Background: Oil pulling has been used extensively as a traditional Indian folk remedy for many years for strengthening teeth, gums, and the jaw and to prevent decay, oral malodor, bleeding gums, dryness of the throat, and cracked lips. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oil pulling with sesame oil on plaque-induced gingivitis and to compare its efficacy with chlorhexidine mouthwash. Materials and Methods : A total of 20 age-matched adolescent boys with plaque-induced gingivitis were selected for this study. They were divided randomly into the study or oil pulling group (Group I) and the control or chlorhexidine group (Group II) with 10 subjects in each group. Plaque index and modified gingival index scores were recorded for the 20 subjects and baseline plaque samples were also collected. The plaque samples were used to identify the microorganisms and to measure the total colony count of the aerobic microorganisms present. The study group was subjected to oil pulling with sesame oil and the control group was given chlorhexidine mouthwash everyday in the morning before brushing. Reassessment of the index scores and collection of plaque for measuring the colony count of the aerobic microorganisms was done after 10 days. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction of the pre- and post-values of the plaque and modified gingival index scores in both the study and control groups ( P < 0.001 in both). There was a considerable reduction in the total colony count of aerobic microorganisms present in both the groups. Conclusion: The oil pulling therapy showed a reduction in the plaque index, modified gingival scores, and total colony count of aerobic microorganisms in the plaque of adolescents with plaque-induced gingivitis.

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Dental caries is one of the most common diseases in humans. In modern times, it has reached epidemic proportions. Dental caries is an infectious microbiologic disease of the teeth that results in localized dissolution and destruction of the calcified tissue. Dental caries is a mulitifactorial disease, which is caused by host, agent, and environmental factors. The time factor is important for the development and progression of dental caries. A wide group of microorganisms are identified from carious lesions of which S. mutans , Lactobacillus acidophilus , and Actinomyces viscosus are the main pathogenic species involved in the initiation and development of dental caries. In India, surveys done on school children showed caries prevalence of approximately 58%. Surveys among the U.S. population showed an incidence of 45.3% in children and 93.8% in adults with either past or present coronal caries. Huge amounts of money and time are spent in treating dental caries. Hence, the prevention and control of dental caries is the main aim of public health, eventually the ultimate objective of public health is the elimination of the disease itself. Recently, dental caries vaccines have been developed for the prevention of dental caries. These dental caries vaccines are still in the early stages.

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Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a dye, a flavoring, and a medicinal herb. In India, it has been used traditionally as a remedy for stomach and liver ailments, as well as topically to heal sores. Ancient Indian medicine has touted turmeric as an herb with the ability to provide glow and luster to the skin as well as vigor and vitality to the entire body. Since turmeric has antimicrobial, antioxidant, astringent, and other useful properties, it is quite useful in Dentistry also. The objective of this article is to highlight various uses of turmeric in the dental field along with its use in medical problems.

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Titanium and its alloys are used in dentistry for implants because of its unique combination of chemical, physical, and biological properties. They are used in dentistry in cast and wrought form. The long term presence of corrosion reaction products and ongoing corrosion lead to fractures of the alloy-abutment interface, abutment, or implant body. The combination of stress, corrosion, and bacteria contribute to implant failure. This article highlights a review of the various aspects of corrosion and biocompatibility of dental titanium implants as well as suprastructures. This knowledge will also be helpful in exploring possible research strategies for probing the biological properties of materials.

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The impact factor of journals has been widely used as glory quotients. Despite its limitations, this citation metric is widely used to reflect scientific merit and standing in one's field. Apart from the impact factor, other bibliometric indicators are also available but are not as popular among decision makers. These indicators are the immediacy index and cited half-life. The impact factor itself is affected by a wide range of sociological and statistical factors. This paper discusses the limitations of the impact factor with suggestions of how it can be used and how it should not be used. It also discusses how other bibliometric indicators can be used to assess the quality of publications.

