Comparative Fluoride Release and Antimicrobial Analysis of Commercial and Experimental Bioactive Glass/Nano-Oxide-Based Dentifrices.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to measure fluoride release and assess the antimicrobial behavior of fluoride-doped nano bioactive glass (F-nBG) and nano zinc oxide (ZnO)-enriched novel dentifrices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental dentifrices were synthesized by incorporating ZnO nanoparticles and F-nBG (1.5 wt% and 4 wt%) as active ingredients. The fluoride release behavior of suspensions and elutes of samples were analyzed by ion selective electrode. Antimicrobial activity and minimum bactericidal concentration against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei were evaluated. Microbial stability against contamination was also assessed by a challenge test. RESULTS: The fluoride release behavior of experimental dentifrices was higher than that of commercial dentifrices and was dependent on filler loading. The fluoride release was more from suspensions than elutes. Zones of inhibition (ZOIs) and minimum bactericidal concentration values for novel dentifrices showed direct proportionality with filler loading, and effectiveness was exhibited against both strains. Experimental dentifrices exhibited effective antibacterial potential, which could possibly be due to release of sufficient fluoride and zinc ions in aqueous media from F-nBG and ZnO present in their formulations. CONCLUSION: Combination of F-nBG and ZnO may provide a multi-benefit approach for simultaneously treating early white spot lesions, reducing bacterial growth, and providing core plaque control.

A randomized control clinical trial of fissure sealant retention: Self etch adhesive versus total etch adhesive.

CONTEXT: There are limited studies on comparison of Total etch (TE) and Self etch (SE) adhesive for placement of sealants. AIMS: The aim of the study was to compare the retention of fissure sealants placed using TE adhesive to those sealants placed using SE (seventh generation) adhesive. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted in the dental section, Aga Khan University Hospital. This study was a randomized single blinded trial with a split mouth design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 37 patients, 101 teeth were included in both study groups. The intervention arm was treated with SE Adhesive (Adper Easy One, 3M ESPE, US). Control arm received TE adhesive (Adper Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE, US) before sealant application. The patients were followed after 6 months for assessment of sealant retention. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Interexaminer agreement for outcome assessment was assessed by Kappa Statistics and outcome in intervention group was assessed by McNemar's test. RESULTS: Ninety-one pairs of molar (90%) were reevaluated for sealant retention. Complete retention was 56% in TE arm and 28% in SE arm with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.7. CONCLUSIONS: Sealants applied with TE adhesives show higher rate of complete sealant retention than SE adhesive.

Postoperative sensitivity of self etch versus total etch adhesive.

OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative sensitivity following composite restoration placed in supra gingival class-V cavities using self etch adhesive and total etch adhesive. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Operative Dentistry Department of Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, from July to December 2009. METHODOLOGY: A total of 70 patients having class-V supra gingival carious lesions were divided into two groups. Classes-V cavities not exceeding 3 mm were prepared. One treatment group was treated with self etch adhesive (adhe SE one Ivoclar) and the control group was treated with total-etch adhesive (Eco-Etch Ivoclar) after acid etching with 37% phosphoric acid. Light cured composite (Te-Econom Ivoclar) restoration was placed for both groups and evaluated for postoperative sensitivity immediately after restoration, after 24 hours and after one week. Data was recorded on visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Comparison of sensitivity between the two treatment groups on application cold stimulus after 24 hours of restoration showed significant difference; however, no statistically significant difference was observed at baseline, immediately after restoration and at 1 week follow-up with cold stimulus or compressed air application. CONCLUSION: Less postoperative sensitivity was observed at postoperative 24 hours assessment in restoration placed using SE adhesives compared to TE adhesives. Thus, the use of SE adhesives may be helpful in reducing postoperative sensitivity during 24 hours after restoration placement.

Comparison of orange oil and chloroform as gutta- percha solvents in endodontic retreatment.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of gutta-percha removal achieved with simple mechanical technique using two different solvents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was an in vitro experimental study conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan on 27 extracted human molars divided into two groups by alternate sampling technique. The teeth were prepared by manual filing and obturated with gutta-percha and calcium hydroxide sealer. Two drops of the assigned solvent were placed on the orifice of the obturated canal and Gates Glidden drills #1, 2 and 3 were used for removal of coronal gutta-percha. Manual filing was done for removal of remaining gutta-percha and the solvent was used in drops until needed. Postoperative periapical radiographs were taken to visualize the remaining gutta-percha left in the canals. Descriptive statistics (mean and SD) of the variables such as tooth type, obturation length and canal curvatures were determined. Chi-square and independent sample t-tests were applied and level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: There was 5.19 (3.8) mm of remaining gutta-percha in the orange oil group and 5.37 (4.2) mm in the chloroform group (p=0.90). CONCLUSION: There is no statistically significant difference between the orange oil and chloroform when used as solvent for removing gutta-percha.

Oral white lesions: presentation and comparison of oral submucous fibrosis with other lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To compare oral submucous fibrosis with other white oral lesions for presentation and associated factors. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Departments of Oral Medicine and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad Institute of Oral Health Sciences (DIKIOHS), Karachi, from May 2008 to May 2009. METHODOLOGY: Patients presenting with oral white lesions were selected by consecutive non-purposive sampling and clinico-demographic data was collected. For patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), additional information like duration of habits, maximal incisal opening (MIO), presence of any other associated lesion were noted. OSF was compared with other white lesions for any association between characteristic of subjects. Chi-square and independent t-tests for determining the statistical significance at p < 0.05. RESULTS: OSF was present in 59.6% (n = 106) of the 178 patients; other white lesions were 40.4% (n = 72). The mean age of patients with OSF was 34 ± 12.7 years and 45.81 ± 16.2 years in patients with other white lesions, (p < 0.0001).Items containing areca nut were consumed more by patients with OSF, with a significant (p < 0.0001) compared to patients with other white lesions. CONCLUSION: OSF was the predominant white lesion in patients examined at DIKIOHS. Areca nut was found to be chewed more by patients with OSF and still longer by patients with SCC.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers regarding their own and children's dental health--a tertiary care hospital based study.

BACKGROUND: Mothers play a basic role in the dental health of children. They decide whether their children need dental treatment or not. The aims of this study were to assess mothers' knowledge and practices regarding children's dental health and to determine association of mothers own attitude and their attitude towards children's dental health. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, Pakistan in which 207 mothers completed a self-administered structured questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were respondents having children between 2 and 5 years of age and exclusion criteria were respondents having physical or mentally handicapped children. SPSS-16 was used for data analysis. Chi Square test was used to determine association between maternal own dental attitude and their attitude and knowledge about children dental health with p < or = 0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: Majority of the mothers used to visit dentists for themselves in the case of problems and they thought the same for their children (p < 0.001). A statistically significant association also existed between mothers and children tooth brushing frequency (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Mothers visiting Aga Khan University Hospital, lack sufficient knowledge regarding timings of the children's first dental visit and the importance of limiting frequency of in-between meals snacks consumed by their children.