The combined antimicrobial effect of arginine and fluoride toothpaste

The aim of the study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of arginine (Arg) in NaF toothpaste. 24-h mono-/3-species biofilm cultures of S. mutans, S. sanguis and S. gordonii inoculated sHA discs were subjected to treatment with toothpaste supernatants prepared as - [1]:2% Arg –NaF (0.147% F), [2]:4% Arg–NaF (0.144% F), [3]:8% Arg – NaF (0.138% F), [4]:NaF (0.15%) and [5]:deionized water. After 24-h incubation, the mono-species biofilms were subjected to viability assay using WST-8, SEM and confocal imaging (CLSM). The 3-species biofilm were quantified for bacterial composition by PCR analysis, SEM, CLSM, and RNA isolation with reverse-transcription PCR analysis. Increasing arginine concentrations in NaF toothpaste had no effect on microbial viability. The mono-/3-species biofilm imaging depicted that the 2% Arg-NaF and 4% Arg-NaF had a biofilm disrupting effect. The 3-species biofilm bacterial composition indicated that the 2% Arg-NaF group maintained an ecological homeostasis by inhibiting S. mutans growth and enriching the growth of S. sanguis and S. gordonii. The 2% Arg-NaF group significantly downregulated the expression of virulent gtfB gene and upregulated the expression of sagP with relative dominance of arcA. Incorporation of 2% arginine in NaF toothpaste might enrich the alkali-producing bacteria and provide enhanced counter mechanisms against cariogenic pathogen when compared to NaF toothpaste.

Interrater agreement and reliability assessment of proximal caries detection tools in mixed dentition: An in-vivo study

OBJECTIVE

This in-vivo study was performed to assess the interrater agreement and reliability of ICDAS (visual), transillumination, radiographic, and laser fluorescence proximal caries detection tools in between primary and adjacently erupted permanent molars.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

This study was in accordance with Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies. Two calibrated examiners assessed the nonobvious noncavitated apparently sound 100 interproximal sites using predefined criteria. Interrater agreement was analyzed as proportion of agreement. Interrater reliability assessment was performed using weighted kappa statistics and intraclass correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The maximum interrater agreement was projected with conventional bitewing radiography (97%), and the minimum with DIAGNOdent pen (84%), with significant difference (P < .001) in the proportion of agreement. All methods showed substantial interrater reliability, except fiber-optic transillumination. Maximum interrater reliability was noticed for ICDAS (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) method with a weighted kappa value of 0.80 (96% CI, 0.58 - 0.93) followed by conventional and digital bitewing radiography, with values of 0.74 (95% CI, 0.51 - 0.96) and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.43 - 0.92) respectively.

CONCLUSION

ICDAS and bitewing radiography seem to be the most reliable methods, with a higher proportion of agreement between the examiners compared to the other methods addressed in this study for proximal caries detection.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Devitalizing Agents: A Survey of General Dental Practitioners

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze knowledge, attitude and practice of general dental practitioners regarding the use of devitalizing agents in their respective practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 100 practicing general dentists were randomly chosen as per the list of practitioners available to local state association. The questionnaire was designed to cover general information of the participating dentist and concerning different aspects of devitalizing agents. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 17.0 (IBM Statistics, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Descriptive statistics was drawn with respective percentages to have a comparative overview.

RESULTS

The response rate was 97%, of which the effective and complete replies received were 77% (75). 56% respondents used paraformaldehyde containing pastes. Majority of general practitioners (61%) did not observe any post-operative complication following the use of devitalising agent. 33% (25) of the respondents were not aware of the complications of devitalizing agents.

CONCLUSION

Thus, it can be concluded that general dental practitioners in Pune and Nashik district of Maharashtra, India do use pulp devitalizing agents in spite of possessing knowledge related to the complications.

