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Background: Dentists are at an increased risk of encountering cross-infections because of working in close proximity with oral mucosa and saliva making use of high-speed rotary instruments during treatment generating large amount of aerosols and splatter which in turn increases the probability of nosocomial spread of infections. The present study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of dentists after the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The present cross sectional study was conducted using Google Forms wherein a well structured questionnaire composed of a total of 25 closed ended questions was distributed among practicing dentists through online mode. Step wise linear regression analysis was done to determine the influence of independent variables on the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores of the participants. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: On analyzing the results, multiple linear regression analysis revealed no significant difference in the knowledge scores among the participants, while good attitude and practice scores were significantly associated with higher qualification of the participants. Another noteworthy finding in the study was the significant correlation observed between the various components of the knowledge, attitude, and practice scores among the participants (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It could be concluded from the findings of the present survey that dentists were found to have good knowledge scores about the COVID-19 pandemic. They should, however, pay more emphasis on practicing tele triaging and proper screening and should follow various guidelines and advisories issued from time to time by the competent authorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fixed orthodontic retainers must be well retained on the tooth surfaces, allow physiologic movement of teeth and exert minimal forces on the teeth to be retained. Previous studies analyzed the bond strength and amount of deflection caused due to the debonding force but not the magnitude of force needed for unit deformation. Aims: This study aims to evaluate and compare the bond strength and load deflection rate (LDR) of three different fixed retainer wires. Materials and Methods: The wires were divided into three Groups: A - three-stranded twisted ligature wire, B - Bond-A-Braid (Reliance Orthodontics), and C - three-stranded twisted lingual retainer wire (3M Unitek). Twenty models were prepared for each group with a passive 15 mm long lingual retainer wire bonded to two lower incisors. An occlusogingival force was applied to the wire until it debonded. For LDR, three-point bending test was done at 0.5 mm deflection. These forces were measured using a Universal Instron Testing Machine. Statistical Analysis: Mean bond strength/LDR and pairwise comparisons were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and Tukey's honest significant difference post hoc test, respectively. Results: Group C exhibited the highest mean bond strength and LDR of 101.17N and 1.84N, respectively. The intergroup comparisons were all statistically significant. Conclusion: Compared to the other two wire types, Group C might be better retained on the teeth due to its higher bond strength. With its relatively higher LDR value, it may resist deformation from occlusal forces, thereby reducing inadvertent tooth movement and yet remain flexible enough to allow physiologic tooth movements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regular consumption of sweetened beverages has been associated with dental caries, which is mediated through salivary pH. The salivary pH changes among individuals with low caries experience after consumption of two local sweetened drinks is compared. Methods: In this block randomised controlled parallel group, an open-label pilot study of 49 participants aged 21-25 were selected. The participants were randomised into three groups: mineral water, chocolate drink and sirap bandung. One day prior to the test, scaling was done and the participants did not eat or drink anything on the test day till the saliva sample collection was done. Salivary pH was measured at baseline and after the consumption of the drinks with a glass electrode digital pH meter at five-minute interval for half an hour. The statistical significance was assessed at the level of 5%. Results: After consumption of chocolate drink and sirap bandung, the salivary pH dropped from a baseline of 7.09 for chocolate drink and 7.13 for sirap bandung to 6.69 for chocolate and 6.86 for sirap bandung. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Sweetened milk based local drinks can increase the caries susceptibility. In the community, information about limiting the intake of sweetened drinks should be reinforced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traumatic dental injuries are most commonly seen in school age children. This not only affects physical, but, also, the psychological and social well-being of a child. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in school children aged between 8 and 13 years and their association with the demographics and other predisposing risk factors., Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted as a cross-sectional study design on 1500 school children aged between 8 and 13 years. Apart from clinical examination, all the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire related to the injuries sustained. Statistical analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 (IBM, Chicago). Pearson's Chi-square (Χ²) test was used for categorical data analysis and distribution to determine the association between categorical variables, while P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: The prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in the present study was calculated at 9.7%. Also, the occurrence of such injuries was found to be higher in the age group of 8-11 years with 10 years being the peak age of incidence for sustaining such injuries. Again, crown fracture involving enamel was found to be the most common type of injury sustained, while proclination observed in relation to upper anterior teeth, and incompetent lips were found to be the independent, significant risk predictors associated with the frequency and severity of such injuries., Conclusions: The results obtained in the present study suggested a high prevalence of traumatic dental injuries in school children aged between 8 and 13 years highlighting the need for conducting educational programs, for increasing knowledge and awareness of parents, school children and school faculty in this regard to save the affected child patients from the more dreaded sequelae including complete loss of tooth structure, and social and emotional trauma., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Community Medicine.)