COVID-19 and Personal Protective Equipment-Related Challenges Faced by Pediatric Dentists during patient care: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Objective: To describe the challenges pediatric dentists face while caring for their patients during the pandemic. Material and Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with purposefully sampled pediatric dentists. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews until the content of the collected data reached theoretical saturation. Data were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using content analyses. Results: Seven participants (four females and three males) between 29 and 50 years participated in the study. Three themes emerged from the analyses: Anxiety and fear; PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and its impact on care delivery; and 3) Behavior management. Conclusion: Dental care delivery was challenging for pediatric dentists. They experienced high anxiety levels and modified their services according to the recommended guidelines while making accommodations to lessen patients' COVID-19-related anxiety. The additional mandated PPE use affected the communication between the dentists and their patients, affecting their dentist-patient bonding.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Triclosan-incorporated Root Canal Filling Materials for Primary Teeth against Enterococcus faecalis.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the antibacterial activity of root canal filling materials namely zinc oxide eugenol and Endoflas FS with or without the incorporation of Triclosan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of four groups, with 15 samples in each group: group I (zinc oxide eugenol paste), group Ia (zinc oxide eugenol paste + 2.5% Triclosan), group II (Endoflas FS), and group IIa (Endoflas FS + 2.5% Triclosan). A double layer agar well diffusion test was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis. The zones of microbial inhibition were measured at the end of 24 hours, 6th day, and 29th day. RESULTS: On intergroup comparison, the difference in the antibacterial activity was found to be highly significant (p < 0.001). Among the various groups evaluated, group IIa showed the highest antibacterial activity against E. faecalis followed by group II, group Ia, and the least activity being shown by group I throughout the experimental periods. On intragroup comparison at different time intervals, a maximum zone of inhibition was seen at 24 hours with a p value < 0.05 in all the tested groups. CONCLUSION: Incorporation of 2.5% triclosan into zinc oxide eugenol and Endoflas FS enhanced the antimicrobial activity of both the root canal filling materials with lasting antimicrobial activity even at the end of the 29th day. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The antimicrobial efficacy of a root canal filling material is an ideal requirement, which will help in combating the residual microflora present in the root canal system following chemomechanical preparation. The addition of an antimicrobial agent such as triclosan to the root canal filling materials, enhances their antimicrobial efficacy significantly and thus, rendering the pulpectomy-treated tooth with a better prognosis. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Deepak BM, Prabhakar AR, Karuna YM, et al. Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Triclosan-incorporated Root Canal Filling Materials for Primary Teeth against Enterococcus faecalis. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(3):393-397.

Early childhood caries and parents' challenges in implementing oral hygiene practices: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries (ECC) is highly prevalent with significant long-term consequences. Parents are primarily responsible for the oral health practices of their children. Parents' health beliefs, attitudes, and cultural factors influence oral health practices. AIM: To explore and understand the perceptions and challenges faced by the parents of the children with ECC in performing routine oral hygiene practices for their children. DESIGN: We conducted a qualitative description study with the parents of children with ECC. Data were collected through five focus groups using culturally appropriate, semi-structured, open-ended questions and probes. Focus groups were audiotaped, and field notes were taken, which were transcribed verbatim after each focus group session. Data were analyzed using content analyses. RESULTS: A vast majority of the participants were aware of the significance of oral hygiene. However, they faced challenges in implementing proper home hygiene practices at home and lacked knowledge about the type of toothpaste and toothbrush to be used for their children. CONCLUSION: The parents of the children with ECC face a severe knowledge gap, which is interfering with the selection of proper oral hygiene aids for their children. They also face barriers in implementing oral hygiene routines for their children, in spite of awareness that tooth brushing is important.

In vitro evaluation of probiotic strains for lactic acid production.

BACKGROUND: The growing interest on usage of probiotic lactobacilli in maintaining oral health has posed number of questions on its probable side effects. One such consideration could be an increased acid production in dental plaque, in turn leading to dental caries. Thus, the aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the lactic acid producing ability of L. acidophilus and L. plantarum with and without dental plaque. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study consisted of five groups: 3 control groups (Supragingival plaque, L. acidophilus and L. plantarum) and 2 test groups (Supragingival plaque with L. acidophilus and Supragingival plaque with L. plantarum). 26 samples for each group were collected and their baseline spectrophotometric values were recorded. The acid production was initiated by adding 25?l fructose (10%) and stopped by centrifugation for 2 min. The concentration of the lactic acid produced was determined with the aid of COBAS INTEGRA 400 plus. RESULTS: On comparison of Lactic Acid estimation in mg/dl, the mean values of Plaque group was the highest followed by Plaque +L acidophilus, Plaque +L plantarum, L acidophilus and least in L plantarum. The posthoc analysis shows that the comparison of Group 1 (Plaque) and Group 2 (Plaque +L acidophilus) is statistically Significant results between all the groups except between the Plaque +L acidophilus and Plaque +L plantarum group. CONCLUSIONS: The lactic acid producing ability of pure suspensions of L.acidophilus and L.plantarum and the lactic acid producing efficiency becomes more when they are added to the supragingival plaque. Key words:Probiotic, lactic Acid, plaque.