Comparative Evaluation of Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Glass Ionomer Cement on Microhardness of Artificial Caries Lesion in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study.

Aim: To evaluate the remineralizing potential of glass ionomer cement (GIC) and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on artificially induced enamel caries lesions in primary teeth. Materials and methods: The initial baseline surface microhardness (SMH) of 40 primary teeth was tested using Vickers hardness tester, followed by the creation of artificial caries lesions by immersion in the demineralizing solution. Microhardness assessments of demineralized samples were done, and samples were randomly divided into two groups of 20 specimens: in group I, GIC was applied on demineralized enamel, and in group II, SDF was applied on demineralized enamel. Samples were subjected to pH cycling. For group I, GIC from the enamel samples was carefully removed using a surgical blade, and changes in the SMH from both groups were analyzed using Vickers microhardness test. Result: Surface microhardness (SMH) value after pH cycling of GIC (45 ± 10.23) and SDF (47.76 ± 6.69) is statistically highly significant (<0.001) compared to the baseline SMH of both test groups. Comparison of SMH between the two groups showed statistically nonsignificant results. Conclusion: The remineralization potential of SDF is comparable to GIC. So, SDF can be used as a remineralizing agent for incipient enamel caries. Clinical significance: Owing to the remineralizing ability of GIC underneath the restorations, it can be used as a therapeutic sealant for incipient enamel caries lesions, where SDF staining is not always acceptable. A 38% SDF also can be used as a remineralizing agent for incipient enamel caries lesions in situations like noncompliant patients, inaccessibility to dental care, or conditions in which esthetics is not of concern. How to cite this article: Sunny S, Sargod SS, Bhat SS, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Glass Ionomer Cement on Microhardness of Artificial Caries Lesion in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(6):858-863.

Remineralizing Potential of Natural Nano-Hydroxyapatite Obtained from Epinephelus chlorostigma in Artificially Induced Early Enamel Lesion: An In Vitro Study.

Dental caries is a common problem in adolescents, leading to permanent loss of teeth or cavitation. Caries is a continuous process wherein demineralization and remineralization occur regularly. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is one of the most biocompatible and bioactive materials, as it closely resembles the mineral composition of teeth. The present study deals with isolating hydroxyapatite from fish bone (Epinephelus chlorostigma) by alkaline hydrolysis and thermal calcination. The isolated nano HA was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, TGA, FE-SEM-EDX, and HR-TEM analysis. The nano HA isolated by alkaline hydrolysis is nontoxic, and the cells are viable. The isolated HA enhances the proliferation of L929 cells. The remineralization potential of the extracted nano HA was evaluated in healthy premolars by DIAGNOdent/laser fluorescence quantification, surface microhardness test, and SEM-EDX analysis. Surface morphological observations in SEM and EDX analyses show that thermally calcined HA and alkali-treated HA can induce mineralization and deposit minerals. Therefore, HA obtained from Epinephelus chlorostigma could be a potential biomaterial for treating early caries.

Comparative Evaluation of Microleakage of Various Restorative Materials in Pulpotomized Primary Molars - In Vitro Study.

Background and Objectives: Conventionally, stainless steel crown (SSC) is the preferred material for the restoration of pulpotomized primary molars. However, in situations where stainless steel cannot be used necessity for other restorative material arises. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the microleakage of several coronal seal materials in pulpotomized primary molars- in vitro. Methodology: Seventy-five primary molars were prepared with proximo-occlusal cavities. Restoration was done with Zinc oxide eugenol cement, SSC, composite resin, resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (GIC), and amalgam. Microleakage was assessed using dye penetration technique with stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. Statistical Analysis and Results: The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to statistically analyze the results. Conclusion: With regard to this present study composite resin and resin-modified GIC offers a good alternative for SSC.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Aqueous Extract of "Ocimum Sanctum-Queen of Herb" on Dental Caries Microorganisms: An In Vitro Study.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of three different concentrations of Ocimum sanctum aqueous extract against various caries causing microorganisms, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Materials and methods: Aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum was prepared by the cold extraction method. The extract was diluted with milli Q water, to obtain 3 different concentrations [2%, 3%, and 4%] of the extract. Glycerol 6%v/v and tween-80, 0.1%v/v were also added to get a stable suspension. About 0.2% chlorhexidine was used as a positive control and milli Q water was used as a negative control. The extract, along with the controls, was then subjected to microbiological investigation to determine which concentration among the three different concentrations of extract gave a wider inhibition zone against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The zones of inhibition were measured in millimeters. Results: Ocimum sanctum aqueous extract demonstrated maximum antimicrobial activity against microorganisms responsible for dental caries at the 4% concentration level although 3% and 2% were also effective. Maximum activity was seen against S. mutans and S. sanguis with 4% extract. Conclusion: Ocimum sanctum aqueous extract was effective against all caries causing the microorganisms. Clinical significance: Dental caries is still a major oral disease in children which affects their quality of life. It is important to come up with an alternative oral hygiene aid which is easily available and with lesser side effects and maximum benefits by acting against caries causing microbes. Thus aqueous extract of commonly available tulsi is studied to know its effect on caries causing microorganisms. How to cite this article: Pai KR, Pallavi LK, Bhat SS, et al. Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Aqueous Extract of "Ocimum Sanctum-Queen of Herb" on Dental Caries Microorganisms: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S176-S179.

