Dental age assessment based on the radiographic visibility of the periodontal ligament in lower third molars in a Thai sample.

The objective of the present study was to analyze the radiographic visibility of the periodontal ligament in completed root formation lower third molars in a sample of lower northern Thai population. Digital panoramic images from 800 patients with ages ranging from 16 to 26 years were used in this study. The visibility status of the periodontal ligament of lower third molars with completed root formation including apical closure was assessed. For each stage, the minimum age, maximum age, median, mean, and standard deviation were calculated. The minimum age found in stage 0 was 16.17 years in males and 17.00 years in females. Stage 1 was first achieved at the age of 16.17 years in males and 17.08 years in females. The earliest onset of stage 2 was 17.00 years in males and 18.17 years in females. The incidence of stage 3 was first observed at 19.17 years in males and 18.83 years in females. It may be concluded that the radiographic visibility of the periodontal ligament in lower third molars may be a useful approach in the dental age assessment in a Thai population. In case the periodontal ligament visibility is found to be in stage 2, it may be confirmed that the individual is at least 18 years of age.

Severe Anti-epileptic Drug-induced Gingival Overgrowth in a Physically Disabled Patient.

Anti-epileptic drugs are considered to be the main drugs associated with gingival overgrowth. The co-administration of phenytoin and other anti-epileptic drugs, which increases the risk of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth, has been previously reported. However, no report has been done considering the new generation of anti-epileptic drug topiramate and its association with gingival overgrowth. High levels of dental plaque and calculus have also been reported as being a critical risk factor in the development and severity of drug-induced gingival overgrowth. Thus, this case report highlights the occurrence of severe gingival overgrowth and generalized periodontitis in a physically disabled patient with epilepsy who had been taking phenytoin and topiramate drugs for 10 years. It also emphasizes the importance for both medical and dental professionals to reduce the severity and impact of drug-induced gingival overgrowth.

Antibacterial activity of Garcinia mangostana extracts on oral pathogens.

AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Garcinia mangostana (GM) extracts on oral pathogens. METHODS: The 95% ethanol and 70% acetone extracts of the pericarp of GM was prepared and standardized by determining the amount of α-mangostin, total phenolic compounds and tannins. The antibacterial activity of GM extracts against oral pathogens was investigated by using minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time kill assay. Bacterial morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The results indicated that the content of α-mangostin, total phenolic compounds and tannins of the both extracts were different. The 95% ethanol extract contained higher α-mangostin and total phenolic compounds. Whereas, the tannins of 70% acetone extract were significantly higher than 95% ethanol extract. The 95% ethanol extract exhibited a potent antibacterial activity with low MIC and MBC values compared to the acetone extract. The morphology of bacteria was significantly changed after treatment with extracts for 24 h. Furthermore, time kill assay revealed that bacterial cells were decreased within 2 h. CONCLUSION: GM extracts was effective against oral bacteria pathogens. The antibacterial activity was varied by the different extraction solvents and the distinction in the contents of the compounds among extracts. These findings indicated that GM extracts showed promising antibacterial activity against oral pathogens in vitro.