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Background: Oral epithelium forms a physical, chemical and immunological barrier against invading microorganisms. The chemical barrier mainly comprises of anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) like cathelicidins. Transcription of cathelicidin anti-microbial peptide (CAMP) gene is induced by binding of the bioactive form of vitamin D to vitamin D receptor. Thus, an increase in vitamin D should significantly improve the chemical barrier function by increasing AMPs. This study explored vitamin D in primary prevention of chronic periodontitis by reinforcing the epithelial barrier by increased action of cathelicidin. This was a single center, randomized, two-way, crossover design study. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vitamin D administration on levels of cathelicidin LL-37 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of chronic periodontitis patients. Methodology: Forty vitamin D insufficient subjects with chronic periodontitis were divided into two groups. GCF sampling was done a day after the periodontal examination. Following this, all the patients were subjected to scaling and root planning (SRP). Test group patients were prescribed oral dose of 2000 IU vitamin D daily for a period of three months. It was followed by a six week washout period. Then the groups were subjected to crossover and the same treatment sequence was followed. Cathelicidin LL-37 level was estimated using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results: Vitamin D administration increased the levels of cathelicidin in periodontal diseases. Cathelicidin levels in GCF increase after vitamin D intake. Conclusion: Periodontal diseases might be prevented by reinforcing the epithelial barrier (chemical barrier) by vitamin D induced production of AMPs.

BACKGROUND: Studies have documented the importance of alkaline pH for deposition of calcium phosphate, thereby aiding plaque mineralization. The ureolytic pH response promotes calculus formation by increasing the saturation level of calcium phosphate in plaque fluid. Therefore, AIM - A study was conducted to assess the effect of salivary pH and urea level in mild moderate and heavy calculus formers. METHODS: Group A- Mild calculus formers Group B- Moderate calculus formers Group C- Heavy calculus formers 10 subjects were assigned to each group. Salivary pH was recorded by using pH indicator strips as soon as saliva was collected in a sterile container. Thereafter, biochemical estimation of salivary urea was performed. RESULT-: There was no statistically significant difference in pH levels between Group A and Group B (p=0.97) but significant difference between Group A and Group C (p= 0.01).There was a highly significant difference between Group A and Group C in urea levels .(p

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of Clorni* gel as an adjunct to phase 1 therapy, in the treatment of gingivitis. Methodology: The study was carried out on 30 patients. Group 1(control group): scaling and root planing, oral hygiene instruction and Hexi* gel application. Group 2(test group): scaling and root planing, oral hygiene instruction and Clorni* gel application. Clinical parameters like Gingival Index, Plaque Index and Papillary Bleeding Index were recorded at baseline, one week and after one month for each patient. Results: There were reduction in the PI, GI and Papillary bleeding index scores in both the groups. Within the groups (group1 and group 2) clinical parameters showed overall reduction from baseline to 1 month and on multiple analysis the results were statistically significant from baseline to one month, but no statistical significance was seen from one week to one month. On comparison between the groups there was no statistical significance in the clinical parameters. Conclusion: Clorni gel can be used as an adjunct to SRP in the treatment of gingivitis.

Background and Aim The novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 is a new viral respiratory illness first identified in Wuhan province China. Dental professionals and dental students are at an increased risk as dental practice involves face-to-face communication with the patients and frequent exposure to saliva blood and other body fluids. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge practice and attitude of dental students towards infection control during COVID-19 pandemic.Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students. A total of 314 questionnaires were sent online. The questionnaire consisted of three parts - Section A Knowledge towards infection control Section B Attitude towards the infection control Section C Clinical practice. Chi square test was used to compare the distribution of responses to knowledge attitude amp clinical practice based questions.Results A total of 314 completed responses from the dental students were received. The present study results showed a knowledge score of about 95.02 attitude score of 78.06 and the clinical practice score was recorded as 94.62.Conclusion The level of awareness in undergraduate students was less when compared to postgraduate students. Further studies are required to assess the knowledge and practice of the students after holding training courses.

