The impact of unmet treatment need on oral health related quality of life: a questionnaire survey

BACKGROUND

Based on the present global burden of oral diseases, unmet dental needs affect a more significant population worldwide. It is characterised by the need for dental care but receiving delayed or no care. The contributing factors include lack of knowledge about oral health, its consequences, and the availability of dental services. We need to find out the scale of the problem of unmet dental needs for the south Indian population. Therefore, the objective was to determine the relationship between the presence of oral disease and the quality of life-related to oral health using the OHIP-14 tool.

METHODS

The unmet dental requirements of the south Indian population were determined using a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Close-ended questions were used to obtain data from two investigators trained to record the answers from the patients. The data was collected using the OHIP-14 questionnaire, which consists of 14 items divided into seven domains with two questions each. Physical pain, psychological impairment, physical disability, psychological disability, social disability, and disability were all considered. An additional analysis of artificial neural network (ANN) was done.

RESULTS

The response rate was 100 per cent. N = 1029 people replied to the questionnaire about their unmet dental needs. N = 497 (48.3%) were men, whereas N = 532 (51.7%) were women. The average age was 31.7811.72. As their current occupation, most of the included subjects (60.1%) were students. The respondents had no known personal habits and a mixed diet (94.93%). The average BMI was 24.022.59 (14-30.9). OHIP was present in 62.3% of the population. The average OHIP-14 severity score was 10.97. (8.54). The severity and degree of unmet dental need were substantial (p0.01) due to pain in the mouth/teeth/gums, malocclusion, and gum bleeding. The most common OHIP-14 domains affected by unmet oral needs were psychological discomfort, psychological limitation, social limitation, and feeling handicapped. The analysis of ANN revealed that high OHIP scores were primarily attributed to dental caries, poor oral health, and dental aesthetics.

CONCLUSION

The severity and degree of unmet dental needs were significant among the south Indian population. The most common oral health status that impacted OHIP-14 domains were pain, malocclusion, and bleeding gums. These patients were significantly impacted by psychological discomfort and social limitations and felt handicapped.

Building Confident Smiles Using Aesthetic Crown Lengthening Procedures with Gingivectomy: A Report of Two Cases

We live in a society that appreciates beauty. More than just restoring the teeth, naturally attractive, confident smiles mean restoring and increasing overall quality of life. Making efforts to improve one's physical appearance is now regarded as an investment in one's health and well-being. Superior periodontal health is the cornerstone for an individual's aesthetic regeneration. As an outcome, perio-aesthetics is a comprehensive strategy that improves the appearance of the smile while maintaining long-term dental health. Hence, getting the ideal aesthetic effect is both difficult and gratifying. Crown lengthening is a feasible option for improving aesthetic appearance or aiding restorative therapy. Yet, before planning a crown lengthening operation, the patient's overall periodontal status and cleanliness habits should be assessed. Furthermore, for enhanced, conservative, and predictable results in aesthetic areas, a precise diagnostic and interdisciplinary strategy is essential. This article attempts to discuss guidelines for treating individuals with excessive gingival display, as well as treatment options, using two case reports as examples.

An Interrelation between the Width of Attached Gingiva, Vestibular Depth and its Impact on Dental Hygiene Care

Introduction The portion of the keratinized gingiva that is firmly attached to the bone is a significant determinant influencing oral hygiene and aids in the removal of deposits from the gingival crest, upgrades esthetics, and minimizes erythema in the area of the restituted dentition.

Aim To assess an interrelation among the thickness of attached gingiva, erythema, and dental hygiene. An interrelation of vestibular height, thickness of attached gingiva, and dental hygiene.

Materials and Methods A transverse study has been conducted. A total of 150 individuals were polled for information. The thickness of attached gingiva and vestibular height were assessed in six front dentitions by means of functional method. Clinical metrics comprising Oral hygiene index and modified gingival index has been documented.

Results There was a positive correlation association among attached gingival width and oral health care (p < 0.01). The vestibular depth, in contrast did not demonstrate any correlation (p < 0.01).

Conclusion An adequate amount of attached gingiva is essential to maintain the gingival health and overall oral hygiene, whereas the depth of vestibule did not show any association with oral hygiene maintenance.

