (aged 5 to 19 years) living in three different orphanages in the Sonitpur District of Assam were randomly selected for the study. Body Mass Index (BMI) for age and height were then determined using WHO standards. Thinness was defined as BMI for age below -2 SD (Standard Deviation) and thinness as height for age below -2 SD. The behavioural and mental status of children aged 10-19 years were evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-21) with a cut-off value of SDQ score > 15 as the presence of emotional and behavioural distress. RESULTS: Almost 50% of orphans were in the age group of 10-14 years, 62.7% were females, and 42.2% had a primary level of education. 52.5% of orphans exhibited severe thinness for < -3 SD. Observed severe thinness more among the 5-9 years and 10-14 years (p-value < 0.05) group and among the male orphans (p-value < 0.05). Of 65 children aged 10-19, 18.5% had behavioural and mental distress. Emotional (32.3%) and poor conduct problems (23%) were observed significantly among male adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Orphaned children, particularly those living in orphanages, are at risk of malnutrition and experience behavioural and psychosocial problems. Frequent assessments of their physical and mental health are advocated for early detection, prevention, and timely intervention.

Variability and Patterning in Permanent Tooth Dimensions among Four Ethnic Groups from the North-eastern States of India.

Methods: The study was a comparative cross-sectional study among four different ethnic groups of North-east India among the age group of 20-30 years. Dimensions of the maxillary and mandibular teeth were measured with a digital Vernier calliper using the dental casts of 50 male and 50 female subjects from each of the four ethnic groups under study. The data were statistically analyzed using a Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The tooth dimensions of all four ethnic groups were significantly lower than the standard values except for the MD dimension of the maxillary second molars of the Singpho group (9.13 mm vs. 9.0 mm); mandibular central incisors of the Meitei group (5.01 mm vs. 5.0 mm); and mandibular lateral incisors of the Meitei, Ao, and Singpho groups (>standard value of 5.5 mm) and BL dimension of the mandibular first premolars of the Meitei and Ao groups (>standard value of 7.5 mm); mandibular second premolars of the Meitei and Singpho groups (>standard value of 8.0 mm); and mandibular second molars of the Ao group (10.04 mm vs. 10.0 mm). In some instances, the comparative analysis revealed group variations in different tooth dimensions among the four ethnic groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Variations were observed in the tooth dimensions among the four ethnic groups and within the same population. Unlike other parts of India, the North-eastern population belongs to a distinct ethnic race of indigenous people of East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Arctic region of North America. Hence, population-specific data for India's North-eastern region are necessary for forensic odontology, dental anthropology, routine dental practice, and effective treatment planning.

Comparative evaluation of the concentration-dependent effect of proton-pump inhibitor in association with calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine on Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Enterococcus faecalis is the most persistent organism in the root canal which resists most of the intracanal medicaments. There is always a constant attempt to eliminate this endodontic pathogen from the root canal system. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the association of different concentrations of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) (Lansoprazole) with calcium hydroxide (CH) and chlorhexidine (CHX) against E. faecalis using a broth dilution method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: E. faecalis was inoculated into brain-heart infusion broth at 37°C for 5 h. The master broth was then treated with CH (Group 1); CH + 2% CHX (Group 2); CH + PPI 6.25 µg/ml (Group 3A); CH + PPI 25 µg/ml (Group 3B); 2% CHX + PPI 6.25 µg/ml (Group 4A); 2% CHX + PPI 25 µg/ml (Group 4B); CH + 2% CHX + PPI 6.25 µg/ml (Group 5A), and CH + 2% CHX + PPI 25 µg/ml (Group 5B). The groups were spectrophotometrically analyzed at 630 nm at 24 h to determine the group with the least optical density. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Comparison between the groups was done by the one-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The mean percentage inhibition of E. faecalis by Group 5A (CH + 2% CHX + PPI 6.25 µg/ml) was the highest compared to other groups. The lowest mean value was observed in Group 3A (CH + PPI 6.25 µg/ml) indicating least efficiency. CONCLUSION: There was a concentration-dependent effect of PPI on CH and CHX against E. faecalis. The maximum efficacy was found when the lower concentration of PPI was associated with CH/CHX mixture.

