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Objectives: This study was conducted to understand the attitudes of parents toward oral hygiene care for children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the parent’s reasons for brushing or not brushing their child’s teeth. Convenience sampling method was followed and 100 parents filled the 12-item self-administered questionnaire. Results: About 76% of the household mothers were brushing the children’s teeth. Around 41 children did not like to brush their teeth due to unpleasant taste/flavor of toothpaste. In our study, majority of the parents (73%) agreed that it is easier when both of them were present at home while their child is brushing. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the awareness and importance of good oral hygiene is less among the parents and the attitude of the parents toward their child’s oral hygiene is positive among mother when compared to father.

The aim of this study is to explore the genotoxicity of cells obtained from the buccal mucosa in patients who were exposed to dental X-rays using micronucleus analysis. All the subjects underwent a routine oral clinical examination and subjects with any visible or symptomatic change in the buccal mucosa were excluded. Subjects who were expose to X rays in the past 6 months were also excluded. Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria a total of 116 subjects were recruited. The included subjects were all nonsmokers. The genotoxicity was studied by micronucleus assay. There was significant difference in the frequency of multinucleated cell numbers from before exposure to after exposure to OPG. In patients having exposed to CBCT, a higher cell turnover was detected. The number of multinucleated cells gradually increases after panoramic radiographs, hence dental X-rays should be prescribed only when absolutely necessary.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most commom cancer in the world. If remain untreated for several years, it may be fatal. Hence, it is important to prevent and treat OSCC at an early stage. In this study the effect of aqueous and dry leaves extract of Ocimum sanctum was observed on Ca9-22 cell line, which is an OSCC cell line. For this, Ca9-22 cell line was cultured and maintained. After 24 h, the cells were treated with aqueous and dry leaves extract of Ocimum sanctum plant. Viability of the cancerous cells were studied by 3-(4, 5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and neutral red uptake (NRU) assay. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), lethal concentration25 (LC25), lethal concentration50 (LC50) and highest permissive concentration (HPC) was calculated by probit computational method. Experimentally, the MIC value was 5 mg/L, whereas the HPC was 30 mg/L of the plant extract in aqueous state. For the dry extract the MIC was 5 mg/L whereas the HPC was 35 mg/L for both MTT and NRU assays. For MTT assay LC values: 7.41 (LC25), 14.79 (LC50) and 26.91 mg/L (LC75) for aqueous extract and 12.58 (LC25), 20.89 (LC50), 29.51 mg/L (LC75) for dry extract. For NRU assay LC values were 10.23 (LC25), 14.79 (LC50) and 20.89 mg/L (LC75) aqueous extract, and 16.59 (LC25), 23.44 (LC50), 30.19 mg/L (LC75) dry extract of the plant. From the above study it was concluded that, Ocimum sanctum have anti-cancerous activity. It can further be used for therapeutic purposes.

Background The diagnosis of nondisplaced longitudinal fractures [vertical root fractures (VRFs)] is challenging in clinical practice. Radiographic techniques showed a difficulty in detection of VRFs. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a new diagnostic imaging modality that provides high-quality three-dimensional (3D) images for dental diagnosis. Aims The aim of this in vitro study is to compare accuracy of three different imaging modalities: conventional periapical radiographs, digital radiographs, and CBCT in detecting VRFs in teeth that are endodontically as well as nonendodontically treated. Materials and methods An in vitro model consisting of 60 recently extracted human mandibular lower premolars were used. Root canal treatment was carried out for 30 teeth. Root fractures were created in 30 teeth (15 root canal treated and 15 non-treated) by mechanical force. Other 30 teeth remain intact. The teeth were mounted and images were taken with a periapical, digital, and CBCT X-ray unit. Three endodontists separately evaluated the images. Results Interobserver κ values showed a very good interobserver agreement (0.98 for CBCT, 0.88 for digital, and 0.93 for conventional periapical X-rays). There was an overall statistically significant difference (p = 0.00) in detecting of root fracture among the three imaging modalities and the highest accuracy with CBCT images. Conclusions In in vitro model, CBCT scan appears to give the highest accuracy in detecting VRFs when compared with the periapical systems in both endodontically and nonendodontically treated teeth. Clinical significance The CBCT scan shows higher sensitivity in detection of VRFs in comparison with periapical images.