Background and Aim Coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19 may spread through respiratory droplets released by infected individuals during coughing sneezing or speaking. A major concern during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has been protection of clinicians and other health care workers from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus SARS CoV-2 infection by respiratory aerosol and contact transmission. This study was designed to assess the knowledge attitude and practice regarding usage of masks and medical gowns among postgraduate students.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 postgraduate students. The questionnaire was designed comprising of 15 multiple choice questions based on Likert scale Five point that included questions on knowledge attitude amp practice towards awareness of masks and medical gowns. Chi square test was used to compare the distribution of responses to knowledge attitude and practice based questions.Results The mean value of knowledge was 4.178plusmn0.6513 mean value of attitude was 3.303plusmn1.0624 and mean value of practice was 4.016plusmn0.6855.Conclusion Postgraduate students demonstrated good knowledge and practice towards the masks and medical gowns whereas the attitude was still truncated.

Background amp Aims Teachers are an important and influential part of the society and play an important role in the formation modification of the behavior of the children. Therefore their knowledge about oral health is important for both their own oral health and the children that they are interacting with and teaching. To assess the oral health - knowledge attitude and practice among school teachers.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 school teachers in both government and private sectors. The data was obtained using a self-administrated questionnaire comprising of 15 multiple choice questions based on likert scale 3 point that included questions on knowledge attitude and practices towards oral health.Results The average score of knowledge was 72 attitude was 72.8 and practice of oral health in school teachers was 58.4 respectively.Conclusion In the present study it was concluded that school teachers have good knowledge and attitude towards oral health whereas their practice towards it is still truncated. Hence the perception of oral health in school teachers needs to be gauged for the betterment of their oral health.

Background and Aims The science of dentistry which is associated with the law is known as forensic medicine or forensic odontology. The few important applications include identification of human remains through dental records through bite marks or physical injuries living or deceased subjects age and gender may be determined and to testify as an expert witness in court to present forensic dental evidence. This study was designed to assess the knowledge awareness and practice of forensic odontology among interns and post graduate.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 students out of which 60 were interns and 40 were post graduates. The questionnaire was designed comprising of 15 multiple choice questions based on Likert scale that includes questions on knowledge attitude amp practice towards awareness of forensic odontology. Chi Square Goodness of Fit Test was used to compare the distribution of responses to Knowledge Attitude amp Practice based questions.Results The score for knowledge attitude and practice of forensic odontology based on sum of all the positive responses and calculating the percentage among Interns was 67.6 53 and 59 respectively and among post graduates was 87 59 and 83 respectively.Conclusion In general the results of this study show that there is an adequate level of knowledge in both the groups however poor attitude and lack of practice was revealed in under graduates when compared to postgraduate students.nbsp

Stem cells are gaining much attention these days because of their self-renewal and differentiation properties. The development of tissue engineering in the last few decades aims to enhance the repair of damaged or lost tissues. Tissue engineering involves the use of engineering principles in the development of tissue or organ grafts. Tissue regeneration is achieved by the use of cells biomaterials and tissue-inducing factors in combinations or alone. The stem cells are capable substitute for many specialized cells or organs forming cells owing to their inherent potential of evolving into a spectrum of tissues. The main aim of this review article is to discuss the history of dental stem cells DSC isolation approaches collection and current status in dentistry.

Background and Aims Regenerative and stem cell therapy is a new field in dentistry. The opinions of dentists and their acceptance of the concepts are important in successful clinical implementation of these procedures. Research on adult stem cells is leading to new dental treatment protocols for endodontic periodontal and oralmaxillofacial procedures. The study aimed to assess the knowledge attitude and practice regarding application of stem cells in dentistry among dentists.Methods A questionnaire based survey was conducted among 100 dentists. The data was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire comprising of 16 multiple choice questions based on a Likert scale 3 point that included questions on professional status ethical opinions beliefs judgement towards stem cells and clinical practices.Results Results showed that the average score of professional status was 66.25 ethical opinions beliefs and judgement was 76 and clinical practice was 76.75 respectively and Chi Square Goodness of Fit test showed a statistically significant difference p lt0.001.Conclusion The survey implicated that the knowledge of the study participants was good and the responses towards the ethical opinions beliefs attitude were exemplary while the responses towards clinical practice were positive. Hence an effort has to be made to use stem cells as a regenerative aid in our day to day practice.