Search

Introduction: Caries Infiltration is a recent microinvasive restorative technique that permits treatment of non-cavitated demineralized lesions, known as White Spot Lesions (WSL)., Aim: To evaluate the extent of penetration of a commercially available resin caries-infiltrant into natural WSL occurring in deciduous tooth enamel., Materials and Methods: Deciduous molars with natural WSL on any smooth surface were selected and sectioned into halves to yield equal control and experimental groups. Therefore, 25 samples in the control group were untreated whereas 25 samples in the experimental group were treated with caries-infiltrant according to the manufacturer's instructions. Samples were then evaluated under cross-polarized light microscope. Lesion Depth (LD) and Penetration Depth (PD) of the caries-infiltrant were measured quantitatively and descriptive statistics were calculated., Results: Mean LD (standard deviation) for all samples (n=50) was 367(±182) μm. Caries-infiltrant demonstrated varying depths of resin penetration into the natural white spot lesions of deciduous molars. Mean PD (standard deviation) was 352 (± 141) μm., Conclusion: Resin-infiltrants can deeply and predictably penetrate enamel porosities in natural WSL in deciduous molars and impede lesion progression and prevent cavitation.

Introduction: Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral mucosal disorder that affects 20% of the population worldwide. Factors such as trauma, stress, genetic, hypersensitivity, nutrition, immune disturbance and hormonal imbalance may disturb the oxidant and antioxidant balance of an organism and precipitate RAS, but the relationships are poorly understood., Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant status in plasma and saliva of patients with RAS., Materials and Methods: Forty patients with RAS and forty healthy individuals were included in the study. The levels of antioxidants such as Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Glutathione Peroxidase (GSHPx) Catalase (CAT) and Uric Acid (UA) were measured in plasma and saliva. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the two groups using independent t-test and ANOVA., Results: Decreased SOD levels were observed in plasma amongst RAS patients (p < 0.03) whereas, increased levels were observed in their saliva (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was noticed in GSHPx levels: RAS patients exhibited higher levels in plasma but decreased in saliva compared to the control group. CAT activities and UA levels in saliva (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001 respectively) were observed to be significantly higher in RAS patients. Within the RAS group elevated plasma SOD level (p < 0.006) was found in patients with major ulcers whereas, an increased plasma UA (p < 0.01) level was observed in patients with minor ulcers., Conclusion: The non-equilibrium antioxidant levels observed in both plasma and saliva indicate the antioxidant status of the body is disturbed in patients with RAS.

Introduction: Clinical and aesthetic outcomes after periodontal or implant surgical procedures are determined by anatomical and morphological characteristics of the gingiva like width of keratinized gingiva, thickness of gingiva and alveolar bone. Therefore, the knowledge of gingival biotype plays an important role in modifying the dental therapeutic procedures for the desired outcome and predictability., Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess and compare the gingival biotype among genders by clinical, photographic and radiographic parameters., Materials and Methods: A total of 800 subjects (400 males and 400 females) were considered for the study. Width of keratinized gingiva (GW), transparency of the periodontal probe through the sulcus (TRAN) were assessed clinically; Crown Width/Crown Length ratio (CW/CL) and Papillary Height (PH) were assessed photographically; Gingival Thickness (GT1, GT2, GT3) and Alveolar bone Thickness (AT1, AT2, AT3) were assessed radiographically. The obtained data was correlated to compare the gingival biotype between males and females. The collected data was statistically analysed using Pearson correlation coefficient (r) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval., Results: The TRAN at GT1, GT2 and GT3 as well as at AT1, AT2 and AT3 showed a very strong positive correlation in males (r>0.8) as compared to females (r<0.8). A very strong positive correlation was observed between GT1, GT2, GT3 and AT1, AT2, AT3 in males (r>0.9) as compared to females (r<0.7)., Conclusion: There are definite differences in the gingival biotype among different genders with predominance of a thin gingival biotype with reduced alveolar bone thickness in females as compared to males.