Potential of Lasers in the Realm of Aesthetic Dentistry: A Narrative Review

In contemporary dental practice, patients' interests are taken into account in terms of function and appearance. The importance in everyday circumstances, current advertising, and the media in general highlight their effect on an attractive appearance. Many academics in the field of dental aesthetics have stated equivocally that when examining the impact of tooth appearance necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. Laser technology in cosmetic dentistry is in its early stages of development and has a lot of potential in the future. Also, with expanding use of lasers in clinical dentistry, treatment planning and prognosis will see a significant improvement in the future. The introduction of this technology has turned dentistry into a painless, bloodless field with increased predictability and instant outcomes. Furthermore, these techniques can help a cosmetic dentist regulate gingiva and osseous outlines with greater creativity in the pursuit of aesthetic dental principles with more efficient use of patient time. Even from the patient standpoint, the reduced requirement for suturing and faster healing times improves case acceptance and enables the increased demand for aesthetic dentistry. The resolution of this paper is to deliver an overview of various laser applications in aesthetic dentistry and its pros and cons over the conventional approaches.

Evaluation of Treatment with Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements on Salivary Levels of Resolvin E1 in Chronic Periodontitis Patients

Context Under healthy conditions, inflammation proceeds through natural healing processes by an organized cycle. Similar to any other systemic infection, periodontal disease is also a manifestation of dysregulated inflammatory pathway.

Endogenous lipid mediators called resolvins and docosatrienes, produced from omega-3 fatty acid precursors, possess various immunoregulatory properties. These polyunsaturated fatty acids cannot be synthesized in body, instead these have to be taken through diet. This study aims to evaluate the effect of adjunctive treatment with daily dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids in chronic periodontitis.

Aims The aim of this study was to assess periodontal parameters and salivary levels of Resolvin E1 with and without dietary supplementation of omega-3 fatty acid capsules in chronic periodontitis patients.

Methods and Materials Three-month comparative clinical study was performed on 52 patients allotted to two groups, each with 26 subjects. Both groups received an initial phase 1 therapy followed by additional dietary supplementation of 500 mg of omega-3 fatty acid capsules for 3 months for the test group. Salivary levels of Resolvin E1, periodontal parameters, including pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA), were assessed at baseline, 1 and 3 months after the study.

Statistical Analysis Used Data was analyzed with an unpaired t-test between the group and paired t-test for within the group comparison. p-Value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results PPD and CAL showed statistically significant differences between the two groups and within the groups

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Periodontal Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Diagnosis of periodontal disease depends on conventional clinical parameters. In periodontitis with extensive bone defects, radiographs play a crucial role in arriving at a proper diagnosis. The emergence of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) became a boon in oral radiology. Limitations of conventional two-dimensional (2D) radiographs include inadequate visualization of bone defects, lamina dura, and furcation involvement. CBCT generates 3D images of anatomical structures necessary for the periodontal diagnosis of furcation involvement, intrabony defects, and implant placement. CBCT, thus, imparts various potential applications in the field of periodontics which serves to arrive at better diagnostic conclusions.

An Assessment of Dental Anxiety in Patients Before and After Scaling and Polishing Procedures

Introduction As of now, there are not many investigations about the improvement of dental apprehension and dental participation in various populations over time. This investigation includes an examination of emotional appraisals of levels of dental apprehension in patients selected at the AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences. The investigation also aimed to discover the causes of dental apprehension as well as the effect of sexuality on the distinguished dental apprehension.

Materials and Methods The level of dental apprehension was assessed using questionnaires that included 15 questions before and after the scaling and polishing procedures for 78 patients. The typical features were drawn such as gender, age, and oral hygiene habits. The data analysis was analyzed using paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test to assess pre- and postanxiety levels.

Results A total of 78 responses were collected, resulting in a participation rate of 100%. Despite the fact that women had significantly higher overall dental apprehension levels compared with men, the discrepancy among the two genders was substantial and could be clarified.

Conclusion Dental fear was common in females, especially among those with dental problems, and a larger degree of dental fear can contribute to periodontal disease.

Comparative evaluation of serum cotinine levels in chronic periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Context:

Periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic progressive inflammatory conditions. Smoking has been associated with both chronic periodontitis and COPD. Hence, the present study was designed to correlate serum levels of cotinine with the severity of periodontal disease with or without COPD.

