Dentin Disinfection Efficacy Using Four Different Irrigation Protocols

Objective: The objective of this study was to observe the effect that 3% Sodium Hypochlorite and 17% Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) with water in between, used sequentially and individually had in the disinfection of dentin blocks that were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: Thirty apical and coronal dentin block samples were divided into five groups (n=5): All samples were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis Group 1: Samples were submerged in 3% NaOCl then in 17% EDTA. Group 2: Samples were submerged first in 17% EDTA and then in 3% NaOCl. Group 3: Samples were immersed in 3% NaOCl only. Group 4: Samples were submerged in 17% EDTA only. Group 5 (positive control group): Samples were only submerged in distilled water. All samples were submerged in distilled water after each irrigation cycle. The irrigation protocol was repeated in all groups until all dentin samples were exposed to 24ml of the irrigating solutions. CFU units were counted and classified in an ordinal scale and compared with the linear-by-linear association test. Results: A significant linear trend in the reduction of CFU was observed when NaOCl and EDTA were combined (independently of the sequence used) when compared to groups 3 and 4 where the irrigants were used individually both in coronal (p=9.45 x 10-21), and apical slices (p=2.33 x 10-20). NaOCl was significantly more effective than EDTA in both coronal and apical slices (p ≥ 0.000001) when used alone. Conclusion: 3% Sodium Hypochlorite was more effective than 17% EDTA. However, alternating 3% NaOCl with 17% EDTA resulted in better dentinal disinfection. Clinical Relevance: Establishing an irrigation protocol that is effective in eradicating bacteria entrenched in dentinal tubules can lead to a more successful outcome in endodontically treated teeth.

Assessment of Oral Health Care and Knowledge amongst University Students

Objectives: Good oral heath not only promotes an individual to look and feel good, it also helps in preserving oral functions. The study was carried out to assess oral health knowledge and practices, attitudes as well as their oral hygiene habits among university students in the UAE. Method: A structured and revised questionnaire was distributed to 300 university students that were randomly sampled from the selected universities of the UAE. The questionnaires were answered anonymously by the students and paper consisted of questions to study and assess the prevalence of oral diseases amongst these students. The answers were then subjected to statistical analysis to determine if there is a significant correlation between oral health knowledge and attitude. Results: Data showed a positive correlation with a Pearson coefficient value of 0.4 given at a positive gradient when plotted as a linear graph. The students had good knowledge on the basic oral health measures but still students had poor oral health practices they brush their teeth once daily and brushed for less than the optimal time of two minutes. Lack of time and cost were reported to be the most common causes that prevented visiting the dental clinic. While some students reported no importance to visit the dentist if there is any pain as the second most common reason. Conclusion: Students had good knowledge on the basic oral health measures but efforts towards spreading proper dental education is very important to minimize and prevent the escalation of oral diseases that may develop due to lack of correct dental knowledge. Oral health education programs should be conducted with reinforcement to close the gap between knowledge and practice.

Application of IARTI and Ameliorating Principles to Improve Compliance and Completion of Treatment in General Dental Practice

Introduction: Many General Dental Practitioners run single handedly a mini-hospital. Practice administration, delivery of treatment and financial stewardship are all demanding with consequent induction of uncertainty, distress, and diminished performance, loss of satisfaction and unwelcome depression and anxiety. Aim: This contribution describes moderation of stresses in general dental practice by applying amelioration policies. Discussion: This advisory is targeted at all dentists involved in extensive dental therapy. The stress and anxiety of practice management is improved by applying newly established principles of practice, namely the Initial Assessment and Ranking of Treatment Index (IARTI) and What arrangements Have you made to meet your Oligations (WAHUM TOMYO), Immediate Payment Therapy (IPP) and Big Toe Philosophy (BTP). Conclusion: By applying these fundamental principles into general dental practice, much anxiety is relieved, challenges and problems are avoided or resolved and successful practice of dentistry is realized. A much higher frequency of failures will occur if these principles are not applied. Success does depend on applying IARTI and WAHUM TOMYO, IPP and BTP.

