Hazards Associated With Nanotechnology in Clinical Dentistry.

Nanotechnology has transformed the field of dentistry with immense potential to provide comprehensive oral health care using nanomaterials, advanced clinical tools, and devices. New materials with superior properties can be developed using nanotechnology by making use of their atomic or molecular properties. Although there are numerous ways in which nanomaterials impact our health, the primary cause is that they comprise chemicals that may have an inadvertent reaction in the body. Moreover, they are used on a daily basis, increasing human contact with them. It is observed to be smaller in size than the physiological barrier in our bodies, making it much simpler for them to pass through and enter the body and they are being used more frequently. It is observed to be smaller in size than the physiological barrier in our bodies, making it much simpler for them to pass through and enter the body and being used more frequently. Although there are numerous ways in which nanomaterials impact our health, the primary cause is they comprise chemicals that may have an inadvertent reaction in the body. The review discusses various types of toxicity, including the cytotoxicity of composites, carbon nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (SNPs), and quantum dots. It also covers genotoxicity, the effect of nanoparticles on salivary secretion, oral and gastrointestinal mucosa passage of nanoparticles, the tooth surface microenvironment, and interactions with engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). It is concluded that there is scarce information regarding the presence of chemicals that are released from nanoparticles used in dental materials. Nanotechnology is at an infant stage, although it has progressed by leaps and bounds, hailing a new age that provides better treatment modalities in various branches of dentistry. Although the development and application of nanodentistry are of considerable interest, knowledge regarding the possible toxicity of such materials must be meticulously evaluated, and potential benefits must be weighed against the risks to identify potential gaps in the safety assessment. Further research is needed on workplace exposure to nanoparticles in dentistry.

Comparison of "My Tooth the Happiest" educational game with standard dietary counseling for preference toward non-cariogenic food items in preschool children: A Randomized control trial.

Background: A change in food preferences is difficult to bring about, thus there is a need of an innovative tool which would cater to the developing cognition of the child but at the same time be fun and engaging. Aim: To assess and compare playing "My tooth the happiest" an educational game with standard dietary counseling in preschool children for preference for noncariogenic food items. Settings and Design: Randomized controlled trial. Materials and Methods: The parents of 51 children aged between 4 and 6 years, answered a preintervention questionnaire on the daily food preferences of their children and were scored as per the scale which depicted the frequency status of dietary preferences. In Group A, 25 children played the educational game "My tooth the Happiest" and Group B of 26 children were given verbal dietary counseling. A postintervention questionnaire was answered by the parents on the 8th, 16th, and 30th days and were scored as per the scale. Statistical Analysis: The intergroup comparison of Group A and Group B was done by Mann-Whitney test and the intra-group analysis by Friedman's test. Results: The inter-group analysis showed a highly significant (P < 0.01) result at the 8th, 16th, and 30th day with lower mean scores in Group A than Group B. The intragroup analysis within both the groups showed a highly significant change (P < 0.01). Conclusions: Playing an inexpensive, fun, educational game could be a "Game changer" for dietary counseling in pediatric dentistry for preschoolers.

A comparative evaluation of the learning outcome of toothbrushing in preschoolers by a novel cartoon-based education aid with conventional toothbrushing model education technique: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The recommendation of toothbrushing which is twice daily for 2 min is well known, but for most parents, getting their children to brush is a stressful task. The barriers are numerous. In this study, we focused on imparting knowledge and motivation to toothbrushing while making it into a playful activity for the child as well as their parents. AIM: The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the learning outcome of toothbrushing by a novel cartoon-based education aid with conventional toothbrushing model education technique in preschoolers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 43 children aged between 3 and 5 years randomly allocated into two groups: Group A received toothbrushing instruction through play with a novel cartoon-based education aid and Group B received instructions through an acrylic brushing model. Both the groups were recalled on the 8th day, and the glass index was used to assess for plaque estimation. The intergroup comparison was done by unpaired t-test and the intragroup analysis by paired t-test. RESULTS: The comparison of the mean plaque scores in both the groups at the 8th day was not significant statistically (P = 0.965). The intragroup analysis, from baseline to the 8th day, in Group A, with mean difference (0.277 ± 0.751), was not statistically significant (P = 0.135), whereas in Group B, the mean difference (0.400 ± 0.598) was statistically significant (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The reduced mean of plaque scores proves that both the techniques had a positive impact on reducing the plaque scores; however, the comparison between the two groups was not statistically significant.