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Background and Objective: The purpose of this study is to test the reliability of Moyers mixed dentition analysis in school children. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted on a sample of 150 school children within the age group of 13 to 16 years old who had all permanent teeth that were fully erupted. Dental impressions were taken with alginate impression material and immediately poured with dental stone. Mesiodistal dimensions of permanent mandibular incisors, maxillary and mandibular canines, and premolars were measured using a digital caliper with a resolution of 0.01 mm. Statistical Analysis: The coefficient of correlation (r) was calculated to find the correlation between the sums of the canine, premolars in both arches, and mandibular incisors. A Student's unpaired t test was calculated to compare the tooth dimension between male and female subjects. The actual measurements were compared with the predicted values obtained with the Moyers prediction tables at the 35 ^th , 50 ^th , and 75 ^th percentile confidence levels. A Student's t test was calculated to compare the actual and predicted values. Using this data, linear regression equations were formulated for tooth size prediction. The coefficient of determination [r2] was calculated to find the accuracy of the formulated prediction equations. The standard error of estimate (SEE) was calculated to determine the validity of the proposed equations. Results: Moyers prediction tables are not an accurate method to estimate tooth dimension in our samples. The mesiodistal crown dimension in the buccal segment of the mandibular arch was larger in males (p=0.04) than in females. Conclusion: The differences noted between predicted values from the Moyers tables and that of the present investigation is the result of racial and ethnic diversity. The accuracy of the prediction equation should be tested in a larger sample.

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Schwannoma is a relatively uncommon, slow-growing benign tumor that is derived apparently from the Schwann cells. The tongue is the most common site, followed by the palate, floor of mouth, buccal mucosa, lips, and jaws. It can present itself at any age. Usually, this lesion is not taken into account during clinical practice and the differential diagnosis includes numerous benign neoformations based on epithelial and connective tissues. Immunohistochemical features can be useful in determining the neural differentiation. Anti-S100 protein is probably the most used antibody to identify this lesion. The schwannoma is usually a solitary lesion, and can be multiple when associated with neurofibromatosis. In the current study, authors report a case of an intraoral schwannoma situated at the vestibule with 20 years of evolution treated by complete surgical excision. The diagnosis was established based on clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical aspects. The patient is under clinical control, with no signs of recurrence even after four years.

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Background: E-cadherin plays an important role in cell-to-cell adhesion and cell motility and its loss is associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progression. The aim of this study was to determine the expression of E-cadherin in various grades of OSCC and to correlate changes in the expression between these various grades and metastatic lymph nodes. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect E-cadherin expression in normal oral mucosa, primary OSCC ( n = 37), and metastatic lymph nodes ( n = 10). E-cadherin immunoreactivity was correlated with grades of differentiation and with clinicopathological features. Results: E-cadherin immunoreactivity was found to inversely correlate with the loss of cell differentiation. The expression of E-cadherin decreased significantly in advanced cases of OSCC. However, increase in E-cadherin immunoreactivity was seen in early lesions, that is, in well differentiated ( n = 9) and moderately differentiated OSCC ( n = 13). Furthermore, E-cadherin was negative in majority of metastatic lymph nodes (7/10). Conclusions: Loss of the cell adhesion and E-cadherin plays an important role in progression of OSCC, that is, down regulation of its expression is associated with de-differentiation and metastasis.

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The article is a case report of an unusual manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism seen in the mandible. Primary hyperparathyroidism is a rare disorder that can present its first symptoms in the jaws. The pre- and post-treatment radiographic features of such cases have only rarely been reported in dental literature. This case report highlights the importance of careful clinical and radiographic examination before commencing root canal treatment.

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Rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis are widely prevalent diseases and are characterized by tissue destruction due to chronic inflammation. Recently, there is growing evidence that the two diseases share many pathological features. This article reviews their clinical and biological links. However, there are only a limited number of studies in this area, which prevent us from offering clear evidence.