Management of Mandibular Fractures: Report of Three Cases

The mandibular bone is an important component of the facial bone, which has a unique role in digestive system, speech, and facial esthetics. For these important functions of mandibular bone, it is vital that surgeons should not only treat function but also consider the esthetics together. Mandibular fractures are among the most common traumatic injuries of the maxillofacial, and it is in facial region, the second most frequently fractured adult facial bone is the mandible due to its vulnerable position and projected onto the face. The objective of this study is to show in detail all the specific aspects, the management and the efficacy of the use of treatments by means of closed reduction and open reduction+stable internal fixation in patients with mandibular fractures. Special emphasis was placed on the potential impact of socioeconomic standards on the mechanism and pattern of jaw fractures.

Prevalence of Endodontically Treated Teeth in an Adult Malaysian Population Attending a Dental School Clinic

Introduction: The study of endodontic epidemiology may help in prediction of future needs for dental treatment in a dentate population. The prevalence of endodontically treated teeth in the Malaysian population has never been investigated and their estimates have been based on studies from other countries. This study evaluated the prevalence of endodontically treated teeth in an adult Malaysian population attending a dental school clinic in northern Malaysia. Methods: The sample of this cross-sectional study examined the orthopantograms of 1663 patients in age group 18 to 75 years old, visiting the clinics of AIMST dental institute. A total of 33462 teeth were examined by four calibrated professionals. Any radiographic evidence of presence of radio-opaque material in pulp space was considered as endodontic treatment for the particular tooth. Third molars, supernumerary teeth and faulty radiographs were excluded from the study. Data was recorded with respect to gender, age and ethnicity of the patient and also the type of tooth. It was statistically analysed using Odds ratio, logistic regression and chi-square test. Results: There was a greater prevalence of endodontic treatment in females than males and 31 to 40 years age group. Malay population had higher number of cases of overall endodontically treated teeth, while Indian population showed highest percentage of cases within any ethnic group. Maxillary molars and mandibular molars were most frequently treated teeth, whereas canines showed the lowest prevalence. Findings were more significantly higher for maxillary teeth than mandibular teeth and for left side than right side. Conclusion: The prevalence of endodontically treated teeth in the Malaysian adult population was higher than that observed in epidemiological studies from other countries. This might is considered due to the higher incidence of caries and awareness emerging among the sub-population for preserving natural teeth. The results also concluded the necessity of more educational programs in Endodontics.

Expression of Androgen Receptors in Abating Age-Related Temporomandibular Muscles Dysfunctions in Female Albino Wistar Rats

Dysfunctions of Muscles of Mastication (MM) are commonly associated with facial pain, and it is a common medical condition in women's reproductive health. Hypothetically, sex hormones could be considered an underlying cause for this dysfunction, but few studies were done to explore sex hormones receptors in MM. The aim of the present study is to explore the effect of both age and sex on the expression of estrogen and androgen receptors in muscles of mastication. Eighty rats were randomly assigned into four groups. Group-12F, group-12M, group-24F and group-24M. After rats were sacrificed, MM were removed for histological and immunohistochemical examinations. Regardless age and sex, there was a weak expression of estrogen receptors (α,β) in all muscles. In group-24M, expression of androgen receptors in MM was significantly higher than that of other groups. In conclusion, the present study sheds the light on the age-related increased expression of androgen receptors in male albino wistar rats which could protect against temporomandibular muscles dysfunctions. Further studies are needed to evaluate this hypothesis for further clinical applications.

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride, Sodium Fluoride and GC Tooth Mousse Plus and Fluoride Varnish as an Antibacterial Agent in Childhood Caries: As a Literature Review

Background: In preventive dentistry, it is important for the need to prevent rather than to treat early childhood caries and to improve the types of fluoride and application to see if the comparative efficacy is sufficient or insufficient because every type can relieve and give comfort to patients. Aims: To compare the effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF), fluoride varnish, fluoride gel and GC tooth mousse plus on Streptococcus mutants bacterial load. To evaluate the effect on the types of fluoride on caries. To compare the effect of prevention’s of early childhood caries by using different types of fluoride. Searching the databases using the keywords: sodium diamine fluoride; GC tooth mousse; fluoride varnish; fluoride gel; early childhood caries; caries; varnish; prevention. Materials and methods: 2010-December 2018, databases which were searched: MEDLINE via Ovid, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and Dental specialties: pediatrics, oral preventive. Foreigner languages, editorials, letter to the editor, experimental studies with animals and Short communications were excluded from this review. Results: 2 studies assessed un-clear and need further research of SDF. 5 studies assessed that 12% of SDF has no effect but 38% has an effect with dentin and enamel with black staining as a disadvantage. 1 study showed that SDF is safe and effective compared to fluoride varnish, 2 studies showed that tooth mousse is recommended for early child caries without mentioning SDF and 3 studies found that it decreases the growth of mutants and aids in the remineralization of both enamel and dentin structure. Conclusion: To sum up this study silver diamine fluoride is effective and safe to use for preventing childhood caries than silver fluoride, GC tooth mousse and fluoride varnish, which saves time with increase accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Plasma Cell Gingivitis as a Predisposing Factor for Plaque-Induced Periodontitis: A Case Report

