Arginine: A New Paradigm in Preventive Oral Care

Dental caries is ubiquitous and one of the most prevalent oral diseases and the foremost cause of dental pain and poor quality of life (QoL). Fluoride is an effective caries preventive agent; however, despite its use, there remain some gaps in prevention of dental caries. Arginine, an amino acid, helps to maintain a noncariogenic plaque. It shows synergistic effects with fluoride in dental caries and can help nourish the tooth by enhancing the remineralization effect of fluoride. Supplementing fluoride dentifrices with arginine can bridge the gap in caries prevention. Several clinical studies with 1.5% arginine + fluoride provide evidence for its use in prevention of dental caries. This report throws light on the benefits of arginine in dental caries and guides on its use with fluoride. Recommendations given in the report will help in effective prevention of dental caries.

How to cite this article

Goyal V, Damle S, Puranik MP, et al. Arginine: A New Paradigm in Preventive Oral Care. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):698-706.

Association of Mothers’ Genetic Taste Perception to Eating Habits and Its Influence on Early Childhood Caries in Preschool Children: An Analytical Study

Aims

To examine (1) the association of mothers’ 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) sensitivity with snacking habits and caries experience of both the mother and their 2-5-year-old preschool children and (2) the association of feeding habits with caries prevalence in 2-5-year-old children.

Materials and methods

In this analytical cross-sectional study, 2-5-year-old preschool children were clinically examined by a single calibrated examiner and divided into two groups of 80 children with early childhood caries (ECC) and 80 without. Mothers of the children were clinically examined and a second blinded investigator determined their genetic taste type using PROP. Data regarding feeding practices of the child and snacking habits of the mother and child were obtained using questionnaires. The data obtained were statistically analyzed.

Results

Cariogenic snack consumption was more among nontaster mothers and their children (p value < 0.001). More number of children of the nontaster mothers in the ECC group were bottle-fed with sweetened beverages (n = 24) and received sweet snacks as rewards (n = 32). Caries prevalence of 73%, 20%, and 7% was seen in children of nontaster, medium taster, and supertaster mothers, respectively (p value < 0.05). Significant association was found between mother's caries activity, past bottle-feeding, receiving sweet snacks as reward and their child's caries experience.

Conclusion

Mothers’ PROP sensitivity was significantly associated with snacking habits and caries experience of their children. Mothers’ PROP type could be an important factor that may determine and explain the dental caries experience in their 2-5-year-old preschool children.

Clinical significance

Early identification of nontaster mothers may prove beneficial in guiding them and consecutively their children toward healthy dietary habits, leading to lesser incidence of caries and their better overall wellbeing.

How to cite this article

Nellamakkada K, Patil SS, Kakanur M, et al. Association of Mothers’ Genetic Taste Perception to Eating Habits and Its Influence on Early Childhood Caries in Preschool Children: An Analytical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-2):S135-S139.

A cross-sectional cariogram-based comparison of caries risk profile in children with various levels of intellectual disability

AIM

To compare the caries risk profile in children with mild, moderate, and severe intellectual disability (ID) using cariogram.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare caries risk profile using cariogram among 150 children aged 6-18 years, with various levels of ID (50 each in Mild ID, Moderate ID, and Severe ID groups), attending special schools in Bengaluru city. The risk assessment consisted of: a questionnaire, an interview, estimation of oral hygiene, saliva sampling, microbial evaluation and clinical examination. Statistical analysis of the results obtained was performed using Chi-square/Fischer's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

The overall comparison showed significant differences between the groups across all parameters except diet (P = 0.131), fluoride exposure (P = 1), salivary flow rate (P = 0.3), and buffer capacity (P = 1). Caries risk was high among children with severe intellectually disability while the actual chance to avoid caries was found to be high in the Mild ID group. Bacteria was one of the dominant caries risk sectors followed by susceptibility, circumstances, and diet.

CONCLUSION

Cariogram can be used as an effective tool in assessing caries prediction, thus aiding in identifying different risk groups in a community so that appropriate preventive measures can be implemented to overcome the caries risk.

A clinical evaluation of two electronic apex locators and conventional radiography in working length determination in primary molar and its influence on children's behavioral responses

BACKGROUND

Accurate root canal length determination, simplicity of the procedure, and patient's cooperation are important determinants in the success of endodontic treatment in primary teeth.

AIM

The aim of the study was to clinically compare the accuracy of Propex Pixi and Formatron D10 apex locators with conventional radiography in determining working length in mandibular primary second molars with and without varying degrees of physiological root resorption.