Introduction: Teeth are good sources of DNA in mass disasters especially in fires and explosions because they are largely protected from environmental and physical conditions. It is possible to obtain mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) even in cases of degraded human remains., Aim: To obtain DNA from burnt teeth exposed to environment for a period of six months and 12 months and to highlight the importance of DNA obtained from tooth in identifying a deceased in fire accidents after being subjected to environment., Materials and Methods: Randomly 20 extracted teeth samples were collected. The teeth were divided into two groups (Group 1 and 2) and were subjected to 700°C using a Delta burnout furnace. Burnt teeth were exposed to environment for a period of six months and 12 months respectively. Data was analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Data was summarized by percentages for count data. The comparison within group was done by single proportion test and the comparison between two groups was done by two proportion test. All p-value less than 0.05 were considered as statistically significant., Results: The present study revealed that mtDNA was obtained from eight extracted teeth samples among Group 1 and six extracted teeth samples among Group 2., Conclusion: Teeth are good source of DNA, even in cases where the bodies are burnt and exposed to environment.

Introduction: Tobacco cessation is a challenging arena for healthcare professionals. Many patients seem to be unable to quit tobacco despite of knowing its ill-effects and several efforts. It has been speculated that patients' psychosocial status may be associated with his/her dependence on tobacco and there could be some amount of psychiatric morbidity associated with chronic and compulsive use of tobacco. However, very few studies have been conducted to explore this aspect of tobacco dependence., Aim: To assess psychiatric morbidity in tobacco users as compared to non-users of tobacco., Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 200 patients reporting to a Dental College who consented to participate in the study. The study consisted of two groups; first consisting 100 tobacco users and another age and gender matched group of 100 non-users of tobacco. Dependence to tobacco products amongst the study group was assessed using International classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) criteria. General Health Questionnaire - 28 (GHQ-28) was used to assess the psychological morbidity amongst both the groups. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 21.0 version. Chi square test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used to assess the difference in proportion and correlation between variables respectively., Results: A 79% of tobacco users showed dependence on tobacco according to ICD-10 criteria. GHQ-28 scores analysis revealed that 61% of tobacco users with a score of 24 or above in contrast to only 17% of non-tobacco users. Tobacco users were observed to be 7.63 folds at a higher risk of developing psychiatric morbidity than non-users of tobacco (p-value< 0.001)., Conclusion: There appears to be a significant risk of psychiatric morbidity prevalent amongst tobacco users. Hence, psychosocial counselling must be considered as a part of tobacco cessation strategy.

Introduction: Oral cancer is a major global threat to public health. It is one of the most common causes of mortality and morbidity in the modern era. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for over 90% of the malignancies involving the oral cavity. The enzyme- Butyryl Cholinesterase (BChE) is proposed to have a role in cell proliferation, cell adhesion, cell differentiation, apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Few studies have been conducted for understanding the significance of serum BChE as a biomarker in oral cancer patients; however literature available is insufficient to arrive at a conclusion. There is a need of a simple, rapid, convenient, inexpensive and reliable biomarker of oral cancer. So, the present study is an attempt to estimate the level of BChE in oral cancer, prior to definitive therapy., Aim: To estimate and compare the serum BChE levels in patients with OSCC with age and gender matched healthy controls., Materials and Methods: The study comprised of 80 subjects, of which 40 biopsy proven OSCC patients of either sex were selected as cases and 40 healthy, age and gender matched subjects as controls. Estimation of serum BChE levels was done by colorimetric method using RANDOX RX Imola Auto-Analyzer. The statistical analysis between the OSCC group and the control group were done using unpaired t-test. Comparison between serum BChE levels and TNM stages of OSCC were done using Kruskal-Wallis Test. Comparison between serum BChE levels and histopathological grades of OSCC were done using Mann-Whitney U Test., Results: There was statistically highly significant decrease in the mean serum BChE levels in the OSCC group compared to the control group (p<0.001). It was revealed that the serum BChE levels were further decreased in moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma than well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and the difference was statistically significant (p <0.05)., Conclusion: The decrease in the serum BChE level demonstrates that it as a simple, rapid, convenient, inexpensive and reliable biomarker for oral cancer. Our findings support the concept of role of BChE in apoptosis, cell proliferation, differentiation and its related link in the pathophysiology of oral cancer.