Evaluation of Cellular Phones for Potential Risk of Nosocomial Infection amongst Dental Operators and Auxiliary Staff

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates cellular phones for potential risk of nosocomial infection amongst dental operators and auxiliary staff in a dental school.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Each participant's mobile phone was first cleaned with 70% isopropyl alcohol swab. Following the cleansing protocol, the partakers were asked to make a short phone call. The mobile phones were then washed aseptically by rotating damp cotton swabs with sterile normal saline. Bacterial growth was identified on sheep blood agar and McConkey's agar plates. Sabouraud dextrose agar media was used for fungi species. Descriptive statistics was established with the data statistically explored with SPSS version 17.0.

RESULTS

About 50% of dental professionals had shown active bacterial and fungal growth in which 35% (n=35) were dental operators and 15% (n=15) were dental nurses. 53% Gram-positive organisms, 2% Gram-negative organisms, and 3% fungi were identified growths on cellular phones.

CONCLUSION

Thus, it can be concluded that the cellular phones of dental operators as compared to auxiliaries can act as a potential source of nosocomial infection.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of devitalizing agents: a survey of general dental practitioners

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to analyze knowledge, attitude and practice of general dental practitioners regarding the use of devitalizing agents in their respective practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 100 practicing general dentists were randomly chosen as per the list of practitioners available to local state association. The questionnaire was designed to cover general information of the participating dentist and concerning different aspects of devitalizing agents. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 17.0 (IBM Statistics, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Descriptive statistics was drawn with respective percentages to have a comparative overview.

RESULTS

The response rate was 97%, of which the effective and complete replies received were 77% (75). 56% respondents used paraformaldehyde containing pastes. Majority of general practitioners (61%) did not observe any post-operative complication following the use of devitalising agent. 33% (25) of the respondents were not aware of the complications of devitalizing agents.

CONCLUSION

Thus, it can be concluded that general dental practitioners in Pune and Nashik district of Maharashtra, India do use pulp devitalizing agents in spite of possessing knowledge related to the complications.

Comparative evaluation and correlation of salivary total antioxidant capacity and salivary pH in caries-free and severe early childhood caries children

BACKGROUND

Dental caries is a major problem in preschool children. The contribution of saliva in providing defense during caries process is of primary importance. pH buffer capacity through bicarbonate, phosphate and protein buffer systems have universal acceptance as a caries defense mechanism. Antioxidant capacity of saliva can constitute a first line of defense against chronic degenerative diseases including dental caries. Till date, no study is presented with salivary antioxidant capacity of younger children affected with severe early childhood caries with its salivary pH correlation. Hence, this study was carried out to compare, evaluate and correlate the salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and salivary pH of children with caries-free and severe early childhood caries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty children from ages 3 to 5 years divided into two study groups had undergone screening. Group I (n = 25) with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) and group II (n = 25) who were caries free. Unstimulated whole saliva of subjects were in the collection during the study by draining method. Salivary pH determination of saliva samples was done using pH indicator paper strips. The TAC was done using an antioxidant assay with the help of a spectrophotometer at wavelength 532 nm. The means of salivary pH and TAC were subjected to analysis using unpaired student 't' test and correlation was determined using Pearsons correlation coefficient analysis.

RESULTS

Mean salivary pH was higher in group II (7.46 ± 0.37). Mean TAC was greater in group I (1.82 ± 0.19). A statistically significant negative correlation as seen between TAC and salivary pH in S-ECC patients.

CONCLUSION

The study concludes that salivary TAC increases in patients with S-ECC are by that showing a high indirect relationship with salivary pH.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Paediatricians toward Long-Term Liquid Medicaments Associated Oral Health

BACKGROUND

A pediatrician is a primary care physician who deals with the medical care of infants, children and adolescents. Oral health care for the subgroups detailed is certainly substantiated as an integral part of general health. There are conflicting results presented till date on the subject of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of pediatricians on the consumption of pediatric liquid medicaments and the results can be divergent based on the geographical adjustments specifically with significance for industrial areas. Hence, the present study was carried out to evaluate the KAP of pediatricians toward oral health of children taking long-term pediatric liquid medicaments in Pimpri-Chinchwad area deemed and identified as Asia's largest industrial area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A questionnaire was distributed among 50 pediatriacians practicing in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune city area, which consisted of questions seeking knowledge of pediatricians regarding awareness of detrimental effects of long-term pediatricians toward long-term liquid medicaments use on oral cavity, including delivery of oral hygiene instructions and regular dental checkup. The results as obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 16.0 for windows (Chicago Inc., USA). The statistical significance of difference was tested using Chi-square test for independence of attributes.

