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Gingival enlargement is a bizarre condition causing aesthetic, functional, psychological and masticatory problems in oral cavity. Gingival enlargement has been associated with a variety of factors, including medications, inflammation and systemic disorders. Recent periodontal studies have suggested a mild to moderate association between periodontal disease and thyroid disorders due to altered gingival microcirculation compromising the first line of defence which may result in gingival hyperplasia. This case report is an unusual presentation of gingival fibromatosis in a 20 year old girl. The gingival hyperplasia and associated clinical features alerted us to the possibility of altered functioning of the thyroid gland. Subsequent investigations revealed subclinical hypothyroidism. This case report emphasizes, yet again the adage/saying that ‘the oral cavity is the mirror to the body!’

BACKGROUND Almost 47 % of the population over the age group of 30 is affected by chronic periodontitis. Although the first and gold standard therapy in periodontal treatment is scaling and root planing (SRP), which is a non-surgical approach towards treatment, yet another therapy for the treatment of chronic periodontitis is to irradiate the periodontal pockets with laser. The purpose of this study was to confirm as to whether the use of diode laser (800 – 980 nm) as adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) improved the results of conventional mechanotherapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis patients. METHODS In this study we designed our groups in such a way that 40 patients (20 males and 20 females) with two deepest nonadjacent pockets ≥ 5mm in two different quadrants were selected. In this study each treatment group belonged to a separate quadrant of the mouth. One group was allotted to SRP group while the second one was allotted to SRP + Diode Laser group. Clinical parameters like (Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Bleeding on Probing (BOP) in chronic periodontitis patients were measured and evaluated at baseline, after 1 month and after 3 months of the treatment. Statistical analysis was also done intra group and inter group. RESULTS From this we infer that PPD was significantly reduced in SRP and SRP + Diode laser groups from baseline and post 1 month (P < 0.001), between baseline and post 3 months (P < 0.001) and between 1 month and 3 months (P < 0.001). There was also significant improvement in CAL in SRP and SRP + Diode Laser groups from baseline and post 1 month (P < 0.0001), between baseline and post 3 months (P < 0.0001) and between 1 month and 3 months (P < 0.0001). BOP also reduced in SRP and SRP + Diode Laser group from baseline. When SRP and SRP + Diode laser groups were compared they showed non statistically significant results but individually both the groups showed statistically significant results. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study indicate that, comparison of SRP alone group which is a conventional method with SRP as adjunct to Diode laser group i.e., a non-surgical approach showed improvement of CAL and also reduction in PPD and BOP for the treatment of chronic periodontitis patients. KEY WORDS Periodontitis, Laser, Scaling and Root Planing, Adjunct Therapy, Diode Laser

Dental profession is at a very critical conjecture owing to novel coronavirus sickness, COVID-19. Dentistry is a profession where healthcare professionals are extremely susceptible of being infected as well as retain a high susceptibility to cross infect and transmit the contagious viral sickness among general public attending dental clinics. The grounded reality for an average dental practitioner is that walking back to operative clinical work in dentistry post-pandemic is quite tedious. Most of the safeguards and practices recommended in the current COVID-19 pandemic phase need significant alterations in the ways to practice clinical dentistry in terms of prevention and transmission of cross infection. 3D printing or additive manufacturing is the most upcoming surge of technology in the field of health care. Many novel research-driven and technology-based interventions from 3D printing technologies must be exploited and adapted to find ways and means to fight out the outburst of the pandemic. Many such 3D printed mass produced and cost-effective tools, equipments, and barrier materials instilled in clinical dental practice shall prevent or minimize COVID-19 cross contamination and transmission by ensuring safe clinical practices.

Background and Aim: Green tea, a rich source of flavonoids, has tremendous oral health potential. This study evaluates the effect of brewing green tea at varying concentrations and duration on its antimicrobial activity against oral bacteria. Materials and Methods: Green tea was brewed in 15 concentration and time combinations. Paper disc diffusion test was carried out with these infusions on Tryptic Soy Agar plates inoculated with oral bacteria. Zone of inhibition after 72 h of incubation at 37°C was measured in millimeters. Results: Higher zone of inhibition was observed in concentration brewed for 15 min than 30 and 60 min. Zone of inhibition was directly proportional to the concentration of green tea brewed. Most effective concentration was 80 mg/ml with a mean of 2.83 mm which was significantly higher than mean zone of inhibition for 60 mg/ml (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Increasing the concentration and decreasing the brewing time of green tea results in a higher inhibitory effect on growth of oral bacteria.

Emblica officinalis (Amla) is widely used in the Indian system of medicine and believed to increase defense against diseases. Amla is called amalaki in Sanskrit. It is one of the oldest oriental medicines mentioned in Ayurveda as potential remedy for assorted ailments. A wide range of phytochemical components present in amla including alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids have been shown to procure useful biological activities. It is an ingredient of many Ayurvedic medicines and tonics as it removes excessive salivation and internal body heat. Research has been done with amla evaluating its role as an antioxidant. Amla is useful in ulcer prevention, for diabetic patients, and for memory effects. Amla Tonic has a hematinic and lipalytic function useful in scurvy, prevents indigestion, and controls acidity as well as it is a natural source of anti-aging.

Introduction Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.gingivalis) is a notorious perio-pathogen with the ability to evade host defense mechanism and invade into the periodontal tissues. Many antimicrobial agents have been tested that curb its growth, although these agents tend to produce side effects such as antibiotic resistance and opportunistic infections. Therefore search for naturally occurring anti-microbials with lesser side effects is the need of the hour. Aim The aim of this study was to substantiate the antimicrobial activity of various essential oils; eucalyptus oil, chamomile oil, tea tree oil and turmeric oil against P. gingivalis. Materials and methods Pure cultures of P. gingivalis were grown on selective blood agar. Antimicrobial efficacy of various concentrations of essential oils (0%, 25%, 50% and 100%) was assessed via disc diffusion test. Zone of inhibition were measured around disc after 48 hours in millimeters. Results Zones of inhibition were directly proportional to the concentration of essential oils tested. At 100% concentration all the tested oils possess antimicrobial activity against P.gingivalis with eucalyptus oil being most effective followed by tea tree oil, chamomile oil and turmeric oil. Conclusion All essential oils tested were effective against P.gingivalis. After testing for their clinical safety they could be developed into local agents to prevent and treat periodontitis.