Introduction: Saliva is a complex secretion that protects and lubricates the oral cavity. Various systemic diseases and their treatment alter the salivary gland function; one such disease is Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (AITD). AITD has been postulated to exert its hormonal influence on the salivary glands, leading to reduced salivary output. There's a paucity of literature, verifying the stated conjunction in human subjects., Aim: The aim was to investigate the salivary profile in AITD patients and its comparison with controls., Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional comparative study was conducted using convenience sampling method for screening the presence of thyroid disorders. Two groups comprising of 30 patients in each group diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroiditis (n=30) and hyperthyroiditis (n=30) respectively and thirty healthy volunteers who were age and sex matched were included as controls. Saliva was collected and evaluated for Unstimulated Salivary Flow Rate (USSFR), pH and buffer capacity. ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test was performed to find the statistical significance and for pairwise comparison., Results: Statistically significant difference was observed between autoimmune hypothyroiditis, autoimmune hyperthyroiditis and control group with respect to USSFR (p<0.007), pH (p<0.001) and buffer capacity (p<0.001). On pairwise comparisons statistically significant difference was observed between autoimmune hypothyroiditis and autoimmune hyperthyroiditis with respect to controls., Conclusion: We conclude that significant involvement of salivary glands may occur in cases of AITD. Our study showed significant reduction of sialometric values in AITD patients when compared to controls. A strong clinical suspicion of thyroid diseases should be considered when there is chronic hyposalivation; hence thyroid profile must also be done, if the known causes have been excluded.

Introduction: Dental caries is one of the most common causes of morbidity of the tooth. Attempts have been made to reduce the pathogen population size i.e., Mutans Streptococci (MS) to demote the incidence of caries and increase the resistance of the tooth to cariogenic attack., Aim: To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of freshly prepared ozonated water, in proposing it as an alternative mouth rinse on MS in comparison to Chlorhexidine (CHX)., Materials and Methods: Subjects with high caries incidence and MS counts more than 105 Colony Forming Unit (CFU) were selected and divided by block randomization into two groups of 23 subjects each. The subjects were advised to use the respective mouth rinses under the operator surveillance, consecutively for 14 days. Stimulated salivary samples were collected from the subjects on the first day, 7 th and 14 th day to analyse the changes in MS counts during the course of use of oral rinses. The obtained data was tabulated and statistically analysed., Results: Freshly prepared ozonated water showed a statistically significant reduction in MS counts after an interval of 7 days and 14 days when compared to CHX., Conclusion: Ozonated water when consecutively used as a mouth rinse resulted in a significant reduction of MS counts. Hence, it can be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disorder characterized by chronic inflammatory response of cartilage and articular surface involving Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). Pain as one of the major symptom of osteoarthritis affects the quality of life and is usually managed by Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac sodium. Bromelain, trypsin and rutoside trihydrate formulation can be used to treat this disease because of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects., Aim: To assess the effectiveness of oral bromelain, trypsin, rutoside trihydrate enzymes and diclofenac sodium combination therapy over diclofenac sodium for the treatment of TMJ osteoarthritis., Materials and Methods: Thirty Patients with symptomatic TMJ osteoarthritis were randomly divided into three groups. 10 patients were treated with diclofenac sodium (Group 1), 10 were given oral enzymes (bromelain, trypsin, rutoside trihydrate) and diclofenac sodium combination (Group 2), and 10 were treated with oral enzyme preparation (bromelain, trypsin, rutoside trihydrate) (Group 3). Patients were evaluated on day 1, day 4, day 7 and day 10. Comparison of pain rating within three groups was assessed using numeric rating scale. The efficacy criteria were analysed applying ANOVA followed by post-hoc test., Results: Inter group comparison of the effectiveness of management of pain, resulted in a value p < 0.05 between Group 2 and other two groups, which indicated that Group 2 patients responded better than Group 1 and Group 3, while p > 0.05 between Group 1 and Group 3 showed both groups responded equally to the treatment., Conclusion: The trial showed significant improvement in reducing pain in patients treated with oral enzymes and diclofenac sodium combination therapy.

Death was the most important side effect of anaesthesia in dentistry. In this article we reviewed more than 20 studies with adequate data focusing on death associated with dental procedures since 1955 and found 218 deaths out of 71,435,282 patients (3 deaths per 1,000,000 persons) with the mortality rate of 1:327,684. In addition, mortality rate per million has dropped to half (6.2 per 1,000,000 vs. 3 per 1,000,000) since 1955 till the last report in 2012 without any sex predilection. In children, most cases died in the age of two to five years. Hypoxia was the most common cause of death, and cardiovascular, respiratory, and endocrine disorders, hepatic cirrhosis, septicaemia, and bacterial endocarditis were the most frequent underlying systemic disease in deceased patients. Although rare death following general anaesthesia in dentistry, is a critical side effect mostly seen in patients with compromised health condition. Therefore, appropriate case selection in regard with patients' general health status as well as standard technical and equipment conditions are mandatory to diminish the risk of death during dental anaesthesia.