RESULTS

About 68% were aware that long-term use of pediatric liquid medicaments can cause tooth structure defects. But only 58% advised regular dental checkups for these patients. 50% of the pediatricians prescribed the liquid medications to be taken in between two meals and 74% of the pediatricians advised rinsing mouth with water immediately after consuming pediatric liquid medicaments. However, there was no statistically significant difference seen among the values observed.

CONCLUSION

The pediatricians showed reasonable awareness regarding the ill effects of the long-term use of pediatric liquid medicaments and took precautions regarding the same. However, proper oral hygiene maintenance instructions were lacking as a skill in their offerings.

Plagiarism: an academic offence

How to cite the article: Bijle MN, Patil S. Plagiarism: An Academic Offence. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(2):i.

Comparative evaluation of cariogenic and erosive potential of commonly prescribed pediatric liquid medicaments: an in vitro study

INTRODUCTION

Liquid oral medicines being the most accepted form of medication in children are frequently prescribed. The harmful effects of these liquid medicaments on a child's dental health are not known to many. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the cariogenic and erosive potential of 5 most commonly prescribed pediatric liquid medicaments (PLM) in Pimpri Chinchwad and Pune city, Pune district.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Most commonly prescribed PLM in Pune district were selected as opined by 50 pediatricians. The selected medicaments were Syr. Augmentin® Duo, Syr. Valparin®, Syr. Combiflam®, Syr. Visyneral and Syr. Orofer®. An estimation of pH, percentage of sucrose concentration and calcium dissolving capacity of these preparations was carried out. The results as obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS v 17.0 for windows. The statistical test as undertaken was Pearson's correlation coeffcient(r).

RESULTS

Sucrose was seen to be present in Syr. Combiflam® (35.75% ± 0.25%) and Syr. Visyneral (18.48% ± 0.43%). Acidic pH was observed for Syr. Visyneral (mean pH 3.63 ± 0.04), Syr. Combiflam®(mean pH 5.03 ± 0.02) and Syr. Augmentin® (mean pH 6.22 ± 0.02). Highest calcium dissolution was seen with Syr. Combiflam®(295.86 mg/ml) and the least with Syr. Orofer® (25.51 mg/ml). No statistical significant correlation was observed with calcium dissolution potential of PLM in comparison with their respective pH.

CONCLUSION

Syr. Combiflam® can be regarded as the highest cariogenic and erosive potential medicament among the compared and tested PLM.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Considering syrups with high cariogenic and erosive potential should always follow with proper oral hygiene practices or search for an alternative drugs void of such detrimental effects.

Filed and granted Indian Patents in dentistry from 2005-2009: a critical analysis and review

BACKGROUND

Patent policies have proved to be extremely important for several countries to develop. India has achieved its global status since 2005; a critical analysis of the patents at IPO will help us to identify the potential, available for patents with Indian Dental Fraternity.

AIM

The aim of this study is to critically analyze and review Indian Patents in the field of Dentistry from 2005-2009 for evaluation of status of Indian Patents in Dentistry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 110 patents were scrutinized from 2005-2009 available by IPO on www.patentoffice.nic.in. Following which a preliminary data were collected from individual patents and recorded in a record sheet.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The data collected were analyzed using SPSS 16.0 software and were subjected to ANOVA test.