DESIGN

A nonrandomized clinical trial was conducted in 115 mandibular primary second molars indicated for pulpectomy in 90 pediatric dental patients. A single calibrated examiner determined the working length by conventional radiographic method and electronic apex locator (EAL) methods in a total of 376 canals. Behavior of the children during execution of each method in each tooth was recorded using the Frankl's behavior rating scale. The data obtained were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Significant correlation (intraclass correlation = 0.80 and 0.81, P < 0.001) could be detected between working length measurements obtained using Propex Pixi and Formatron D10 and measurements obtained using conventional radiography. Higher percentage of negative behaviors (negative and definitely negative) was observed during the conventional radiographic method (68.6%) as opposed to the Propex Pixi (16.5%) and Formatron D10 (20.8%) methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the apex locators were as accurate as conventional radiography in determining working length in primary teeth; Formatron D10 being more accurate than Propex Pixi. The EALs were far better accepted by children than conventional radiography.

Effects of habit-breaking appliances on tongue movements during deglutition in children with tongue thrust swallowing using ultrasonography – A pilot study

Objective:

Methodology:

Results:

Conclusion:

Exploring the multitude of risk factors associated with early childhood caries

CONTEXT

Despite efforts in restorative therapy, children who experience Early Childhood Caries (ECC) continue to be at a higher risk for new lesions in both the primary and the permanent dentition. Early interventions which disrupt the pathobiology of caries need identification of all the causative or risk factors.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study dealt with the prevalence and associated risk factors of ECC among preschool children aged 3 to 5 years in Bengaluru city.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information regarding risk factors was obtained through a structured questionnaire among a random sample of 1152 children. Clinical examination was performed by a trained dental professional using the modified WHO oral health survey format.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, correlation, multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of ECC among preschool children was 24.39% (P < 0.05), whereas the mean deft was 5.80 ± 8.90. The prevalence of ECC among males and females was 24.92% and 23.81%, respectively. 4.27% of children with ECC showed a history of prolonged breastfeeding beyond 2.5 years (P < 0.05). 50.18% of children had a history of using medications during bedtime/night. History of low birth weight was reported among 23.84% of ECC children. Only 13.52% of mothers claimed of getting a prenatal oral health care/counseling (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of ECC was seen in almost a quarter of the population with a high deft. A significant relation was associated only with the feeding duration and lack of prenatal oral health counseling provided to parents.

A quantitative analysis of total carbohydrate content from the salivary expectorants in young children

BACKGROUND

In this postfluoride era, the concentration of fermentable carbohydrate in saliva after food intake is important to determine the risk of developing dental caries.

AIM

The aim of this study is to estimate the total carbohydrate content of salivary expectorants following consumption of commercially processed snacks.

DESIGN

Thirty children aged 6-8 years were selected for estimation of total carbohydrate content of salivary expectorants using modified calorimetric anthrone-sulfuric acid-glucose reaction. The test foods analyzed were as follows: Test food A - potato chips, Test food B - glucose biscuits, Test food C - Oreo biscuits, Test food D - cake, and Test food E - cornflakes. The data obtained were analyzed using student's t-test and ANOVA.

RESULTS

The difference between the mean carbohydrate values of salivary expectorants of various processed test food groups at 0 and 10 min was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001). After 10 min interval, cornflakes were found to have highest total carbohydrate content in salivary expectorant (5.186 mg/ml).

CONCLUSION

The foods with high starch content such as cornflakes and potato chips exhibited higher total carbohydrate content, thus depicting lower salivary clearance rate.

Evaluation of antimicrobial action of Carie Care™ and Papacarie Duo™ on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans a major periodontal pathogen using polymerase chain reaction

Background:

In the present scenario, we are made available with chemomechanical caries removal system containing a natural proteolytic enzyme for the ease in the excavation of infected dentine. The additive action for these agents is providing antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Aim:

This study was undertaken for assessing the action of Carie Care™ and Papacarie Duo™ on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

Materials and Methods:

The samples were collected for cultivation of the periodontal pathogen from the clinical periodontal pockets using sterile paper points. The samples cultured under suitable conditions were analyzed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction targeting 16s r-DNA. The samples were divided into three groups namely, Group A: Control, Group B: With Papacarie Duo, Group C: With Carie Care. The pathogen inoculums plugs were inserted in the petri dishes containing chemically defined medium and the experimental gels at different concentrations and were incubated under optimal conditions. The inhibition of growth of the pathogen was studied visually.

Results:

There was visual inhibition of growth for Group B and C and also exhibited a dose-dependent effect also.

Conclusion:

Based on the results of the present study, Carie Care™ gel demonstrated better antimicrobial action against A. actinomycetemcomitans which is a major periodontal disease causing pathogen.

Langerhans histiocytosis in a child - diagnosed by oral manifestations

Langerhans Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare reactive and proliferative disease of histiocytes with unknown etiology, characterized by excessive proliferation of histiocytes called Langerhans cells. It occurs mainly in children but occurrence in adults has also been reported. It manifests as punched out lesions in the skull, maxilla, mandible, sternum and other flat bones and causes rapid resorption of the alveolar bone leading to floating teeth appearance in the radiographs. This disease manifests initially in the oral cavity in most of the cases and can be diagnosed by careful clinical and radiological examination. Here, we present a case of LCH in a child which was diagnosed by a swelling in the mandibular region.