Effect of Fluoride-based Varnishes with Added Calcium and Phosphate on Microhardness of Esthetic Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study.

Background and objectives: Fluoride varnishes are being used to prevent caries in children. The high concentration of fluoride in varnishes apart from caries prevention may cause changes in surface properties of esthetic restorations. The study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of four commercially available fluoride varnishes with added calcium and phosphate on microhardness of three esthetic materials namely conventional GIC (Fuji II), high viscosity GIC (Fuji IX), and nanocomposite (Filtek Z350). Materials and methods: A total of 28 pellets were made of each material and stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 48 hours. The microhardness of the pellets was tested which served as a baseline. These were then randomly divided into four subgroups. In one subgroup Profluorid varnish was applied, second subgroup MI varnish was applied, third subgroup Embrace varnish was applied, and in the fourth subgroup Enamel Pro varnish was applied as per protocol. Thereafter, all the pellets were subjected to microhardness testing (load = 100 g for 15 seconds). Results: The fluoride varnishes increased the microhardness of conventional GIC (Fuji II) whereas in case of high viscosity GIC (Fuji IX) the application of varnishes reduced the microhardness. In case of nanocomposite restorative material (Filtek Z350) only Profluorid varnish increased its microhardness. Conclusion: Fluoride varnish and calcium-phosphate containing fluoride varnish effect on the microhardness of restorative material is material dependent. So, the choice of fluoride varnish with or without proprietary additives depends on the nature and composition of the restorative material. How to cite this article: Shetty RS, Bhat SS, HK Sundeep, et al. Effect of Fluoride-based Varnishes with Added Calcium and Phosphate on Microhardness of Esthetic Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(2):187-193.

Prosthodontic Management of Congenital Hypothyroidism with Anodontia: A Case Report.

Thyroid dysfunction has various manifestations which include orofacial abnormalities like delayed eruption, retained deciduous teeth, etc. Early detection of this deregulation of thyroid homeostasis can prevent associated complications. This report is a case of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in a 4-year-old boy who presented with a completely edentulous maxilla and hypodontic mandible. Based on various biochemical and radiographic investigations, a diagnosis of CH was established. He was prosthodontically rehabilitated with removable dentures. How to cite this article: Bhat V, Bhat VS, Vadakkan J, et al. Prosthodontic Management of Congenital Hypothyroidism with Anodontia: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(4):586-589.

Comparative Evaluation of Two Remineralizing Agents on Artificial Carious Lesion Using DIAGNOdent.

PURPOSE: The current in vitro study was conducted to assess the remineralization potential of CPP-ACP and a customized dentifrice (tricalcium-phosphate) on artificial carious lesions using DIAGNOdent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one extracted premolars that satisfied the inclusion criteria were painted using acid-resistant nail varnish. A window of 4 × 4 mm was exposed on the center of the buccal surface of each tooth. After 20 minutes of drying, the baseline reading of enamel specimens was assessed using DIAGNOdent. The teeth were then immersed in a bath of demineralizing solution. An incubation period of 96 hours at 37°C resulted in artificial caries-like lesions on the specimen. Readings of the specimen within the window after demineralization were recorded using DIAGNOdent for all the samples. The specimens were divided into three groups randomly [group I-casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), group II-customized dentifrice, group III-artificial saliva]. Samples were subjected to the daily treatment regimen for a period of 30 days. The samples were evaluated for remineralization by laser fluorescent device (DIAGNOdent) on the 15th and 30th day, respectively. RESULTS: The statistical analysis was done using the Friedman test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon sign rank test, and Mann-Whitney test. The results showed that both CPP-ACP and customized dentifrice showed almost similar remineralization potential but CPP-ACP showed significant remineralization (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The DIAGNOdent observation conclusively proves that CPP-ACP and customized dentifrice remineralizes the demineralized tooth samples in vitro with CPP-ACP showing significant remineralization. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Arjun DS, Bhat SS, Hegde SK, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Two Remineralizing Agents on Artificial Carious Lesion Using DIAGNOdent. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):192-195.

