Assessment of dental professionals' maintenance of management practices developed and incorporated during COVID-19 pandemic - a cross-sectional study.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of emerging public health problems for the past few years. Due to its contagious nature, health care professionals especially dentists, incorporated various modifications in their practices to prevent themselves and their patients from the risk of getting infected. Objective: The present study aims to assess whether dental professionals are still continuing with those modifications in practice in current times. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 415 subjects after getting due approval from concerned authorities and consent from the subjects. Systematic random sampling methodology was employed for selection for study sample. The study employed a self-constructed questionnaire which was divided into 2 parts and information regarding demographic profile, practice modifications and safety protocols was gathered from subjects. Statistical analysis was conducted using Chi-square test and multiple regression analysis. Results: Only 8.6% of subjects were currently continuing with their all previous practice modifications. A vast majority of subjects (83.8%) were not deferring treatment of patients showing suspicious symptoms. Approximately 89% of subjects were not sanitizing the operating area at the end of the working day. More than two-thirds (76.4%) of the subjects stated that the pandemic was over. Female gender (OR:1.67) and high level of education (OR:2.45) had an important effect on the continuation of practice modifications. Conclusion: Very few subjects were adhering to all practice modifications previously incorporated. Dental professionals should not let their guard down even if COVID-19 cases have reduced considerably. The information collected will be useful for the dental community and further studies should be carried out.

Omicron sub-variants: is the world going to witness another wave?

Omicron, the new 'Variant of Concern' of SARS-CoV-2, is rapidly evolving into new sub-variants or sub-lineages (BA.1, BA.2 etc.). These sub-variants have higher transmissibility, decreased vaccine effectiveness and increased risk of reinfection. As a result, many nations across the globe are reporting surge in infections which is a matter of concern. Understanding Omicron and its sub-variants is vital for development of public health policy and preventing disease transmission. The present paper throws a spotlight on the newly detected sub-variants of Omicron as reported in ongoing researches which are available only in pre-print form and also the importance of a booster dose of the vaccine. Information regarding recent research on a new nasal vaccine formulation, which may be effective against the new variants, is also highlighted in the paper.

A profilometric and scanning electron microscopic analysis of tooth surface abrasion caused by rotary/oscillatory, linear motion, sonic, and ultrasonic toothbrushes: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Adequate plaque control facilitates good gingival and periodontal health, prevents tooth decay, and preserves oral health. Toothbrushing is the primary method of removing plaque and can be classified into powered and manual toothbrushes. AIM: The primary objective was to compare the abrasiveness and surface roughness caused by four different power-driven toothbrushes with a different mode of action, on tooth surfaces in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro experiment was conducted on eighty freshly extracted tooth specimens which were equally divided into four groups. Each group was brushed with the specifically assigned electric toothbrush to that group, but keeping parameters such as force applied during brushing, storage of tooth before and after brushing, and toothbrushing time same. A total of the 2-month study was done on each tooth specimen. Tooth surface roughness was recorded before and after the toothbrushing experiment to check the difference between surface roughness readings. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis was done afterward to analyse the surface topography of each group specimens. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Paired t-test used for intergroup analysis and intragroup analysis was done using Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: After comparing the baseline and final readings of each group, it has been found that the mean difference between values is highly significant in Group 1 (rotary/oscillatory). The mean rank of Group 1 was least in all four groups, which showed the highest tooth surface abrasion in that group. SEM analysis also revealed that Group 1 tooth specimens had deeper scratches/lines comparatively to other groups. CONCLUSION: Rotary/oscillatory toothbrush caused the highest tooth surface abrasion when compared with other electronic toothbrushes.

Salivary IgA, Interleukin-1ß and MMP-8 as Salivary Biomarkers in Chronic Periodontitis Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical parameters and levels of salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA), Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) in patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis and in individuals with healthy gingiva. METHODS: Levels of clinical parameters plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) along with salivary biomarkers salivary IgA, IL-1ß and MMP-8 were recorded among 50 adults (30 test subjects with moderate to severe generalised chronic periodontitis, constituting group A, and 20 periodontally healthy controls - group B). Clinical evaluation was done before oral prophylaxis, and 6 weeks and 12 weeks after oral prophylaxis, and saliva samples were obtained before and 12 weeks after oral prophylaxis. Salivary IgA, IL-1ß and MMP-8 levels in saliva were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: In group A, there were highly significant differences in terms of PI, GI, PD, CAL and BOP before oral prophylaxis, and 6 weeks and 12 weeks after oral prophylaxis when compared at these intervals. Differences in their levels in group B were non-significant at such intervals except PI. Mean levels of salivary IgA, IL-1ß and MMP-8 in chronic periodontitis patients at baseline were significantly higher than in the periodontally healthy group. Their levels in group A decreased significantly 12 weeks after oral prophylaxis, but remained static in group B. CONCLUSION: The levels of salivary IgA, IL-1ß and MMP-8 showed significant reduction after oral prophylaxis, suggesting that these biomarkers could facilitate the screening, early diagnosis, and management of periodontal disease.