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Background and Objective: The enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been used in combination with barrier membranes to optimize regeneration in vertical osseous defects. However, the osteoblast response when exposed to the EMD/barrier membrane combination has not yet been evaluated. The osteoblast behavior when exposed to a combination of regenerative materials must be evaluated to fully understand their effect on bone regeneration. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to estimate the initial adhesion and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of an osteoblast cell line (SaOS-2) when exposed to four commercially available resorbable membranes and determine if the addition of EMD had any modulatory effect on osteoblast behavior. Materials and Methods: 5 x 104 SaOS-2 cells between passages 7-10 were cultured in two 24-well culture plates. Plate A was used for the adhesion assay and Plate B was used for the ALP assay. A MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was done after 24 hours to determine the adhesion of the osteoblastic cells to four barrier membranes: 1) a non cross-linked porcine Type I and III collagen membrane (BG), 2) a weakly cross-linked Type I collagen membrane (HG), 3) a glutaraldehyde cross-linked bovine Type I collagen (BM), and 4) a resorbable polymer membrane (CP). Osteoblast differentiation was studied using an ALP assay with p-nitro phenyl phosphate as the substrate at 24 hours, 72 hours, and 1 week. A total of 50 µg/ml of EMD dissolved in 10 mM acetic acid was added into each well and the entire experimental protocol outlined above was repeated. Results: The osteoblast adhesion to collagen barriers showed a statistically insignificant reduction following the addition of EMD. Adhesion to the polymer barrier, although significantly lower when compared with collagen barriers, was unaffected by the addition of EMD. ALP activity after 1 week among the various groups was as follows: EMD alone (75.59±2.5)>EMD/BG(64.78±3.04)>EMD/HG(55.40±3.89)≈EMD/BM(54.75±4.17)>BG (51.32±2.76)>HG(49.92±2.4)>BM(48.14±1.4)>Control(46.29±1.39)>EMD/CP (37.46±3.54)>CP(32.12±1.49) Conclusion: There was no additive effect on osteoblast adhesion/ALP activity following exposure to an EMD/polymer combination. EMD/collagen positively influences osteoblast differentiation in a time dependent manner.

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This clinical report describes an alternative prosthodontic treatment of a patient who had severely damaged endodontically-treated first molar teeth in all quadrants of her mouth. The young patient's severely damaged permanent molar teeth were treated with a restoration combining the advantage of the esthetics of dental porcelain, reinforced with the underlying cast gold dowel crown. Using this technique, the remaining sound tooth structure was preserved with function and esthetics accomplished. The described metal-ceramic one piece dowel crown restoration seemed to perform without any problems for the 12 month evaluation time.

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The development of conservative techniques for the removal of carious tissue and the improvement of dental restoration materials allow better preservation of the dental structure. Chemomechanical caries removal is a conservative and atraumatic alternative. Papacárie^® is a papain-based material developed to act only on the carious dentin, allowing its easy removal with a blunt curette. This study aims to present a clinical case of aesthetic restoration of both upper deciduous central incisors after the removal of carious tissue with Papacárie^® .

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Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of various oral mucosal lesions (OML) among alcohol misusers attending a rehabilitation center in Chennai, south India. Materials and Methods: Qualified dental surgeons examined 500 consecutive alcohol misusers at Ragas Dental College and Hospital and TTK Hospital, India. Thorough history and oral findings were recorded in a pre-determined format. Data entry and statistical analysis were done using SPSS 10.0.5^β. The variables for this study were OML, Oral Hygiene Index (OHI), age, smoking, and alcohol misuse (type and units consumed and duration of misuse). Results: Of the 500 patients, 77% were in the 25-44 years old age group and 84% were married. The mean age of initiation of alcohol misuse was 34 years. In addition to alcohol, 72% smoked tobacco and 96% used other psychoactive substances. The mean alcohol use duration was 12.6 years. A total of 25% of the study group had at least one OML. The common oral lesions were smoker's melanosis (10.2%), oral submucous fibrosis (8%), and leukoplakia (7.4%). Those who misused spirits had a higher incidence of OML than those who misused beer or both. Patients with fair oral hygiene had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.96 for OML compared with an OR of 2.08 for those who had OML with good oral hygiene. Conclusion : This study indicates that subjects who misuse alcohol have poor oral hygiene and are at risk for the development of periodontal disease and OML. This survey indicates that oral examination and treatment should be a part of the standard care for alcohol misusers at rehabilitation centers.