RESULTS

All patents scrutinized were applied for dental materials (100%). Company applicants (70%) were the maximum followed by the individual applicants (27.2%). A total of 87.3% of patents had enrolled for International Application. Priority country had maximum favor with USA (39.2%) followed by Europe (36.1%). Single inventors (44.5%) were the maximum followed by two inventors (22.7%). Europe (37.3%) had the maximum first inventor, followed by United States of America (30%) and India (10.9%). Individual inventors were maximum in Europe (38.8%) followed by USA (20.4%) and India (16.3%).

CONCLUSION

Contribution from Indian Nationals as inventors for patents in the field of Dentistry is limited, thus reducing the pace of progress and development. Indian inventors in the field of Dentistry have to go a long way to compete with the fellow mates of developed countries like USA and Europe. Continuing Dental Education programs on Intellectual property rights should be conducted on regular basis especially for Dentist's involved in research.

The relationship between prosthetic status and the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index in a group of institutionalized elderly of an Indian city: a cross-sectional study

AIM

To assess and compare the quality of life and oral health status among institutionalized elderly in Pune.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional, quantitative exploratory study was conducted in persons 60 years of age in an institutionalized elderly home. The GOHAI questionnaire was completed by a single examiner, who interviewed the patients in their local language. The oral examination was carried out according to WHO oral health survey using the DMFT-index, community periodontal index (CPI), periodontal loss of attachment (PLA), prosthetic use, and needs according to criteria established by the WHO by a calibrated examiner. Descriptive analysis was carried out using absolute and relative frequencies of the qualitative variables and means with respective standard deviations for the quantitative variables. The Student's t-test was applied to compare groups.

RESULTS

Out of the total 110 individuals interviewed for the study, 64% were males and 36% were females. Individuals with up to 20 missing teeth and individuals with more than 20 missing teeth were 20 and 80% respectively. Based on the prosthetic need, 66% individuals needed replacement of teeth by dentures in one or both arches while 34% did not need any replacement by complete denture. The mean value for physical dimension was 5.40 whereas for psychosocial dimension, pain/discomfort and behavioral dimension were 8.02, 4.58 and 7.32.

CONCLUSION

The quality of life was found to be more favorable in individuals with less than 20 teeth missing. The quality of life among complete denture wearers in both the arches was better as compared to the quality of life among nondenture wearers. Prosthetic replacement by complete denture helps the individuals to maintain better oral health.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The data obtained from the present study may serve as a reference point for comparisons of the magnitude of quality-of-life indicators relating to oral health.

Awareness of dental surgeons in Pune and Mumbai, India, regarding chemomechanical caries removal system

AIM

To evaluate awareness of dental surgeons in Pune and Mumbai, India regarding chemomechanical caries removal system (CMCR).

STUDY DESIGN

Sixty practicing dental surgeons from Mumbai (30) and Pune (30) were surveyed using questionnaire.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Qualitative data was collected on the basis of structured schedule questionnaire method.

STATISTICS

Statistical analysis was done using SPSS v. 12.0. To test statistical significance, Chi-square test, Fishers exact test and Mann-Whitney U test were used.

RESULTS

Of total respondents, 46.7% dental surgeons in Pune and 13.3% in Mumbai were aware about CMCR products. Carisolv® was known to 57.1% of dental surgeons in Pune and 75% in Mumbai, whereas, Papacarie® was known to 28.6% of dentists in Pune and none in Mumbai among the respondents aware about CMCR products.

CONCLUSION

A significantly higher proportion of dental surgeons from Pune were aware about CMCR products compared to Mumbai. Dental surgeons from Mumbai were unaware about Papacarie®. Almost equal proportion of Dentists from Mumbai and Pune would like to undergo CDE programs to seek knowledge on CMCR, particularly Papacarie®.