Settings and Design:

A total of eighty patients, twenty healthy individuals, twenty patients with chronic generalized periodontitis without smoking and without COPD, twenty patients who are smokers with chronic periodontitis without COPD and twenty patients who are smokers with chronic periodontitis and COPD in the age range of 43–65 years were selected for the study.

Subjects and Methods:

Serum cotinine level assessment, smoking history, and periodontal examination were done in all the patients and the data obtained were statistically analyzed.

Results:

The mean serum cotinine level was highest in smokers with chronic periodontitis and COPD (93.642 ± 14.727) and it differed significantly between the four groups (P < 0.001). There is a significant positive correlation between the number of cigarettes and serum cotinine levels in both groups involving smoking. There was no significant correlation between serum cotinine level and clinical attachment loss in chronic periodontitis smokers with or without COPD.

Conclusions:

The result of this study indicates that increased smoking with COPD causes a higher chance of progression of periodontal destruction but it is not statistically significant. Furthermore, this study indicates that the assessment of serum cotinine levels is a reliable method to evaluate smoking exposure.

A Multicultural Demographic Study to Analyze Antibiotic Prescription Practices and the Need for Continuing Education in Dentistry

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to understand and analyze the prescription patterns of dentists across various demographic locations for managing oral infections and pain with antibiotics and explore the evidence-based practices by clinicians as well as the need for further education. Materials and methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire framed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practices among dentists with varying levels of experience and qualifications, regarding antimicrobial prescription. The questions were validated from previous published studies that explored the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) with respect to antimicrobial prescription. In total, N = 300 of dentists from four different countries responded to the online questionnaire out of which 53% were specialists while 47% were general dentists. After data collection, descriptive analysis was carried out along with a one-sided hypothesis test to depict the power of the sample.

RESULTS

It was seen from the results of the study that the first-choice antibiotics for 67.8% of dentists were found to be the β-lactam group while sulfonamides and tetracyclines at 20% were the second most prescribed group. Another important finding was that 45.6% of dentists ignored hypersensitivity testing before prescription of antibiotics even though 83.3% of the total dentists interviewed were aware of the increase in antibiotic resistance.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the dentists are partially aware of the guidelines but need further training and education on antimicrobial prescription that enables evidence-based decision-making for better practices and outcomes.

Gingival Biotype: A Secret for Esthetic Success

Gingival biotype, in the recent years, has gained substantial interest as one of the important pillars for esthetic success. This review provides recommendations to be considered prior to performing any dental procedure to attain best clinical results. Several methods for measuring biotype have been suggested. Gingiva is often subjected to various insults during routine dental procedures. Hence, understanding the gingival biotype can provide insights into precautions rendered necessary during tissue handling to avoid undesirable treatment outcomes.

Oral Fluids—A Diagnostic Tool for COVID-19: A Review

Global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in December 2019 has affected millions of people around the world. This virus binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptors present in the pharynx, nose, oral cavity, salivary glands, tongue, etc. Saliva has been shown to have viral loads of COVID-19 as it reported to be 2019-novel-coronavirus nucleic acid positive. This article is based on the association of oral fluids and their role in diagnosis of coronavirus infection.

Analysis of collagen fibers in human gingival tissues using picrosirius red stain under polarized microscope

Background:

Collagen fibers are the main element of gingival connective tissue and contribute a leading role in the preservation of structural integrity and tissue function. Hence, its degradation is regarded as the main marker of periodontal disease progression.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to analyze and compare collagen fibers, their birefringence pattern in healthy and in diseased gingival tissues stained using picrosirius red stain (PRS) and the polarizing microscope.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 90 participants screened were divided into the control group (healthy gingiva) and experimental group (moderate periodontitis and severe periodontitis) based on the clinical parameters. Gingival tissue sections were stained with PRS and observed under the polarized microscope to assess the type of collagen fibers in healthy and diseased gingival tissue. Statistical analysis was performed using the one-way ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparison test.

Results:

The healthy group revealed well-packed collagen in a parallel pattern with a strong birefringence, whereas in severe periodontitis group showed loosely packed collagen fibers in a haphazard pattern suggestive of severe destruction of the extracellular matrix. The moderate periodontitis group had a blended mixture of thick and thin fibers.