Effect of Tricalcium Phosphate and Calcium Sucrose Phosphate on the Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans: An In Vivo Study.

AIM: To determine the efficacy of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and calcium sucrose phosphate (CSP) on the inhibition of Streptococcus mutans (SM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty healthy children between 13 and 18 years of age were divided into two groups of 15 each; Group I receiving TCP-containing cream and Group II receiving calcium sucrose phosphate-containing cream. On the first day of the study, 30 minutes after breakfast, baseline plaque samples were taken from the buccal surface of first mandibular permanent molar using a sterile wedge which was immediately transferred to sterile container containing 1 mL of saline, and were subjected to microbiological examination. On the following days, both the creams were applied to the respective groups. On the 16th day, plaque samples were collected from the same site, and colony forming units were recorded using agar plate as a culture medium. RESULTS: The mean of S. mutans count before application of TCP-containing paste was 16.27 cfu per mL and before calcium sucrose phosphate-containing paste was 15.33 cfu per mL. The mean after application of TCP-containing paste and calcium sucrose phosphate-containing paste was 3.53 and 9.87 cfu per mL, respectively. And, there was a statistically significant difference found within the groups. CONCLUSION: Both TCP and CSP have an inhibitory effect on S. mutans. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This can be an effective preventive tool for children with high caries risk and even for special child. Both TCP and CSP deposit the mineral reservoir in plaque and saliva; it may help resist the future cariogenic challenges.

Comparison of Antibacterial Effect of Calcium Hydroxide Combined With Chlorhexidine and Povidone-Iodine Against Enterococcus faecalis in Dentinal Tubules of Human Incisors: An In Vitro Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: It has been found that the microorganism behind the failure of root-filled teeth is Enterococcus faecalis, which shows resistance to most of the intra-canal medicaments. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of three intra-canal medications-calcium hydroxide with saline, combinations of calcium hydroxide with 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), and calcium hydroxide with 5% povidone-iodine-against E. faecalis in dentinal tubules of human incisors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty permanent maxillary central incisors were made into standardized segments and infected with E. faecalis. They were treated with a paste made of calcium hydroxide and 2% CHX, calcium hydroxide and 5% povidone-iodine, and calcium hydroxide and saline for 1 week. Dentinal shavings collected from the canal were suspended in thioglycollate broth solution and spread on brain heart infusion agar. Colony-forming units (CFUs) were enumerated and the CFU per milligram of dentin was calculated. The pH of the medicaments used was measured with the help of pH meter. RESULTS: The results showed that the paste made from calcium hydroxide and 2% CHX was significantly more effective than that made from calcium hydroxide and povidone-iodine, and calcium hydroxide and saline. The addition of CHX or povidone-iodine did not affect the alkalinity of calcium hydroxide. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that Ca(OH)2 + 2% CHX are effective against E. faecalis. Combinations of calcium hydroxide and 5% povidone-iodine showed better antibacterial effect than calcium hydroxide and saline. Ca(OH)2 + saline was ineffective against E. faecalis.

Comparative Evaluation of Remineralization Potential of Two Varnishes Containing CPP-ACP and Tricalcium Phosphate: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the remineralization potential of Clinpro XT varnish containing tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and MI varnish containing casein phosphopeptide (casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, CPP-ACP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty premolar teeth were taken and divided into three groups. Samples were sliced mesiodistally into buccal and lingual halves using a diamond disk bur. The buccal halves of the teeth were used for the study. Artificial caries like lesions were produced and evaluated with Diagnodent. The samples in each group were treated with the respective remineralizing agent (except for the control group) at every 24 hours for 7 days and the surfaces were assessed using Diagnodent to record the values after the remineralization procedure. The Diagnodent values obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the values calculated before and after remineralization in all the three groups. CONCLUSION: The study findings showed that MI varnish containing CPP-ACP had the highest release of fluoride as compared to the Clinpro fluoride releasing varnish. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: MI varnish is a 5% NaF varnish containing CPP-ACP to give an exceptional fluoride varnish that releases more bioavailable fluoride, calcium, and phosphate, hence, can be used successfully in remineralization of early carious lesions. CPP-ACP can be used in the clinical practice for reversing or arresting the early carious lesions. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Varma V, Hegde KS, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Remineralization Potential of Two Varnishes Containing CPP-ACP and Tricalcium Phosphate: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2019;12(3):233-236.