Periodontal health status of transport workers of a union territory in India: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent dental diseases, which affects the adult population of the world, varying only in degree from mild to severe. Transport industry is considered an important pillar for socioeconomic development of any nation. The present study was carried out to assess the periodontal health status of transport workers working in Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) buses, Chandigarh (Union territory). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on all available CTU workers at all three bus depots. The data were recorded on a modified WHO format (1997). A total of 998 subjects were included for community periodontal index (CPI) and attachment loss computations after doing necessary exclusions. Periodontal status was evaluated using CPI. RESULTS: About 8.13% of the subjects had healthy periodontium while maximum subjects (73.2%) had a score 2 (calculus) as evaluated by CPI. 3.4% (12) of the subjects belonging to upper middle class had deep pockets as compared to 1.9% (10) of the subjects in the lower middle class. None of the subjects in the upper high, high, and upper middle socioeconomic status (SES) category had a loss of attachment score 4. 25.9% of the postgraduates had a CPI score of 0 whereas 0.7% high school subjects had a loss of attachment score 4. CONCLUSION: Advanced periodontal disease (CPI score, 4) affected small number of subjects with maximum subjects (73%) having a CPI score of 2. There was statistically significant association of SES and education level with the CPI score and loss of attachment level.

Oral health knowledge and awareness among pregnant women in India: A systematic review.

Pregnancy is a unique period during a woman's life and is characterized by complex physiological changes, which may adversely affect oral health. The present systematic review was conducted to assess knowledge and awareness regarding oral health among pregnant women in India. Relevant cross-sectional observational studies were included in the systematic review to assess the level of knowledge and awareness regarding oral health among pregnant women in India. Seven studies out of 255 were finally included in the present review after conducting both electronic and manual search of scientific databases. Potential biases were reported and appropriate data were extracted by the concerned investigators. Almost 67% of the subjects had good knowledge and awareness regarding oral health in one of the study findings. Knowledge regarding effect of decayed teeth on the appearance of the people was significantly related to the parity status of the subjects (P = 0.024) in other study reports. Very few subjects (17.1% and 37.5%) felt the need for visiting a dentist during pregnancy in two studies. The results of the present review showed that pregnant women had poor knowledge and awareness regarding oral health. Therefore, there is an urgent need for education and motivation of expectant mothers regarding oral health through various health promotion interventions.

Knowledge and awareness regarding biomedical waste management in dental teaching institutions in India- A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Proper handling, treatment and disposal of biomedical wastes are important elements in any health care setting. Not much attention has been paid to the management of Biomedical Waste (BMW) in recent years, in dental colleges and hospitals in India. The present systematic review was conducted to assess knowledge and awareness regarding BMW management among staff and students of dental teaching institutions in India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of relevant cross-sectional studies was conducted regarding BMW management in India in dental teaching institutions in India. Six studies were finally included in the present review after conducting both electronic and manual search like Pubmed, EMBASE etc. and after making necessary exclusions. Potential biases were addressed and relevant data was extracted by the concerned investigators. RESULTS: Six studies were finally included in the review. Colour coding of wastes was not done by 67% of the subjects in one of the studies conducted in Haryana. Almost all the subjects agreed to the fact that exposure to hazardous health care waste can result in disease or infection in another study. According to another study reports, none of the respondents was able to list the legislative act regarding BMW when asked. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present review showed that knowledge and awareness level of subjects was inadequate and there is considerable variation in practice and management regarding BMW. There is a great need for continuing education and training programmes to be conducted in dental teaching institutions in India. Key words:Biomedical waste, knowledge, awareness, dentists, institution.

Treating congenitally missing teeth with an interdisciplinary approach.

Congenitally missing teeth are frequently presented to the dentist. Interdisciplinary approach may be needed for the proper treatment plan. The available treatment modalities to replace congenitally missing teeth include prosthodontic fixed and removable prostheses, resin bonded retainers, orthodontic movement of maxillary canine to the lateral incisor site and single tooth implants. Dental implants offer a promising treatment option for placement of congenitally missing teeth. Interdisciplinary approach may be needed in these cases. This article aims to present a case report of replacement of bilaterally congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors and right mandibular second premolar with dental implants.

Pulpal perio relations: Interdisciplinary diagnostic approach - I.

Lesions of pulpal and periodontal origin may perpetuate from either the infections of dental pulp or periodontium or alveolar bone. This review focuses on interdisciplinary diagnostic approach towards lesions of periodontal or endodontic origin.