Plasma cell gingivitis is a benign lesion of unknown etiology characterized by massive infiltration of plasma cells into the connective tissue of the gingiva. Clinically it presents as a gingival enlargement with erythema and some areas with the presence of desquamation, it is usually asymptomatic, but on some occasions the patient may present pain and gingival bleeding. Diagnosis requires clinical-pathological correlation. Based on the foregoing, we present a case report of a 25-year-old female patient diagnosed with plasma cell gingivitis with idiopathic etiology based on the clinical and histopathological study.

Factors Associated to the Search for Dental Care in High Risk Pregnancy

Introduction: Conducting dental consultations during pregnancy is considered an important challenge in the context of Maternal and Child Health Policies, as it is surrounded by myths rooted among users and health professionals. In this sense, it is important to identify barriers and facilitators to the search for dental assistance in this period, in order to support strategies that make this practice feasible. Objective: To analyze the search for dental care during high-risk pregnancies, according to sociodemographic, gestational and health characteristics. Methods: Observational study with a cross-sectional design, carried out with high-risk pregnant women referred to a teaching hospital in southern Brazil, from January to May 2018. Data collection was performed using an unprecedented structured form and considered as a dependent variable the search for dental care during pregnancy and as independent variables sociodemographic, gestational and dental characteristics. Pearson's chi-square association test and Fisher's exact test were used. Results: To reach the sample of 190 pregnant women at high gestational risk, a total of 230 women considered valid were approached, counting on the following losses: refusal to participate (n=23), no answer to any question (n=10), duplicity in participant approach (n=7). Advanced maternal age (p=0.000) and history of premature birth in previous pregnancies (p=0.047) were factors associated with a lower frequency of seeking dental care in the current pregnancy. On the other hand, the habit of dental consultation prior to the gestational period (p=0.001), the knowledge about the importance of this monitoring (p=0.050), as well as the safety (p=0.000) in performing dental prenatal care, were related positively to the search during pregnancy. Conclusion: Specific incentive strategies and access to dental prenatal care are necessary to neutralize barriers that may compromise the search for oral health services during pregnancy. For this reason, identifying the facilitators and hinders to the dental service is essential for planning effective actions related to prenatal care.

Factors Associated to the Search for Dental Care in High Risk Pregnancy

Introduction: Conducting dental consultations during pregnancy is considered an important challenge in the context of Maternal and Child Health Policies, as it is surrounded by myths rooted among users and health professionals. In this sense, it is important to identify barriers and facilitators to the search for dental assistance in this period, in order to support strategies that make this practice feasible. Objective: To analyze the search for dental care during high-risk pregnancies, according to sociodemographic, gestational and health characteristics. Methods: Observational study with a cross-sectional design, carried out with high-risk pregnant women referred to a teaching hospital in southern Brazil, from January to May 2018. Data collection was performed using an unprecedented structured form and considered as a dependent variable the search for dental care during pregnancy and as independent variables sociodemographic, gestational and dental characteristics. Pearson's chi-square association test and Fisher's exact test were used. Results: To reach the sample of 190 pregnant women at high gestational risk, a total of 230 women considered valid were approached, counting on the following losses: refusal to participate (n=23), no answer to any question (n=10), duplicity in participant approach (n=7). Advanced maternal age (p=0.000) and history of premature birth in previous pregnancies (p=0.047) were factors associated with a lower frequency of seeking dental care in the current pregnancy. On the other hand, the habit of dental consultation prior to the gestational period (p=0.001), the knowledge about the importance of this monitoring (p=0.050), as well as the safety (p=0.000) in performing dental prenatal care, were related positively to the search during pregnancy. Conclusion: Specific incentive strategies and access to dental prenatal care are necessary to neutralize barriers that may compromise the search for oral health services during pregnancy. For this reason, identifying the facilitators and hinders to the dental service is essential for planning effective actions related to prenatal care.