Introduction: Parents influence children's eating behaviours by making some foods available than others and by acting as models of eating behaviour. Food selected by parents influence general and oral health of their children., Aim: Aim of this study was to assess oral health parameters among primary school children and motives for food choice among their parents in Mangalore., Materials and Methods: A total of 759 primary school children aged 5-10 years, and their parents participated in this study. Motives for food choice among parents of children were evaluated by using Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). Oral health status of students was assessed by using World Health Organisation (WHO) Basic Oral Health Assessment Form. Data pertaining to dietary habits and demographics was also collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics along with Pearson's correlation and Binary logistic regression were executed for the present study and level of significance was fixed at p<0.05., Results: Caries prevalence was 10.8% and 68.9% in permanent and primary dentitions, respectively. Mean Decayed, Missing And Filled Tooth (DMFT) index scores among study subjects were 0.21±0.72 and 3.08±3.11 for permanent and primary dentitions, respectively. Increase in caries prevalence was significantly associated with decrease in total FCQ scores. FCQ domains 'health', 'natural content' and 'weight control' were significantly correlated with dental caries experience. FCQ also showed significant correlation with socio-economic variables., Conclusions: Overall, dental caries experience was found to be high. Parental food choice motives positively influenced dietary patterns and caries experience of their children. Caries experience was less in children whose parents reported higher scores on FCQ. Understanding the barriers, identification of risk factors for poor food choices and targeting interventions might formulate ways by which the desired behaviour can be achieved.

Introduction: Xerostomia is a subjective feeling of dryness commonly seen in elderly populations which impairs the quality of life. Due to loss of lubricating property of saliva the buccal mucosa, tongue and lips tend to stick leading to dry, freckled, ulcerated and sore mucosa which is of major concern to the patient to use complete denture., Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the relation between oral dryness score and denture satisfaction among elderly patients., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in prosthodontics department of a dental institution. Patients wearing dentures for at least six months were invited to participate in study. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) with scores ranging from 0-100 was used to assess patient's satisfaction and clinical oral dryness score was assessed using the criteria described by Osailan SM et al., with scores ranging from 0-10. Data was analysed with SPSS software (version-20) and Kendall's tau-b correlation was used to determine the relationship between mean denture satisfactions and mean clinical oral dryness scores., Results: A total of 220 participants were included in the study based on inclusion criteria. Mean dryness score of the participants was 1.8±0.6 and mean VAS-score for denture satisfaction was 74.32±21.20 for aesthetics, for chewing ability the mean score was 62.31±19.64 and for phonetics it was 67.82±30.60. Strong negative correlation between VAS-scores and oral dryness scores was observed., Conclusion: Clinical oral dryness score is one of the important factors which influence denture satisfaction. Dentist should consider in predicting prognosis.

Introduction: The degree of vascularity of the diseased mucosa in Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) has always been a matter of debate with conflicting results. Knowledge of this aspect is important to understand pathogenesis of OSMF, which in future could be translated into therapeutic strategies., Aim: In the present study, attempt has been made to investigate parameters like Mean Vascular Density (MVD), Total Vascular Area (TVA) and Mean Vascular Area (MVA) using CD34 antibody., Materials and Methods: Forty five previously untreated histopathologically diagnosed cases of OSMF were retrieved from archives and fifteen age and sex matched healthy volunteers without habits were included in the control group. Sections were immunohistochemically stained for CD 34 and morphometric analysis was performed. For statistical analysis ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis test and Mann Whitney U tests were used and p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant., Results: MVD was more in Stage I OSMF followed by Control, Stage II and Stage III with statistically significant differences (p< 0.001). Statistically significant differences were observed in the MVD between control versus Stage III OSMF. Similarly, TVA was statistically significant when compared between control versus OSMF, control versus Stage II OSMF, control versus Stage III OSMF, Stage I versus Stage II OSMF, Stage I versus Stage III OSMF, and Stage II versus Stage III OSMF. For MVA, significant differences were between control versus OSMF, control versus Stage II OSMF, control versus Stage III OSMF, Stage I versus Stage III OSMF and Stage II versus Stage III OSMF., Conclusion: Angiogenesis is seen in early stages of OSMF with decreasing trend in advanced stages. Decreased vascular areas seen in advanced stages could be attributed to the increasing fibrosis surrounding the blood vessels.