Background Leukoplakia generally refers to a firmly attached white patch on a mucous membrane which is associated with an increased risk of cancer. So it is important to diagnose leukoplakia in early stage. In this study we are trying to treat leukoplakia as a marker for prediagnosis of cancer. Since, bleomycin as a chemotherapeutic agent, is mainly used in the treatment of multiple tumors, and several cancers. Hence in this study effect of bleomycin was studied in D38, a leukoplakia cell line.Methods Percent lethality values of leukoplakia cells after treated with several concentations of bleomycin was studied by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining (AO/EB), propidium iodide (PI) staining, 3-(4, 5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and comet assay. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), lethal concentration25 (LC25), lethal concentration50 (LC50), lethal concentration75 (LC75) and highest permissive concentration (HPC) was calculated from probit computational method.Results From AO/EB staining, PI staining, MTT assay and comet assay the MIC value was 15 mg/L concentration of bleomycin, where as the HPC was found at 100 mg/L of bleomycin. The comet tail length gradually increased from 15 mg/L to 100 mg/L of bleomycin. Percent lethality values were also increased from 15 to 100 mg/L concentration of bleomycin in all the staining protocols as well as in comet assay technique.Conclusion It is important to diagnose leukoplakia in early stage. Since, bleomycin as a chemotherapeutic agent, it is mainly used in the treatment of multiple tumors, testicular carcinomas, lymphomas, and head, neck cancers. From the results, it was found that bleomycin can be used for treatment of oral leukoplakia to prevent its development to SCC.

Objective: To compare the amount of apical debris extrusion in samples instrumented by EndoStar E5, ProTaper Universal, and M-two rotary files. Material and Methods: Forty-five freshly extracted non-carious mandibular premolar teeth with single roots and single canals were acquired, and randomly divided into 3 groups (n=15). Samples in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were instrumented using EndoStar E5 (EE5), ProTaper Universal (PTU), and M-two (MTO) rotary file, respectively. Following instrumentation, the debris extruded was collected in pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes and stored in an incubator at 70°C for 5 days. Tubes containing the dry extruded debris were then weighed. One-way analysis of variance was applied to the weights obtained followed by Tukey’s post hoc test for multiple comparison. Results: The mean debris extruded (mg) for the 3 groups were 1.23 (±0.72), 2.16 (±0.66), and 1.39 (±0.86) for EE5, PTU, and MTO respectively. Samples instrumented with PTU were associated with significantly higher debris extrusion (p 0.05). Conclusion: The novel EE5 and M-two rotary files result in less debris extrusion compared to PTU in mandibular premolars.

Objective: To determine the effect of seven different beverages on tooth enamel. Material and Methods: Human teeth samples were immersed in each beverage (Pepsi, Red Bull, Orange juice, Apple juice, Lemon juice, Coffee and Green tea). Specimens were divided into seven groups by beverage type (n = 5 per group). Weight of the enamel was measured before and after immersion in different beverages daily for at periodic intervals of 24hrs, 7 days, 15 days and 30 days. The data were recorded after weighing the teeth at each time. The beverages were replaced daily. Anova and Tukey post hoc test was performed to compare the differences in percent weight loss. The significance level was set at 5%. Results: There was change in the mean percent weight loss amongst the different beverages with orange juice showing a high reduction in comparison to green tea and coffee. The mean weight reduction of orange juice was by 21% followed by Red Bull (13%), Pepsi (11%), Lemon juice (16%), Apple juice (16%), coffee (3%) and green tea (3%). Conclusion: This study shows that different beverages have erosive potential on teeth depending on the duration of the exposure.

Purpose: Tobacco usage is the leading preventable cause of death in the world today. The tribes in Kuttampuzha region are the aboriginal tribal community found predominantly in the south Indian state of Kerala, India, and this study was conducted to identify tobacco cessation behavior in smoking and smokeless form of tobacco users among them. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design survey was conducted among 516 indigenous community people of Kuttampuzha area of Kerala, India, for the outcome of quit attempts made by the current tobacco users. The sociodemographic variables and tobacco user data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using Open Source R Software. Results: When considered the quit attempts among current smoking and smokeless form of tobacco users, a statistically significant difference was found in subjects who had quit attempts of 1 day or longer in the previous year (P = 0.01) than who were in groups of quit attempts more than 30 days or more than 6 months. Smokers had higher probability predicted of attempting quitting in comparison to smokeless form of tobacco users (odds ratio [OR] = 1.24, confidence interval [CI] = 1.09–1.39). The probability of doing a quit attempt was higher among users of tobacco who were having a comparatively higher socioeconomic status (OR = 1.30, CI = 1.12–1.48). Conclusion: This study provides useful insights into different determinants for quit attempts of tobacco users in South India, exploring the sociodemographic features of attempts to quit. International prevention and cessation initiatives will need to be customized to the social-cultural context of these primitive tribal areas of Kuttampuzha, Kerala, to help in prevention and cessation of tobacco usage.

Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) are promising source of cells for numerous and varied regenerative medicine applications as those possess high proliferation potential with multilineage differentiation capacity compare to other sources of adult stem cells; therefore, hDPSCs could be the good source for autologous transplantation in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. In this study stem cells were isolated from dental pulp and were characterised by flowcytometry and immunocytochemistry. The controlled cells as well as, 7-day cultured cells were positive for transcription factors, OCT 4 and SOX 2 thatconfirmed isolated cellsasmesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells showed positive expression for CD 19, CD 73, CD 90, CD 105 and are negative for CD 34, CD 45. Viability of hDPSCS were studied by trypan blue (TB) staining and fluorescent microscopic study. After 7 days of passaging by using several growth factors, cells express neural cell markers oligodendrocyte and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Specifically, osteocytes were grown from dental pulp MSCSsin vitro with the help of growth factors, dexamethasone, ascorbic acid-2- phosphate and β-glycerophosphate whereas, adipocytes were grown with indomethacin, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and insulin. Osteocytes and adipocytes were characterized by von Kossa and Oil red O staining, respectively. Chromosomal analysis of dental pulp-MSCs was done for qualitative assessment of MSCs. Karyotyping indicated diploid chromosome number in dental pulp derived MSCs. In vitro grown osteocytes could be used for bone fracture reunion cases, and adipocytes could be used for further research purposes., Biological sciences; Cell biology; Stem cells research; Biotechnology; Health sciences; Dentistry; Dental pulp; Stem cells; Neural cells; Flow cytometry; Immunocytochemistry.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental developmental anomalies among patients visiting the dental clinics at Ajman University, United Arab Emirates. Material and Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 425 digital panoramic radiographs. The study sample included people in the United Arab Emirates who have visited the outpatient dental clinics at the Faculty of Dentistry, at Ajman University. These OPGs have been evaluated for the presence of dental anomalies such as: Macrodontia, Microdontia, Talon cusp, Taurodontism, Dilaceration, Ectopic Eruption, Supernumerary teeth or roots, Fusion, Gemination, and Concrescense. Results: 80.7% had at least 1 anomaly, with the maximum of 5 anomalies presented in 1.2% of the sample. Dilacerations were the most commonly identified anomaly (61.4%), followed by missing third molars (22.8%), and Ectopic Eruption (15.5%) where (12.9%) of this anomaly has affected the maxillary canines. Hypercementosis (10.2%) followed by Microdontia (4.6%), which was mostly seen in the Upper laterals. Taurodontism accounted for (4.1%), Macrodontia (2.3%) and Talon cusp (2.3%). Gemination, Dens Invaginatus, and Concrescence were separately present in 1.1%, each one, of the cases observed. Conclusion: Variations in data and results among different studies suggest the impact of racial, genetic and environmental factors. The high frequency of dental anomalies emphasize the need of early detection and diagnosis which can be achieved through radiographic imaging, this would aid in further awareness to minimize any means of complexity in dental problems.

Aim: The aim is to test the antimicrobial activity of Andrographis Paniculata, Azadirachta indica (neem), and Curcuma Longa (curcumin) as a root canal irrigant, against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans using agar diffusion test. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) served as a standard control for comparisons. Materials and Methods: The bacterial strains of C. albicans and S. aureus culture were grown overnight (18–20 h) in the brain heart infusion broth at 37°C and inoculated in Mueller–Hinton agar plates. Antibacterial inhibition was assessed using agar well-diffusion method using the methanolic extracts of the three plants to be tested and NaOCl. Bacterial inhibition zone around each well was recorded. The results were tabulated and analyzed statistically for significance. Results: The novel A. paniculata showed significantly higher zone of inhibition against C. albicans (P < 0.0001) compared to the experimental irrigants. Against S. aureus, it exhibited similar results as that shown by NaOCl (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Zones of inhibition exhibited by novel herbal agent A. paniculata were higher against C. albicans and similar against S. aureus, when compared to NaOCl.