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Aims and Objective: The aim of this laboratory study was to evaluate the effect of three home bleaching agents: Vivastyle Paint On, Vivastyle, and Opalascence PF on the color stability of the microfilled composite Durafill, the nanofilled composite Filtek Z 350, and the glass ionomer cement Fuji II. Materials and Methods: There were 3 groups in this study (n=40)-Group I: durafill, Group II: Filtek Z 350, and Group III: Fuji II. Each group was further subdivided into 4 subgroups (n=10), Subgroup A: bleaching with Vivastyle Paint On, Subgroup B: bleaching with Vivastyle, Subgroup C: bleaching with Opalascence PF, and Subgroup D: control specimens stored in distilled water. Bleaching was carried out following the manufacturer's instructions for a period of 14 days. At the end of the bleaching regimen, the specimens were tested for color change using the CIELAB technique and a reflectance spectrophotometer. Results: The data was subjected to statistical analysis. A Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis and Mann Whitney U test were done to determine the significant color change of the restorative materials. All restorative materials demonstrated a significantly higher color change (ΔE) with Vivastyle ( P < 0.0001). The mean color change of GIC (11.4 ± 0.3) was the highest among the materials followed by Durafill (7.5 ± 0.1). Filtek z 350 (0.3 ± 0.1) showed the least color change with all the bleaching agents. Conclusion: Glass ionomer cement showed the highest color change followed by the microfilled composite. The nanofilled composite was found to be highly stable in terms of color.

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Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface tension and pH of five different vehicles that are used as potential agents to mix calcium hydroxide in root canal treatments and to compare them with the final surface tension and pH of calcium hydroxide mixed with these vehicles. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out in two phases. In Phase I, the surface tension and pH of five vehicles (distilled water, saline, anesthetic solution, chlorhexidine, and glycerin) were evaluated using a Du Nuoy Tensiometer and a pH Meter. In Phase II, a predetermined amount of calcium hydroxide was mixed with the individual vehicles and the surface tension and pH was determined. In each group, seven samples were evaluated. Results: Among the individual vehicles, chlorhexidine had the least surface tension values (39.8+1.1 dynes/cm). Among the various calcium hydroxide mixtures, calcium hydroxide with chlorhexidine showed the least surface tension values (36.4+1.1 dynes/cm). All the vehicles showed an acidic pH ranging from 5 to 6.5. There was a significant increase in the pH values with the addition of calcium hydroxide to the respective vehicles. The calcium hydroxide mixtures had an alkaline pH ranging from 9 to 11.5; the highest pH was observed for calcium hydroxide mixed with distilled water and saline (11.5+0.2). Conclusion: The surface tension and pH of the vehicles directly influenced the surface tension and pH of the calcium hydroxide mixtures. Chlorhexidine was found to be a better vehicle for calcium hydroxide when used as an intracanal medicament.

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Context: Bar overdentures are popular choices among clinicians worldwide but configurations that provide an optimal biomechanical distribution of stress are still debatable. Aims: To compare the stresses and elastic flexion between implant supported bar overdentures in various configurations using finite element analysis. Settings and Design: A CAT scan of a human mandible was used to generate an anatomically accurate mechanical model. Materials and Methods: Three models with bars and clips in three different configurations were constructed. Model 1 had a single bar connecting two implants, Model 2 had three bars connecting all the four implants, and Model 3 had two bars connecting the medial and distal implants on the sides only. The models were loaded under static conditions with 100N load distributed at the approximate position of the clip. The mandibular boundary conditions were modeled considering the real geometry of its muscle supporting system. Maximum von Mises stress at the level of the bar and at the bone implant interface were compared in all three models. The flexion of mandible and the bar was also compared qualitatively. Statistical Analysis Used: The analyses were accomplished using the ANSYS software program and were processed by a personal computer. Stress on these models was analyzed after loading conditions. Results: Qualitative comparisons showed that stress at the level of the bar and at the bone implant interface were in the following order: Model 1> Model 3> Model 2. The flexion of the mandible and the bar were in the following order: Model 2 > Model 1 > Model 3. Conclusions: Four implant bar systems connected by bars on the sides only is a better choice than two implant bar systems and four implant bar systems with bars connecting all four implants.