Introduction: Oral mucositis is known to hamper the quality of life in patients treated for oral cancer. Many pharmacological agents have been tried and tested in its management, especially vitamin supplements including A, E and their combinations., Aim: A Meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of vitamins individually used for prevention or treatment of oral mucositis separately for chemotherapy, concurrent chemo radiotherapy, radiotherapy and Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) individuals., Materials and Methods: The literature study was done using PUBMED, MEDLINE, EBSCO, GOOGLE SCHOLAR and COCHRANE data bases with keywords vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B, vitamin C, Oral mucositis, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Concurrent chemo radiotherapy and Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation individually, from the year 1980 to 2016. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The data was extracted, tabulated and was subjected to statistical analysis with CI of 95%., Results: Among 201 subjects the analysis clearly demonstrated a male predominance to females in studies where male to female ratio was given. Out of 8 studies, 2 were studies in children and remaining 6 studies concentrated on adult population. WHO and NCI-CTC criteria were followed except for one study which used customised assessment. A meta-analysis was performed regarding usage of topical medication of Vitamin E group in all three cancer treatment modalities, which showed significant reduction in oral mucositis (p < 0.001). There was reduced oral mucositis in a small group of patients with Vitamin A when compared to controls. No information on the agent used for chemotherapy, the dose of radiotherapy and the type of tumours in 4 studies., Conclusion: Topical Vitamin E had performed better on oral mucositis than Vitamin E systemic administration. Though the efficacy of topical treatment with Vitamin A showed reduction in oral mucositis, it was evaluated in a very small sample which cannot be attributed to a larger sitting.

Introduction: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease affecting the oral cavity which has been associated with severe burning sensation which in turn affects the quality of life of the patients. Currently, the effective treatment of choice remains the use of corticosteroids. The chronicity and recalcitrant nature of the disease demand the long term use of these drugs with ensuing adverse effects. Turmeric and its active ingredient, "curcumin", have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. Hence, this intervention study was done to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin oral gel in the management of oral lichen planus., Aim: The study was conducted to compare the efficacy of 1% curcumin gel with the conventional mid-potent topical corticosteroid, triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% in managing the signs and symptoms of OLP., Materials and Methods: An intervention study was conducted on 75 patients diagnosed with OLP divided into three groups, Group 1 (0.1% triamcinolone acetonide oral paste thrice daily in tapering doses), Group 2 (curcumin oral gel thrice daily) and Group 3 (curcumin oral gel six times daily). The patients were analysed for the symptom (burning) and sign (erythema and ulceration) using the numerical rating score and Modified Oral Mucositis Index (MOMI) for a period of three months on a bimonthly basis. The results were analysed using Students t-test and unpaired t-test., Results: Intragroup comparison using paired t-test showed statistically significant reduction in burning sensation (p<0.001) as well as erythema and ulceration (p<0.001) in all the three groups. However, when the three groups were compared Group 1 showed the maximum reduction in burning sensation (77%) and erythema and ulceration (67%). Among the curcuminoid group, increased frequency was found to be more beneficial., Conclusion: Curcumin oral gel can bring about clinical improvements in OLP patients; however it cannot be used as a mainstay drug. Instead, it can be used as a maintenance drug after the patient is treated with an initial course of corticosteroids. Further studies with larger sample size and increased drug concentrations may be required.

Introduction: Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory process, characterized by loss of bone around implants and bleeding on probing. Colonization of bacteria in the pocket created around the implant is one of the most important aetiologic factors involved. Although antibiotics are routinely used and are effective agents against this bacterial infection, due to the side effects and drug resistance of these medications, researchers are more interested in using herbal derivatives. There are relatively limited number of studies in this respect., Aim: To evaluate and compare the antibacterial effects of the extracts of Allium sativum and Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil on S. aureus and P. aeruginosa ., Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study conducted at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences between March 2016 and July 2016, aqueous and methanolic extracts of garlic and ziziphora essential oil were prepared and then their effects on one standard strain of P. aeruginosa and two standard strains of S. aureus and 18 clinical strains, (nine strains of P. aeruginosa and nine strains of S. aureus ) which had been isolated from wound and blood cultures, were evaluated using the reference broth macro dilution method and disk diffusion technique. Data were evaluated with descriptive statistical techniques and t-test for independent groups, using SPSS 17., Results: Aqueous and methanolic extracts of garlic did not exhibit inhibitory effects on S. aureus and P. aeruginosa . Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) for ziziphora essential oil against S. aureus were 0.25 and 0.5 μg/mL, respectively. The mean diameter of growth inhibition zone for S. aureus in the ziziphora essential oil group (0.25μg/mL) and Vancomycin group (10 μg/mL) were 26.09±5.8 and 14.63±1.20 mm respectively (p<0.001). Growth inhibition zone for P. aeruginosa were observed in only one (35 mm) and three cases (12.5±3.4 mm) in the ziziphora essential oil group (0.5 μg/mL) and Nalidixic acid group (10 μg/mL) respectively., Conclusion: The essential oil of ziziphora exhibited a favourable antibacterial effect on S. aureus ; therefore, its extract can be used as an effective antimicrobial agent alone or in association with other antibiotics in the treatment of infections due to S. aureus .