Conclusions:

Collagen fibers showed birefringence property when stained with PRS that helps in a better understanding of normal and pathological conditions.

Pyogenic Granuloma - A Case Report

Pyogenic Granuloma is a relatively common mucocutaneous lesion seen in the oral cavity, as a response to some underlying local irritant. This condition is frequently associated with periodontal pain and discomfort, and in some cases interferes with mastication and aesthetic problems. This paper presents a case of pyogenic granuloma managed by surgical intervention.

The Extent of Periodontal Awareness and Treatment Modalities among Patients from North Malabar Region

The aim of this study was to explore and understand the patient’s views on their periodontal condition, their attitudes to oral health, awareness of different periodontal treatment modalities as well as oral-systemic disease link with the help of a questionnaire survey. A total of 370 patients comprising of 201 males and 169 females were included in the study. The patients were interviewed on a questionnaire basis. A questionnaire contained 22 questions relating to oral hygiene measures, knowledge and awareness regarding periodontal condition, its various treatment modalities, and the relation between oral and systemic disease. The completed questionnaires were then analyzed statistically to obtain percentage data. The results showed an extreme lack of awareness of the periodontal condition and oral hygiene measures as well as limited knowledge regarding different periodontal treatment modalities. Only 5.6% of the study population were aware of the relationship between oral and systemic disease. Since the level of awareness in this regard is at a bare minimum, there is an urgent need to educate and raise awareness of different treatment modalities available to improve periodontal health among general population groups.

Oral Melanotic Macule – An Unusual Occurrence In Gingiva

Melanotic macule is the most common benign pigmented lesion of the oral cavity characterised by a focal increase in the melanin deposition. A 34 year old female patient reported with a chief complaint of black pigmentation with respect to maxillary gingiva between the central incisors since one year. An excisional biopsy was done for histo pathological examination, which revealed the lesion as melanotic macule.

Oral Hygiene Awareness on Patients Attending Dental OPD in A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences

Background- Oral hygiene is highly personalised concept and major public health concern that relies on an individual's culture and socio-economic status. Hence, it is imperative that health services should be made available to all rural/semi urban areas as well. Thus it is important to create awareness through various public health programs regarding oral hygiene and its effects on general health in order to change the total perspective of the patients towards dental problems to lead a healthy quality life.

Objective- Thus the aim of this study is to assess the oral hygiene awareness and their knowledge on different oral hygiene practices.

Materials and Methods- A total of 369 patients participated in the study.. The patients were interviewed on questionnaire basis. A self-reported questionnaire consisting of 26 multiple choice questions written in English were given to the patients.

Statistical analysis- Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage was used to assess the oral health awareness and oral hygiene practice among the subjects who are attending A.B Shetty Memorial Institute Of Dental Sciences, Derlakatte, Mangalore.

Results- The result of this study showed an acute lack of oral hygiene awareness and limited knowledge of oral hygiene practices. Most of the patients were not aware of the relationship between systemic and general health.

Conclusion- Hence there is an urgent need to educate and motivate the patients for better oral hygiene awareness and practises and conduct various health programs for the same.

Phase transfer of TiO2 nanoparticles from water to ionic liquid triggered by phosphonic acid grafting

Controlling the interface between TiO₂ nanocrystals and ionic liquids is of high fundamental and applied interest for energy storage and conversion devices. Phase transfer of nanoparticles from a synthesis medium to a processing or an application medium plays a significant role in nanotechnology. Here we demonstrate that surface modification with phosphonic acids bearing cationic end-groups can trigger the phase transfer of TiO₂ nanoparticles from an aqueous sol to a typical water-immiscible ionic liquid, [Emim][NTf₂]. The transfer involves both the grafting of the phosphonic acid moiety and the exchange of the counter ion of the cationic end-group by NTf₂ anions, as demonstrated by solid-state NMR, elemental analysis and independent grafting and ion exchange experiments. Furthermore, the colloidal stability of the TiO₂ sols in [Emim][NTf₂] strongly depends on the hydrophobic character of the cationic end-groups.