Effect of methylxanthines (coffee/tea consumers) on oral precancer and oral cancer patients with smoking and smokeless tobacco habits

AIM

To study, whether the consumption of regular tea/coffee (methylxanthines) increases the risk of oral cancer in patients with smoking and smokeless tobacco habits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was conducted on a total of 90 oral cancer and precancerous patients, from western Maharashtra (India) males in the age group of 20 to 45 years who were with smoking and smokeless tobacco habits; also regular tea/coffee consumers were subjected to biochemical parameters such as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) from saliva and serum of patients with oral precancer (submucous fibrosis, leukoplakia) and oral cancer patients and compared with 90-age and sex-matched controls. Individuals consent was taken to measure their biochemical parameters, by using Hafkenscheid method in whole saliva and serum. Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's correction for multiple group comparisons was performed using Student t-test.

RESULTS

Results show, that a statistically significant increase in value (p < 0.05) in ALT, AST in both saliva and serum was observed in precancerous and oral cancer patients among the study group as compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, there was increase in the levels of ALT, AST enzymes in both saliva and serum levels in the study group as compared to the control group which was statistically significant (p < 0.05) suggesting that long-term exposure of methylxanthines results in impairment of salivary gland antioxidant system which may affect the anticarcinogenic action of saliva.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Oral fluids may be utilized effectively to study the variations in the biochemical constituents of saliva of leukoplakia, submucous fibrosis and oral cancer patients.

Assessment of awareness amongst school teachers regarding prevention and emergency management of dentoalveolar traumatic injuries in school children in Pune City, before and 3 months after dental educational program

Children have boundless energy, so, they are continuously engaged in some or the other physical activity. It is seen that when child reaches school age, accidents in the school environment in the form of falls, injuries due to contact sports, fights, abuse, etc. are very common and the main cause of traumatic dental injuries. Trauma may vary from minor enamel chipping or avulsion to extensive maxillofacial damage, more serious neck and brain injury, which may cause pain, disfigurement and mental agony, having immediate and long lasting effects. In such cases, a school teacher is in the right position to handle such an emergency and refer the child to the concerned dental surgeon or a pedodontist for further needful care. The main reason for delayed treatment of dental trauma is that people present at the site of injury are unaware of protocol of rapid and appropriate management leading to improper first aid treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the awareness of a group of school teachers from different schools about the prevention and emergency management of dental trauma in school children, by means of a questionnaire. Then educating them and reassessing their knowledge after a period of 3 months. Unfortunately, the public is unaware of the risks and does not have enough information about first aid emergency treatment or to avoid traumatic injuries.

Effects of citric acid and EDTA on periodontally involved root surfaces: a SEM study

AIM

Root debridement by scaling and root planing may not completely remove contaminated cementum particularly in more apical areas. The smear layer formed during root planing inhibits cell migration and attachment leading to impaired marginal periodontal healing. The present study was done to compare the morphological effects of root surface demineralization using citric acid and EDTA as root-conditioning agents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty fragments of human dental roots previously exposed to periodontal disease were scaled and randomly divided into the following groups of treatment: Group I: Hand instrumentation and conditioning with normal saline for 5 minutes as control; group II: Hand instrumentation and conditioning with citric acid (pH 1) for 5 minutes and group III: Hand instrumentation and conditioning with EDTA (pH-7.4) for 5 minutes. Scanning electron microscopy was used to check for the presence of residual smear layer and for measuring the number and area of exposed dentin tubules.

RESULTS

The mean efficacy of smear layer removal was compared between groups I and II, groups I and III and groups II and III, it was found to be statistically significant at 5%. When the mean diameter of the dentinal tubules and mean total surface area occupied by the dentinal tubule orifices was compared between groups II and III it was found to be statistically significant at 1% level of significance.

CONCLUSION

Citric acid causes greater degree of morphological alterations than EDTA and is considered to be a better root-conditioning agent. However, the use of EDTA cannot be ruled out.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study supports the hypothesis that demineralizing agents can be used as an adjunct to the periodontal treatment aiming at restoring the biocompatibility of roots and helps in choosing an appropriate agent for root conditioning.