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Objectives: The objective of the present study was to analyze the superficial roughness and the interface between enamel and composite resin restorations after dental bleaching procedure. Materials and Methods: Black's class V cavities were made and restored with composite resin, and the whole set, enamel-restorative material, was treated with 35% hydrogen peroxide. Seven procedures of 30 min each were performed. A profilometric assessment was carried out before and after the treatment of each sample, and roughness scores were obtained. Treated and untreated samples were analyzed under scanning electronic microscope and images of their surface were obtained. Results and Conclusion: The treatment with 35% hydrogen peroxide caused no alteration in the interface between enamel and composite resin, Tetric Ceram, fillings and the topical application of 35% hydrogen peroxide on enamel and composite resin, Tetric Ceram, caused an alteration of their surface topography, featuring a predominance of depressions after the bleaching treatment.

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Background: Amitriptyline is one of the most common tricyclic antidepressants, which binds to pain sensory nerve fibers close to the sodium channel; hence, it could interact to some degree with receptors of local anesthetics. This study was designed to assess the additional analgesic effects of 2% Amitriptyline local gel administration in irreversible pulpitis pain of the molars. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial that was performed on 56 consented adult patients who did not receive enough analgesia after a lidocaine nerve block for their tooth pulpitis pain. Patients were treated with 0.2 ml of either 2% amitriptyline or placebo, which was directly injected into their mandibular molar pulp chamber after they had received two routine lidocaine injections. Patients were asked to score their pain as a mark on a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at different timepoints: 0 (just before gel administration), 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 minutes after the treatments. Results: There was a 92.5% decrease in VAS scores of patients 9 minutes after amitriptyline administration compared to Time 0, while in the placebo group this difference was only 13.5%. Further, in the amitriptyline group, the VAS score at all timepoints was statistically different from Time 0 ( P <0.01). The overall pain reduction and its trend was significantly higher in the amitriptyline group compared with the placebo group ( P <0.001). Conclusion: Inter-pulp space administration of amitriptyline 2% gel for completing analgesia in irreversible pulpitis pain could be effective and useful as a conjunctive therapy to injections of local anesthetics.

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Background: Pre-term low birth weight (PLBW) is a condition having tremendous financial impact on health care systems as well as the affected families. Studies suggest that 18.2% of all PLBW cases may be attributable to periodontal disease. Objectives: To assess gynecologists' knowledge of periodontal disease as a risk factor in PLBW and their knowledge with regard to the oral manifestations of periodontal disease. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted on gynecologists in the city of Mangalore. The respondents were divided into four groups - those practicing only in medical colleges, those having only a private practice, those practicing in both medical colleges and in private practice, and post-graduate students of gynecology in the medical colleges in the city. Statistical Analysis Used: The Chi-square test for proportions was used to test the differences between the groups. Results: Out of a total of 142 gynecologists, 93 participated in the survey. Group II respondents were omitted from the statistical analysis as the response rate was only 18.8%. Periodontal disease was considered to be a risk factor in PLBW by 52 (59.8%) respondents while 13 (14.9%) stated that it was not a risk factor at all. Sixty-seven (77%) respondents stated that bleeding/enlargement of the gingivae was a sign of periodontal infection. Conclusions: Respondents' knowledge was high regarding the oral manifestations of periodontal disease but was low regarding periodontal disease as a risk factor in PLBW.