Evaluation of the Effect of Extraction and Restorative Procedures on Blood Pressure and Pulse Rate Due to Anxiety in 6- to 12-Year-Old Children: An In Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the changes in the cardiovascular parameters, blood pressure, and pulse rate due to anxiety in children undergoing dental extraction and restorative treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 children were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The parameters were measured at four and three intervals for the extraction and restorative group, respectively. The obtained data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance test. RESULTS: In the extraction group, the change in blood pressure in female children (144 mm Hg) was significant compare to male children (141 mm Hg). In the restoration group, the change in blood pressure in male children (140/84 mm Hg) was found to be statistically more significant when compared to female children (139/85 mm Hg). The pulse rate change in both sexes was equally significant in restorative and extraction group. CONCLUSION: It can be inferred that pain and fear anxiety play important roles in the cardiovascular changes during dental treatment because there was significant change in blood pressure and pulse rate over time during dental treatment.

An in vitro evaluation of nickel and chromium release from different commercially available stainless steel crowns.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to estimate nickel and chromium release from commercially available stainless steel crowns (SSCs) in artificial saliva. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten crowns from three manufacturers were immersed in 10 ml of artificial saliva and stored in separate tubes in an incubator at 37°C for 28 days. The crowns were removed from each tube on every 7th day, and placed in other tubes with fresh artificial saliva. Flame type atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to check for the release of metal ions in the solution inside each tube at the end of 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days and the control samples. RESULTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Two-way analysis of variance and pairwise comparison using Bonferroni test was used for statistical analysis. There was statistically verified difference in the release of nickel and chromium on different days in each of the group of SSCs tested. However, no significant difference was seen in the release of both metals among the groups. CONCLUSION: In all the SSCs tested, there was the release of nickel and chromium, but the total release of both the metals even at a period of 28 days was below the critical level to cause any toxic effects. Hence, the release of metal ions should not be an alarming concern for the use of any of the group of commercially available SSCs.

Effectiveness of precooling the injection site using tetrafluorethane on pain perception in children.

BACKGROUND: Injection of local anesthesia is one of the most important reasons for avoidance behavior in children. Applying a topical anesthetic before injection is the most popular way to control pain; however, topical anesthetics have some shortcomings such as longer duration of action, displeasing taste, and spread of the anesthetic agent to noninjection site areas. Cryoanesthesia using refrigerant as a topical anesthesia is being studied as an alternative to overcome the shortcomings of topical anesthetics and has shown promising results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this split-mouth design study, 50 children of aged 8-10 years who required bilateral mandibular local anesthesia administration were selected. In the first visit, application of topical anesthetic spray (lidocaine) on one side and during the second appointment cryoanesthetic tetrafluorethane on the other side was used before local anesthetic administration. Patients were asked to report their discomfort and pain using visual analog scale (VAS) (subjective method). Patients' pain perception during injection is assessed by sound, eye, and motor (SEM) scale by the dentist (objective method). RESULTS: The results were statistically analyzed using paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney tests. In VAS scale (subjective method), pain scores were significantly lower in tetrafluorethane group when compared with lidocaine group. In SEM scale (objective method), pain scores were lower in tetrafluorethane group when compared with lidocaine group, but it was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Precooling the injection site using refrigerant tetrafluorethane spray has shown to be effective in eliminating pain before local anesthesia administration in children when compared with topical anesthetic lidocaine spray.

Assessment of maternal risk factors and its relationship with early childhood caries among preschool children in Mangaluru city.

AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the maternal risk factors and its relationship with early childhood caries (ECC) among preschoolchildren in Mangaluru city. METHODS: Children aged 3-5 years attending preschool (Anganwadi) and their mothers were included in the study. A total of 120 child-mother pairs participated in the study. The maternal risk factors were assessed by a pretested questionnaire. After obtaining the consent, the mother and their children were clinically examined for dental caries using the WHO criteria (1997). Results were analyzed using SPSS 18.0. RESULTS: Significant difference was found in mother's caries activity, high level of Streptococcus mutans, brushing frequency, diet of the mother, and their child's caries experience. CONCLUSION: A relationship between maternal risk factors and ECC is a result of a multifactorial and a comprehensive model that includes psychological and behavioral aspects. Caries prevention strategy should be that every child should receive oral care before age of one so that needful children can be instituted with preventive measures and their parents can be targeted for educational programs.

Comparative evaluation of Mangifera indica leaf mouthwash with chlorhexidine on plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and salivary streptococcal growth.

AIMS: This study aims to compare the efficacy of a mango (Mangifera indica) leaf mouthwash with chlorhexidine on plaque status, gingival status, and salivary Streptococcus mutans count. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of twenty children, aged 8-14 years, Mangalore Residential School, Karnataka, India, was allocated into two groups. Group A (10) and Group B (10) were given test mouthwash "mango leaf mouthwash" and chlorhexidine, respectively. The clinical trial was carried out for ½ h after rinsing and after 5 days, during which children were asked to rinse once daily, with 10 ml of the given mouthwash ½ h after tooth brushing. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in microbial count, improved plaque control and gingival health in mango leaf and chlorhexidine mouthwash groups with higher reduction in microbial count, and better plaque control and gingival health seen in chlorhexidine group. CONCLUSION: Herbal alternatives proved to be an effective and safe alternative to conventional modes of treatment.

Determination of toral antioxidant capacity of saliva in sickle cell anemic patients - A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell anemia is a congenital hemoglobinopathy characterized by deformed red blood cells. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of sickle cell anaemia as it destroys free radicals, and thereby depleting the protective mechanisms such as antioxidants in serum. These antioxidants are essential to protect against harmful oxidation-reduction reactions preventing oxidative damage to the cells. AIM: To evaluate and compare the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) of serum and saliva in sickle cell anemia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 children aged 4-12 yrs were selected and divided into two equal groups: Children suffering from sickle cell anemia and healthy controls. Blood and saliva samples were collected aseptically from both groups and were subjected to phosphomolybdenum method. Absorbance was read spectrophotometrically at 695 nm. The concentration of total antioxidants was obtained by plotting absorbance of the test against the standard graph. RESULTS: TAC levels in serum (0.29±0.19) and saliva (0.29±0.14) of sickle cell anaemic patients was reduced when compared with serum (0.32+ 0.18) and saliva (0.33+ 0.16) of the healthy children. The correlation between levels of TAC in saliva and serum was found to be statistically significant in sickle cell anaemic patients. CONCLUSION: A significant correlation of the TAC was found in saliva and serum of the patients with SCA suggests that saliva could be used as a non invasive alternative for assessing the antioxidant status in patients with SCA.

Acidogenic Potential of Plain Milk, Milk with Sugar, Milk with Cornflakes and Milk Cornflakes with Sugar: A Comparative Study.

AIM: To compare the acidogenic potential of plain milk, milk with sugar, milk with cornflakes, and milk cornflakes with sugar by assessing the salivary pH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 40 school children of 8 to 12 years; 20 boys and 20 girls were randomly selected. The salivary pH was assessed before and after the consumption of milk; milk and sugar; milk and cornflakes; and milk, sugar, and cornflakes. Baseline unstimulated saliva was collected in sterile plastic tube and the pH was recorded. The change in the salivary pH from the respective groups after consuming the test meal was recorded as follows: (1) after 5 minutes; (2) after 10 minutes; (3) after 15 minutes; (4) after 30 minutes; (5) 120 minutes. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 18.0 (SPSS). RESULTS: The average baseline salivary pH among all the groups was 7.26. A fall in pH at 5 minutes was seen in all the four groups. However, at different time intervals 5, 10, 15, 30, and 120 minutes, the pH values between the groups showed a significant difference at p < 00.7, 0.005, 0.001, 0.010, and 0.028 respectively. CONCLUSION: The fall in pH in all the groups was not significant to a limit of critical pH. Milk when added with sugar and/or cornflakes as a meal did not pose a threat as there was not significant decrease in pH. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Bhat SS, Hegde SK, Bhat VS, Ramya KM, Jodalli PS. Acidogenic Potential of Plain Milk, Milk with Sugar, Milk with Cornflakes, and Milk Cornflakes with Sugar: A Comparative Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(3):218-221.