Introduction: Age and sex determination in forensic sciences are primary components of any skeletal analysis. As most bones used for sex determination are recovered in incomplete state, it is often necessary to use bones that are recovered intact e.g., the maxillary sinus. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) can provide precise information about complex anatomical structures, as it is characterized by rapid volumetric image acquisition with high resolution., Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the size and volume of Maxillary Sinus (MS) in determining gender by CBCT., Materials and Methods: Bilateral maxillary sinus images (left and right) were acquired for 100 patients (50 females and 50 males) and different parameters (width, length, height, area, perimeter and volume) were measured and evaluated. Mean and standard deviation of both maxillary sinuses measurements were calculated and compared. The data was subjected to discriminative statistical analysis and analysed using unpaired t-test., Results: Comparison between male and female groups showed statistically insignificant differences on both the right and left sides with respect to the maxillary sinus length, height, area, volume and perimeter. However, the female group showed statistically significant higher values for left side MS width (p=0.041) and left side MS width can be used to determine gender with an overall accuracy of 60%. The final result of discriminative analysis shows that the ability of the maxillary sinus to identify gender was 68% in males and 74% in females with an overall accuracy of 71%., Conclusion: Maxillary sinus width can be used as an aid in forensic anthropology for gender determination.

Introduction: Advances in the field of alternative medicine has encouraged the use of various natural products for multiple uses in the field of dentistry for treatment of various oral diseases. A natural herbal product is Aloe vera, which has number of benefits with no reported side effects and gaining considerable importance in clinical research., Aim: The aim of this cross-sectional randomized interventional study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Aloe vera in the healing of post extraction sockets., Materials and Methods: A sample size of 40 patients undergoing atraumatic extraction was divided into two groups. Group A-patients were prescribed only analgesics and followed for seven consecutive days and socket healing assessment was done. Group B-Patients were given Aloe vera soaked gel foams, followed up to the third and seventh day by two observers and the socket healing was assessed using the standardized index by Landry, Turnbull and Howley. In addition to healing the common complaint associated with extraction wound, the pain was assessed using numerical rating scale. Data obtained was statistically analysed using Mann-whitney U test, Wilcoxon Signed ranks test and Spearman's rank correlation method., Results: Control group on the third and the seventh day showed healing of 60% and 70% respectively and the Aloe vera group showed a better result having a healing potential of 70% on the third day and 90% on the seventh day which was statistically significant with a (p-value<0.001). Aloe vera group showed a significant decrease in pain after two hours on the day of extraction followed by second, third and seventh day which was statistically significant (p-value<0.001) and better than the control group., Conclusion: Aloe vera has been proved to have a unique property that is implicated in better healing than other group without any side effects. Aloe vera is economical, effective, powerful nutritional supplement and antioxidant that protects and promotes wound healing.

Introduction: Oral Mucositis (OM) is a serious complication of chemotherapy that results in painful debilitating inflammation that sometimes ends in interruption of treatment., Aim: The study evaluated the effect of quercetin (a natural flavonoid) on preventing and treating chemotherapy induced OM in patients with blood malignancies. Materials and Methods: This double-blind, placebo controlled randomized trial was carried out on 20 adult patients who underwent high dose chemotherapy for blood malignancies. Patients were divided into two groups (10 patients in the intervention group and 10 patients in the control group). Patients in the intervention group were administered 250 mg quercetin capsules twice daily for four weeks., Results: Nine out of 20 patients developed OM (three in the intervention group and six in the control group). The incidence of OM was lower in the intervention group although it was not statistically significant (p=0.189). The mean severity of OM was higher in the intervention group (2.6 vs 2). Healing time, age, gender, type of malignancy, drug type and duration of OM were not different in two groups., Conclusion: The incidence of mucositis was lower in the quercetin group, but mucositis was more severe in the intervention group, which may be due to lower oral health status in the intervention group.