A Comparative Assessment of Serum Vitamin C and Serum Lead Among Periodontitis and Diabetic Patient

Background and Aims: Pre and post-operative nutritional status are not often tested on a consistent basis when patients are analyzed and diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) or have chronic periodontitis. Thus, this study pursues to evaluate the predictive value of serum vitamin C and lead levels in this population at baseline and after periodontal treatment.

Materials and Methods: In an interventional study setting we enrolled 120 subjects which were later categorized into four sub-groups: set 1 – individuals with chronic periodontitis, set 2 – individuals with T2DM, set 3 – individuals with T2DM and chronic periodontitis respectively set 4 - healthy individuals as control group. Scaling and root planing was performed only to individuals with periodontitis and T2DM. At baseline and 21 days after periodontitis treatment blood was obtained from the subjects and analysis of serum vitamin C and serum lead was done and data obtained was statisticaly analysed.

Results: ANOVA test showed baseline values of both the parameters to be statistically significant different between groups and within groups (p<0.001). Alteration was seen in the parameters postoperatively regarding serum vitamin C was increased and lead level decreased; paired t-test showed statistically significant difference (p<0.001).

Conclusion: Serum Vitamin C can be considered a key biomarker. Increased lead level can be a risk factor for commencement and progression of T2DM and chronic periodontitis.

Oral Hygiene Awareness and Effect of Orthodontic Treatment on Periodontal Health among Medical Students

Background: Orthodontic treatment helps in improving aesthetics, oral hygiene as well as functional occlusion. Also, importance of oral hygiene in orthodontic patients is always intensified to prevent any further periodontal disease. Regular oral hygiene maintenance is important for the maintenance of gingival health during and after orthodontic therapy as it helps in preservation of the health of gingiva as well as overall oral health.

Objective: To assess the extent of oral hygiene awareness and impact of orthodontic treatment on of periodontal health, among medical students.

Method: A cross sectional survey containing 19 questions was answered by 150 medical students who had undergone fixed Orthodontic treatment from various colleges in Mangalore, Karnataka.

Results and Conclusion: The results of this survey showed that medical students have adequate knowledge of oral hygiene practices. Majority of medical students who had undergone orthodontic treatment showed increased bleeding from gums, increased sensitivity and difficulty in brushing and flossing indicating that orthodontic treatment does have impact on maintenance of oral hygiene. Thus, a thorough assessment of the periodontal health is recommended prior to orthodontic treatment. Equal emphasis should also be laid on the necessity of good oral hygiene and regular periodontal maintenance for the best outcome.

A Comparative Evaluation of Serum Magnesium in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Patients with and without Periodontitis - A Clinico-biochemical Study

INTRODUCTION

Magnesium is an essential cation playing a crucial role in many physiological functions and its imbalance is associated with greater number of pathological situations. Oxidative stress is usually increased due to decreased essential nutrients. Hence, any imbalance of essential nutrients like serum magnesium can significantly play a role in the pathobiology of periodontitis in the presence of diabetes, as diabetes and chronic periodontitis are two chronic diseases that have been biologically linked.

AIM

To evaluate the association of serum magnesium in type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontitis patients, also to evaluate and associate the influence of serum magnesium on periodontal health.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single blinded, randomized study was conducted that comprised of 120 subjects divided into four groups. Individuals with periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus formed the test group. Subjects with chronic periodontitis diagnosed clinically according to 1999 American Academy of Periodontology classification, without any medical history and drug history were included as the study subjects. Gingival Index and Plaque Index were scored for all the groups at baseline and after 21 days of scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing was done only in the test group. Blood was drawn from the patients at baseline and 21 days after scaling and root planning and estimation of serum magnesium level was done using semi-autoanalyzer. Data obtained was statistically analyzed using the paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, post-hoc test.

RESULTS

The result of the present study showed that mean serum magnesium among healthy was 1.40±0.565mmol/l as compared to 1.01±0.287mmol/l among subjects with periodontitis, 0.920±0.23mmol/l among diabetics with periodontitis and 0.93±0.29mmol/l among diabetics without periodontitis. Serum magnesium was significantly decreased in chronic periodontitis and diabetic patients with and without chronic periodontitis as compared to controls.

CONCLUSION

Imbalance of serum magnesium level was seen in patients with chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hence, it can be a biomarker which can predict the occurrence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontitis.