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Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the subjective image quality of (1) regular intensifying screens with medium intensifying screens, (2) regular intensifying screens with digital radiography, and (3) medium intensifying screens with digital radiography for panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients participated and a total of 90 radiographs were obtained in the study. The patients were divided into three groups (regular-medium intensifying screen, regular intensifying screen-digital radiography, and medium intensifying screen-digital radiography) that consisted of 15 people each. All radiographs were assessed by three oral radiologists independently. The observers evaluated the images using a 3-point scale (1=well visible, 0=partly visible, -1=not or hardly visible) for anatomical structures and pathological findings that are commonly found on panoramic radiographs. Subjective image quality of the groups and comparison of the observers were assessed by using non parametric Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: For all groups and observers, no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was found for both anatomical structures and pathologies and between anatomical structures and pathologies according to the Mann Whitney U test. In comparison with observers, no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was found for both anatomical structures and pathologies and between anatomical structures and pathologies for all groups according to the Kruskal Wallis test. Conclusion: The subjective image quality of medium and regular intensifying screens and conventional and digital panoramic radiographs were found statistically equal in this study.

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Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate by a visual method of comparison the color stability of nonpigmented and pigmented facial silicones after accelerated aging. Materials and Methods: Two kinds of silicones were used in this study; one specifically formulated for facial prostheses and the other an acetic silicone for industrial use. Twenty-four trial bodies were made for each silicone. These were divided into colorless and intrinsically pigmented groups: ceramic, make-up, and iron oxide. The groups were submitted to accelerated aging for nonmetallic materials. An initial reading and subsequent readings were made at 163, 351, 692, and 1000 hours using a visual method of comparison. The values were annotated in a spreadsheet by two observers, according to scores elaborated for this study. Results: All groups presented color stability in the visual method. According to the results obtained and analyzed in this study, we can conclude that both silicones, Silastic 732 RTV and Silastic MDX 4-4210, behaved similarly, they can therefore be indicated for use in maxillofacial prosthesis. The time factor of aging influenced negatively, independently of the pigmentation, or lack of it, and of silicones and no group had visually noticeable alterations in any of the accelerated aging time, independently of the addition or not of pigments.

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Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most frequent malignant bone tumor occurring in young patients in the first two decades of life. Metastases are the cause of 90% of cancer deaths for patients with OS. OS of the jaw is rare and aggressive malignancy constitutes approximately 5-13% of all cases of skeletal OS. Chemotherapy plus surgery are the first choice for treatment. Aims : Because OS cell lines (OCLs) should share a common pathway with primary OS and new drugs are screened in in vitro systems, new insight about the genetic profiling of OCLs is of paramount importance to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of this rare tumor and detecting a potential target for specific therapy. Materials and Methods : The SAOS2 and TE85 cell lines were analysed using DNA microarrays containing 19,000 genes. Several genes in which expression was significantly differentially expressed in OCLs vs. normal osteoblast (NO) were detected. Results : The differentially expressed genes cover a broad range of functional activities: (a) cell cycle regulation, (b) cell differentiation, (c) apoptosis, and (d) immunity. Conclusion: The reported data can be relevant to a better understanding of the biology of OS and as a model for comparing the effect of drugs used in OS treatment.

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Rhinoliths are rare entities encountered in clinical practice. They are calcified masses found within the nasal cavity. Which lesions can be encountered incidentally upon a routine dental radiograph. This article reports a case of such an incidental finding of rhinolith on a dental radiograph.

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Aim : The aim of this study was to determine the association between IL-1B (+3954) gene polymorphism and chronic periodontitis in a sample of the south Indian population. Settings and Design: This study employed a cross-sectional design involving individuals from the state of Tamil Nadu in the southern part of India. Materials and Methods : Genomic DNA was obtained from the white blood cells of 30 patients with chronic periodontitis (18 males and 12 females) and 31 healthy controls (20 males and 11 females). The age of the subjects ranged from 30 to 55 years old and all were non smokers. DNA was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers flanking the locus +3954 of IL-1β gene and analyzed by 3% agarose gel electrophoresis. Statistical Analysis : A Chi-square test was used to determine the genotype distribution between the groups and the relative risk was estimated with a 95% confidence interval. Results and Conclusion : The chronic periodontitis group displayed a higher percentage of T allele, even though it was not statistically significant. The relative risk analysis between genotypes showed that the risk was higher for the CT genotype compared with the CC genotype and the risk was significant. In conclusion, our data suggested that there was no significant association between IL-1β (+3954) gene polymorphism and chronic periodontitis in the south Indian population.

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