Evaluation of isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive in management of pediatric lacerations: An alternative to suturing.

AIMS: A study was conducted to evaluate the benefits of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive as an alternative to suturing in management of pediatric lacerations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 7 patients were evaluated and followed for 3-month. The wound was evaluated on 1(st), 3(rd), and 7(th) postoperative day for swelling, infection, gaping and pain and at 1(st) and 3(rd) postoperative month for scar evaluation. The evaluation was based on different superficial facial wound repairs (i.e., low tension) with an average length <3 cm; and if the surgeon subjectively felt that subcuticular sutures were justified to reduce wound tension, then these were used. Isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate glue was applied over lacerated wound margins after cleaning the wound and holding together for 15 s by means of tissue holding forceps. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test after collection of data. Mean and standard error were estimated from the sample. RESULTS: The mean total time taken for skin closure was 1-2.5 min. There was no wound infection in any of the cases; only one case showed wound dehiscence on 3rd postoperative day. The cosmetic was better as there were no suture marks. CONCLUSION: Isoamyl 2-cyanoacrylate can be considered as excellent "no needle" alternative for closure of selected pediatric lacerations, those that are short, clean and under low tension.

Evaluation of the accuracy of Demirjian method for estimation of dental age among 6-12 years of children in Navi Mumbai: A radiographic study.

BACKGROUND: Dental formation is superior to eruption as a method of dental age (DA) assessment. Eruption is only a brief occurrence, whereas formation may be related at different chronologic age levels, thereby providing a precise index for determining DA. The study was designed to determine the nature of inter-relationship between chronologic and DA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Age estimation depending upon tooth formation was done by Demirjian method and accuracy of Demirjian method was also evaluated. The sample for the study consisted of 197 children of Navi Mumbai. RESULTS: Significant positive correlation was found between chronologic age and DA that is, (r = 0.995), (P < 0.0001) for boys and (r = 0.995), (P < 0.0001) for girls. When age estimation was done by Demirjian method, mean the difference between true age (chronologic age) and assessed (DA) was 2 days for boys and 37 days for girls. Demirjian method showed high accuracy when applied to Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra - India) population. CONCLUSION: Demirjian method showed high accuracy when applied to Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra - India) population.

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis in child: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is an intracapsular union of the disc-condyle complex to the temporal articular surface that restricts mandibular movements, including the fibrous adhesions or bony fusion between condyle, disc, glenoid fossa, and eminence. It is a serious and disabling condition that may cause problems in mastication, digestion, speech, appearance, and hygiene. CASE REPORT: This report describes a case of a 12-year-old girl with inability to open her mouth, diagnosed with unilateral right bony TMJ ankylosis. The surgical approach consisted of gap arthroplasty with interpositional temporalis muscle flap followed by vigorous physiotherapy. CONCLUSION: The treatment of TMJ ankylosis poses a significant challenge because of technical difficulties and a high incidence of recurrence. Its treatment includes the orthodontist, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, pediatric dentist, and psychologist and physical therapist as part of the healthcare team.

Efficacy of microwaves and chlorhexidine for disinfection of pacifiers and toothbrushes: an in vitro study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the contamination of toothbrushes and pacifiers by Streptococcus mutans, and the efficacy of microwave and chlorhexidine for their disinfection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty pacifiers and 60 toothbrushes were contaminated with S. mutans and then divided into groups according to the disinfection protocol: Group 1-chlorhexidine solution; group 2-microwave sterilization; and group 3-sterile tap water. The devices were evaluated microbiologically after disinfection for the survival of S. mutans colonies and were examined. The results were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Turkey test. RESULTS: The results of both types of evaluation showed a large number of S. mutans colonies after spraying with sterile tap water, and chlorhexidine spraying and microwaving were effective in eliminating colonies. Groups 1 and 2 were statistically similar to each other (p > 0.05) and differed significantly from group 3 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The 0.12% chlorhexidine solution spray and 7 minutes of microwave irradiation were almost equally effective for disinfection of pacifiers and toothbrushes.