Knowledge, awareness and compliance among dental professionals regarding percutaneous exposure incidents as occupational hazard

Percutaneous injuries constitute one of the most common occupational health hazards in healthcare profession. Dental professionals are at more risk of acquiring these injuries due to their limited and restricted working area in mouth. This was a cross-sectional study done among dental professionals in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka state India to access Knowledge awareness and compliance among dental professionals regarding percutaneous exposure incidents. This study concludes that Dental professionals are at a high risk of occupational disease due to accidental exposure to infected blood and body fluids. for which appropriate measures not taken after one such exposure There is a need of clearing the present misconceptions through educational training programs early in the study period and providing facilities for reporting, documenting, supportive and proper guidelines regarding percutaneous injuries in work place for healthy community.

Fibroma - A misnomer : Case Series

Objectives: Fibromas are proliferative fibrous lesions of the gingiva and oral mucosa that may cause esthetic and functional problems. Fibrous hyperplasia and Fibro-epithelial hyperplasia are histological variants of these non-neoplasticlesions

Methods: This article addresses the diagnosis, histological features and treatment of two cases of fibroma.

Results: These lesions are a result of trauma/chronic irritation, or arise from cells of periodontium,periodontal ligament, or periosteum.

Conclusion: The cases demonstrate the need for proper diagnosis, role of biopsy and histologic evaluation in management of these lesions

RANDOMISED CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF ORAL HEALTH RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOUR AMONG PARAMEDICAL STUDENTS

The aim of the study is to estimate the knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding oral health among para medical students

Materials and method: A cross sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 150 para medical professionals in Mangalore. The health care professionals include from physiotherapy, nursing and medical lab technicians. They were asked to answer a questionnaire that contained 15 questions regarding knowledge and behaviour towards oral health.

Results and conclusion: Majority of para medical students were practising a convincing oral hygiene methods they believed oral health play a role in general health had a positive attitude in educating their patients when required.

Estimation of levels of salivary mucin, amylase and total protein in gingivitis and chronic periodontitis patients

BACKGROUND

Periodontal diseases are a group of inflammatory conditions resulting from interaction between a pathogenic bacterial biofilm and susceptible host's inflammatory response eventually leading to the destruction of periodontal structures and subsequent tooth loss. Hence, investigation of salivary proteins in individuals with periodontal diseases may be useful to enhance the knowledge of their roles in these diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This case-control study was conducted at A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, Mangalore. The study comprised of 90 patients of age between 25-60 years who were clinically examined and divided into three groups of 30 each: namely clinically healthy, gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. These were classified according to the values of gingival index score, clinical attachment loss and probing pocket depth. Unstimulated saliva was collected and salivary mucin, amylase and total protein levels were determined.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

RESULTS obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed using ANOVA test and Karl pearson's correlation test.

RESULTS

The results of the study showed an increased concentration of salivary mucin, amylase and total protein in gingivitis patients and increased levels of amylase and total protein in saliva of chronic periodontitis patients compared to healthy individuals which were statistically significant. A decrease in mucin concentration was observed in the periodontitis group compared to gingivitis group. A positive correlation was present between salivary mucin, amylase and total protein levels in the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Salivary mucin, amylase and total protein may serve as an important biochemical parameter of inflammation of the periodontium. Also, it can be hypothesized that various enzyme inhibitors might be useful as a part of host modulation therapy in the treatment of periodontal diseases.

EVALUATION OF CERVICAL WEAR AND OCCLUSAL WEAR IN SUBJECTS WITH CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS - A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Tooth wear (attrition, erosion and abrasion) is perceived internationally as a growing problem. The loss of tooth substance at the cemento- enamel junction because of causes other than dental caries has been identified as non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) or cervical wear. NCCLs can lead to hypersensitivity, plaque retention, pulpal involvement, root fracture and aesthetic problems.

Hence study was done to evaluate association of cervical wear with occlusal wear from clinical periodontal prospective in individuals with chronic periodontitis. Periodontal parameters like plaque index, gingival index, gingival recession and tooth mobility were assessed. The levels of cervical wear and occlusal wear were determined according to tooth wear index. Premolars were more likely to develop cervical wear than anterior teeth (incisors, canines) and molars. In conclusion, the significant association of cervical wear with the periodontal status suggested the role of abrasion and its possible combined action of erosion in the etiology of NCCLs.