Oral mucositis is an inflammatory mucosal destruction as a result of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, which in severe cases can impair patients' quality of life. Moreover, mucosal infection and/or systemic involvement due to compromised immunity leads to delay or discontinuation of the treatment. Many strategies and agents have been suggested for the management of this condition. Because of their lower side effects compared to chemical drugs, general interest in evaluating therapeutic effects of herbs has been increased intensively. Herbal plants apply their effect through different mechanisms of action: antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiseptic, and anticarcinogenic activity. Recently, various natural agents in plants have been noticed in mucositis, which may improve the symptoms through different interventions. The purpose of this review is to focus on the preventive or therapeutic use of herbal medicine to alleviate oral mucositis.

Introduction: A tooth is said to be impacted if it does not reach the occlusal plane even after two-thirds root formation. The aetiology of impacted teeth is varied and multi-factorial. Significant problems associated with impacted teeth include trismus, infection, cervical caries of second molars., Aim: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of distal caries in second molar teeth due to impacted third molars and to compare with similar studies conducted elsewhere., Materials and Methods: Study included assessment of patients reporting between 2009 to 2014 for dental care at College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study which included a total of 6000 Orthopantomograms (OPGs). The data collected was decoded and entered into excel spread sheet. Descriptive analysis of the data was done and results were displayed as frequency table and graphs., Results: A total of 979 patients had impacted third molars (16.31%). A total of 39% patient's with impacted third molars had distal cervical caries in second molar. Mesioangular impaction was the most prominent type. This was closely followed by horizontal impaction causing distal caries in second molars. Age group between 21-28 years and male gender had the higher prevalence of distal caries in second molar teeth due to impacted third molars., Conclusion: A total of 39% of the patients with impacted mandibular third molars had distal cervical caries in second molars. Mesioangular type, male gender, age group 21-28 years were the prominent factors associated with distal caries in second molar teeth due to impacted third molars.

Introduction: In carcinogenesis, increased oxidative stress and weakened antioxidant defense produces damage to the macromolecules like proteins. Thus, protein can act as potential biomarker in oral premalignant and malignant lesions., Aim: To determine and compare the levels of serum proteins in Oral Submucuous Fibrosis (OSMF), Oral Leukoplakia (OL), Nicotina Stomatitis (NS), Oral Malignancy (OM) and Healthy Controls (HC)., Materials and Methods: A total of 250 participants, were equally divided in five groups i.e., OSMF, OL, NS, OM and HC. Five ml of blood was collected from antecubital vein from each participant. The serum was analyzed for total protein, albumin and globulin levels using EBRA EM 200 semi-quantitive analyzer with the help of diagnostic kits., Results: There were total 193 males and 57 females, who were between 18 to 82 years of age, with a mean of 46.32±13.89 years. The serum protein and globulin levels were significantly decreased in OSMF, OL and NS and increased in OM as compared to HC (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found in serum albumin levels between the study groups (p>0.05)., Conclusion: Serum proteins can be used as diagnostic and prognostic marker for oral premalignant and malignant lesions.

Introduction: In the event of any mass fatality incident, DNA analysis plays a vital role in disaster victim identification. Teeth are one of the most resistant structures in the human body that resist decomposition hence making them prime choice for extracting DNA for identification of individuals. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis that target regions of Amelogenin gene have become the method of choice for sex determination of biological samples., Aim: Determining the sex of a given DNA sample from either dental pulp or dentin of tooth and help in identification of missing persons and disaster victims., Materials and Methods: In our study 50 teeth samples were studied and they were subjected to various environmental conditions along with freshly extracted teeth taken as control for duration of one month and three months. Pulpal tissue was retrieved from the teeth specimens by access opening of root canals and for incinerated samples, the specimens were crushed. From the DNA that was extracted from the dental pulp sample Amelogenin gene locus was used for sex determination by amplifying a segment of X-Y homologous gene locus through PCR analysis., Results: ANOVA test and t-test proved to be statistically significant and 100% retrieval rate was observed in samples., Conclusion: Pulpal tissue along with degenerating odontoblastic processes yield sufficient amount of DNA for gender determination when subjected to various forensic conditions with maximum accuracy.