Antibacterial property of Azadirachta indica, Ocimum sanctum, and Vitex negundo against oral microbes.

CONTEXT: Plant extracts are used in folklore medicine from time immemorial to treat different oral diseases. Chemical constituents extracted from these natural resources are gifted with huge opportunities. AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the antibacterial property of Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), and Vitex negundo (Pochotia) against oral microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plant extract was prepared with hot continuous extraction method by the Soxhlet Apparatus. Microorganisms isolated from the oral cavity and identified by Vitek-2. Bacterial inoculums poured and spread into Mueller Hinton plates. Plant extract was poured into prepared wells taking ciprofloxacillin as the positive control and dimethyl sulfoxide as the negative control. The experiment was performed in duplicates with two different concentrations of the extract and mean value of inhibition zone was calculated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Paired t-test, analysis of variance, and regression analysis. RESULTS: Isolated microorganisms were Klebsiella oxytoca, Kochuria kristinae, Acinetobacter boumani, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Streptococcus gordonii, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bacillus subtilis. Higher zone of inhibition was observed against E. faecalis by V. negundo followed by A. indica. Among the aqueous and acetone group, in the aqueous group, the regression models of K. kristinae and B. subtilis have been found to be statistically significant (P= < 0.05), whereas, in the acetone group, the regression model of B. subtilis has been found to be statistically significant (P = < 0.05). CONCLUSION: All the three plants showed antibacterial potency against the isolated organisms. Acetone group showed better efficacy than the aqueous extract group.

Caries prevalence of school-going boys and girls according to cleaning methods and soft drink-taking frequency in different localities, in and around Guwahati City.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease, causes of which are mostly understood nowadays. This disease is not only treatable but also preventable, if detected in its initial stage. In a developing country like India, facility of dental treatment is available mostly for urban population, whereas a very common approach of dental disease treatment is still traditional for the rural people. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to find out the prevalence of dental caries, teeth cleaning methods, and sweet and soft drink-taking frequency among boys and girls of Guwahati City and its nearby semi-urban and rural areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross sectional study was carried out among school going boys and girls of 3-17 years group, using the modified WHO oral health survey form. The number of population was 2396 from urban locality, 2370 from semi-urban, and 2467 from rural. RESULTS: Caries prevalence is much higher in urban (62.77%), contrary to rural where 76% of the sample is caries free. Those who take sweet occasionally suffered less or almost caries free (7.93% in urban and 0% in rural) than among those who consume it more than five times a day (90.75% in urban, 100% in semi-urban, and 99.33% in rural). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Urban localities are two times and semi-urban areas are 1.64 times more at risk of dental caries than rural areas. The odds ratio for cleaning frequency shows that the effect of cleaning by brush on caries is less (78%, not significant) than chewing stick while the risk associated with finger and charcoal use is about 19.63 times and 7.11 times, respectively.

Evaluation of Sealing Ability of Biodentine as Retrograde Filling Material by Using two Different Manipulation Methods: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: The study was aimed to evaluate the microleakage of Biodentine using two different manipulation methods by dye penetration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 single-rooted human maxillary permanent teeth were cleaned and obturated with gutta-percha using lateral condensation method. Standardized root-end cavities were prepared after apical resection. All teeth were divided randomly into two groups of 30 specimens and were filled with Biodentine by trituration and hand manipulation methods. The samples were coated with varnish and immersed in 1% methylene blue dye for 72 h. Then the teeth were sectioned longitudinally and observed under a stereomicroscope. The depth of dye penetration was measured in millimeters. RESULTS: There was highly statistical significant difference observed between Group I and Group II (P < 0.001) when dye penetration scores were compared. CONCLUSION: More microleakage was seen when Biodentine was manually manipulated as compared to machine trituration.