LASER - A RAY OF HOPE IN PERIODONTICS - A REVIEW ARTICLE

Lasers have revolutionised dental treatment since three and a half decades of the twentieth century. Theodore maiman in 1960 invented the ruby laser, since then laser is one of the most captivating technologies in dental practice. Lasers have been used in initial periodontal therapy, surgery, and also in implant treatment. Further research is necessary so that laser can become a part of the dental armamentarium. This paper gives an insight to laser in Periodontics

An in-vitro evaluation of the efficacy of garlic extract as an antimicrobial agent on periodontal pathogens: A microbiological study

With the rise in bacterial resistance to antibiotics, there is considerable interest in the development of other classes of antimicrobials for the control of infection. Garlic (Allium sativum Linn.) has been used as medicine since ancient times and has long been known to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. This study was undertaken to assess the inhibitory effect of garlic on Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, to assess the time-kill curve of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans, and to determine the antiproteolytic activity of garlic on P. gingivalis. Ethanolic garlic extract (EGE) and aqueous garlic extract (AGE) were prepared and the inhibitory effects of these extracts for two periodontal pathogens (P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans) were tested. Antiproteolytic activity on protease of P. gingivalis was determined. 25 microliter (μl), 50 μl, and 75 μl of AGE showed 16 mm, 20 mm, and 25 mm zone of inhibition, respectively, on P. gingivalis. The AGE showed greater bacteriostatic activity against the P. gingivalis with minimum inhibitory concentration determined at 16.6 μl/ml. The time-kill assay of AGE and EGE were compared for P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans. AGE showed better antiproteolytic activity on total protease of P. gingivalis compared to the EGE. Thus, the study concludes the antimicrobial activity of garlic extract against periodontal pathogens, P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans. Its action against P. gingivalis includes inhibition of total protease activity, and this raises the possibility that garlic may have therapeutic use for periodontitis and possibly other oral infections.

ORAL PYOGENIC GRANULOMA: A CASE REPORT

Pyogenic granuloma is an inflammatory hyperplasia affecting the oral tissues. It is a tumour-like growth of the oral cavity, which usually arises in response to nonspecific infection. Because of the high frequency of pyogenic granuloma in the oral cavity, this case report describes a pyogenic granuloma in a 59-year-old male patient, discussing the clinical features and histopathologic features that distinguish this lesion from other similar oral mucosa lesions and also the successful management of the lesion.

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE – A DIAGNOSTIC MARKER OF PERIODONTITIS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN – A. B. OCHEMICAL STUDY

Background and objective: Periodontal disease is one of the common inflammatory diseases with complex etiology and is multifactorial in origin.Several enzymes are evaluated for the early diagnosis of periodontal disease. The enzyme ALP plays a role in bone metabolism. In the periodontium, ALP is very important enzyme as it is part of normal turnover of periodontal ligament, root cementum, and bone homeostasis. The deficiency of estrogen in women at menopause is contributing factor to osteoporosis and considered one of the risk factors for periodontal disease. It has been hypothesized that osteoporosis decreases alveolar bone density and in turn increases its susceptibility to resorption due to periodontal inflammation. Accelerated bone loss in menopause is related to increased bone turnover. This is accompanied by increased levels of biochemical markers such as Alkaline Phosphatase. Alteration in salivary Alkaline Phosphatase levels might be expected as an indication of periodontal disease activity.

Methods: The study included 40 subjects, 20 in each group in the age group of 50-60 years. Group 1 comprised of 20 Postmenopausal women without chronic periodontitis. Group 2 comprised of 20 Postmenopausal women with chronic periodontitis. Each saliva sample was estimated for ALP levels.

Results: The present study showed significant increase in Alkaline Phosphatase in postmenopausal women with periodontitis (Group 2) with p value <0.0001.

Interpretation and conclusion: Alkaline phosphatase can be used as a diagnostic marker of Periodontitis in postmenopausal women. However ALP cannot be solely responsible for Periodontitis but it can be used as a additional aid in diagnosing Periodontitis.