Aim: Dentists are at a risk of transmitting infectious diseases in a dental setting, which may be transferred from the patient to dentist, dentist to patient or from patient to patient. There is risk of transmission of infectious agents via cross contamination through dental procedures. To assess the compliance to infectioncontrol protocol and assess the knowledge of infectious diseases among dentists in Trivandrum city. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among the dentists in Trivandrum city.Materials and Methods: One hundred and seventy four dentists (males 56.7%), who were members of the Indian Dental Association, Trivandrum Branch (80%of total dentists), were given self-administered questionnaires. Analysis was done using SPSS version 14.Results: None of the respondents had 100%compliance to all infection control procedure. The mean score of compliance was 84.7/115 (86.3 - females and 83.5 – males, Range: 58-107). Mean score of knowledge of infectious diseases was 23.7/30 (23.6 – males and 23.8- females) 93% compliance with standard protocol was the maximum reported (2 dentists). Experience of more than 30 yrs and presence of a dental assistant was significantly associated with higher compliance to infection control protocol.Conclusion: Being a dental college faculty, working in the private sector and awareness of standard protocol were significantly associated with Knowledge of infectious diseases. Compliance was positively correlated to knowledge. It is imperative from the study that dentists require more training and continuing dental education in infection control.

This in vitro study evaluated the efficacy of three different obturation techniques with regards to quality of two filling pastes—Ca(OH)2/iodoform syringe paste and zinc oxide eugenol paste in primary molars. Root canals of 45 extracted primary molars were prepared and randomly divided into three groups of 15 teeth each. Group A—canals were filled with Ca(OH)2/iodoform syringe paste, Group B—zinc oxide eugenol paste with handheld lentulo spiral and Group C—zinc oxide eugenol paste with rotary lentulo spiral. The quality of filled root canals was evaluated with conventional radiography in antero-posterior and lateral dimensions. There were significant differences between all groups in the presence of voids (p = 0.03) and length of filling (p = 0.002). Half of the sampled teeth in handheld lentulo spiral group had voids in the filled canals, while 80% of the teeth filled with Ca(OH)2/iodoform syringe resulted in overfilling of the paste. All three delivery methods for the obturation of primary molars' root canals showed inherent limitations in terms of voids and quality of filling. Voids are inevitable and were present in all the techniques. Overfilling was more frequently seen with the syringe method, while the lentulo spiral technique, both handheld and rotary, showed a better quality of filling.

Percutaneous injuries in the dental office are one of the main risk factors for the transmission of diseases like hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HBV is an important infectious disease that is to be focused on in a dental setting. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental work ranks first in the frequency of potential sources for acquiring viral hepatitis, while dental employment ranks eleventh. It is necessary that all dental practitioners are aware of the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to be followed in case of exposure to HBV, HCV or HIV and the protocol followed in situations of exposure and that adequate reporting of the situation is performed. The protocol discussed is to be displayed in all dental settings so that every dental personnel will be aware of the necessary prophylaxis to be followed in any case of accidental exposure to infected source.

Aim: The aim is to test the antimicrobial activity of Andrographis Paniculata, Azadirachta indica (neem), and Curcuma Longa (curcumin) as a root canal irrigant, against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans using agar diffusion test. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) served as a standard control for comparisons. Materials and Methods: The bacterial strains of C. albicans and S. aureus culture were grown overnight (18–20 h) in the brain heart infusion broth at 37°C and inoculated in Mueller–Hinton agar plates. Antibacterial inhibition was assessed using agar well-diffusion method using the methanolic extracts of the three plants to be tested and NaOCl. Bacterial inhibition zone around each well was recorded. The results were tabulated and analyzed statistically for significance. Results: The novel A. paniculata showed significantly higher zone of inhibition against C. albicans (P 0.05). Conclusion: Zones of inhibition exhibited by novel herbal agent A. paniculata were higher against C. albicans and similar against S. aureus, when compared to NaOCl.