A Cross-sectional Study of the Prevalence of Dental Caries among 12- to 15-year-old Overweight Schoolchildren.

INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obesity are growing health-related problems worldwide, and it is currently the most prevalent nutritional disorder among children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to assess the association between overweight and dental caries among 12- to 15-year-old schoolchildren in Mangaluru district, Karnataka, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from 2000 school-going children aged 12 to 15 years. The children were categorized as overweight and normal-weight group by assessing the body mass index (BMI). Body mass index was categorized using the classification system given by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) and obtained in units of kg/m2. The dental caries was assessed by detection and was performed according to decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. RESULTS: Of the 2000 children examined, the mean BMI recorded was 26.87 ± 2.26 for the overweight children and 20.82 ± 1.48 for the normal-weight children. Even though the DMFT (3.90 ± 2.95) in the overweight children was slightly higher than the control group (3.36 ± 2.73), it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Within the confines of the present study, it can be concluded that there is no significant association between overweight and dental caries among the schoolchildren of Mangaluru district in Karnataka. Longitudinal studies are necessary to substantiate the possible relationships between dental caries and overweight in children. Knowledge of these relationships could lead to preventive health measures designed to reduce the prevalence of both obesity and dental caries.

Effect of Chewing Bicarbonate-containing Sugar-free Gum on the Salivary pH: An in vivo Study.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of chewing gum on the salivary pH and to compare the effect of chewing bicarbonate-containing sugar-free gum on salivary pH against that of standard sugar-free gum. The experiment was carried out on 30 volunteers aged 20-22 years (mean age = 21 years) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The test gum was sugar-free greenmint-flavored bicarbonate-containing gum and the standard control was sugar-free spearmint-flavored gum. The pH was measured immediately using pH strips. According to statistical analysis, the mean salivary pH of the bicarbonate gum at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes is 6.9713, 6.5667, 6.4267, 6.3867 and 6.3233 respectively. There is decrease in pH from 0 to 20 minutes. According to Bonferroni, there was no significant difference in pH from 0 to 20 minutes, 10 to 20 minutes and 15 to 20 minutes, but there was a significant difference in salivary pH from 5 to 20 minutes (p = 0.014). The mean salivary pH of the standard gum at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes is 6.8767, 6.6067, 6.4200, 6.4027 and 6.3000 respectively. There is decrease in pH from 0 to 20 minutes. According to Bonferroni, there was no significant difference in pH from 0 to 20 minutes, 5 to 20 minutes, 10 to 20 minutes and 15 to 20 minutes. Thus, the higher salivary pH achieved with chewing bicarbonate gum compared with a standard sugar-free gum may have important oral health implications. How to cite this article: Ballal RK, Bhat SS, Ramdas SS, Ballal S. Effect of Chewing Bicarbonate-containing Sugar-free Gum on the Salivary pH: An in vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(1):35-38.

Blood Group Determination using DNA extracted from Exfoliated Primary Teeth at Various Time Durations and Temperatures: A PCR Study.

AIM: To determine polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based blood group on tooth pulp obtained from teeth stored for 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year following extraction and to evaluate the stability of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in primary tooth subjected to a temperature of 200°C ± 5°C for 15 minutes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental pulp tissue was collected from 40 exfoliated primary teeth stored for various time durations and temperature and preserved at 4°C till DNA extraction was carried out. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted using silica membrane-based spin-column procedure of QIAamp DNA minikit from BioRad. Deoxyribonucleic acid was subjected to PCR amplification and monoplex allele-specific PCR primers for ABO genotyping. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data were analyzed by comparison (based on percentage). RESULTS: In our study, overall, 85% samples showed a DNA yield. Cent percent results were obtained for samples studied at the end of 1 month followed by 90 and 80% for samples studied for 6 months and 1 year respectively. Heated samples showed 70% result. CONCLUSION: Polymerase chain reaction was found to be an effective method for blood group determination for teeth stored at various time durations and temperatures. However, as the time interval increased, the number of positive results obtained decreased. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Pai RK, Bhat SS, Salman A, Hegde S. Blood Group Determination using DNA extracted from Exfoliated Primary Teeth at Various Time Durations and Temperatures: A PCR Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(4):308-312.