Introduction: Personal identification and gender determination of unknown person has a vital importance in forensic investigation. Human skull radiography is a useful tool in human identification in natural disaster, in any accidents such as fire accident and road traffic accident where body remains become degraded or severely destroyed., Aim: Present study was performed to evaluate the measurement of frontal sinus, uniqueness of various pattern of nasal septum when combined with frontal sinus observed on posterio anterior cephalogram for sex determination as well as personal identification., Materials and Methods: A total of 80 individuals, 40 males and 40 females, between the age ranges of 18-30 years were selected. The selected individuals had their Posterio Anterior (PA) cephalogram performed after taking their informed consent. Right and left areas and the maximum height and width of the frontal sinus were determined and septum patterns were evaluated and both patterns were also combined and compared. The radiographs were taken on Xtropan 2000 OPG X-ray machine with cephalography attachment and KODAK CR 7400 digital radiography system. Mean and SD values of the greatest height and width of frontal sinus in male and female patients were thus evaluated. The mean values of the frontal sinus were greater in males and the left area was larger than the right area, based on student's t-test at the 5% level of significance., Results: The combination of Frontal Sinus Patterns and Nasal Septum Patterns (FP+NSP) were assessed and found that there were nine classifiable patterns in 26 (32.5%) individuals (12 males and 14 females), each of which had common representations in more than one individual. Besides these patterns, there were unique unclassifiable patterns in 54 (67.5%) individuals., Conclusion: The present study supports the use of radiographic evaluation of frontal sinus dimensions, frontal sinus patterns, nasal septum deviations and the combination FP+NSP patterns for personal identification and gender determination in forensic investigations.

Introduction: The loss of brain cholinergic activity is a key phenomenon in the biochemistry of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Due to the specific biosynthesis of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of cholinergic neurons, the enzyme has been proposed as a potential biochemical marker of cholinergic activity. AChE is expressed not only in the Central Nervous System (CNS), Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) and muscles, but also on the surface of blood cells and saliva., Aim: This study aimed to measure salivary AChE activity in AD and to determine the feasibility of creating a simple laboratory test for diagnosing such patients., Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the recorded data were obtained from 15 Alzheimer's patients on memantine therapy and 15 healthy subjects. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from the participants and salivary levels of AChE activity were determined by using the Ellman colorimetric method. The Mann Whitney U test was used to compare the average (median) of AChE activity between AD and controls. In order to adjust for possible confounding factors, partial correlation coefficient and multivariate linear regressions were used., Results: Although the average of AChE activity in the saliva of people with AD was lower compared to the control group, we found no statistically significant differences using Mann Whitney U test (138 in control group vs. 175 in Alzheimer's patients, p value=0.25). Additionally, no significant differences were observed in the activity of this enzyme in both sexes or with increased age or duration of the disease. After adjusting for age and gender, there was no association between AChE activity and AD (regression coefficient β=0.08; p value= 0.67)., Conclusion: Saliva AChE activity was not significantly associated with AD. This study might help in introduce a new diagnostic aid for AD or monitor patients with AD.

Introduction: Global usage of synthetic drugs inadvertently has resulted in deleterious effects and antimicrobial resistance. Phytoextarcts with therapeutic properties appear to be appropriate substitutes for synthetic drugs. Punica granatum (Pomegranate) is a fruit rich in nutraceuticals and therapeutic properties that has lead to its widespread use as folk-medicine for treating innumerable diseases., Aim: To determine the in vitro antifungal efficacy of Punica granatum peel extract against the oral Candida compared with clotrimazole., Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was carried out on 60 saliva samples collected from patients confirmed by clinical and mycological examination as oral candidiasis and subjected to culture on Saborauds Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. The cultured Candida species were subjected to antifungal susceptibility test by agar well diffusion method. Punica granatum peel extract (Group-I), Ethanol (Group-II Negative control), Clotrimazole (Group-III-Positive control) were inoculated in wells and incubated. Zones of inhibitions were measured with a digital Vernier's callipers and subjected to statistical analysis. ANOVA (analysis of variance) was performed to compare inhibition zones and concentrations of all the three groups., Results: Antifungal efficacy of Punica granatum group and Clotrimazole group were statistically significant with p-value <0.05. Additionally, with the increase in the concentration there was an increase in the inhibitory efficacy against Candida species. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of peel extract of Punica granatum approximated with that of the clotrimazole., Conclusion: The present research was just a venture to usual clinical approach. The results of the study reveal that MIC of peel extract of Punica granatum approximated with that of the clotrimazole. Hence, peel extract of Punica granatum may be used as a substitute for antifungal agents in clinical trials with standardization so as to minimize the deleterious effects for patient compliance.