Saravanan Poorni

Tobacco use among school children in Chennai city, India.

AIMS The present study was done to build a database on prevalence of tobacco use among students of grade 8 to 10 in Chennai city, for the purpose of advocacy of tobacco control and planning tobacco control interventions and evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS A two-stage stratified probability sample of students in grades 8-10 corresponding to 13 to 15 years of age were selected from private/government aided private schools and purely government aided corporation schools. Data was collected by a pretested, closed-ended self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 1255 students participated in this survey. Among them 64.4 boys and 35.6% were girls. Ever tobacco use was reported by 37.6% of the students (41.6 males and 30.2% females). Current users of tobacco (any products) were reported by 41.1% of the students. Prevalence was more among boy students (46.3%) when compared to that of girl students (31.6%). There existed no significant difference between current users of tobacco based on the zones of the school. Tobacco users prevalence was found more in corporation schools when compared to that of private schools. Parental and friends tobacco use was reported more often by tobacco users compared to never users. Purchasing tobacco products in a store was reported by 82.5% and almost no one was refused because of age. Almost everyone reported watching a lot of cigarette advertisements on TV, whereas about half reported watching advertisements on other medias like outdoor hoardings (45.7%), newspapers (65.3%) and social events (67.4%). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that among the 13 to 15-year old school going children (corresponding to grades 8 to 10) in Chennai city, the current tobacco use is high.

Evaluation of the antibacterial and physical properties of glass ionomer cements containing chlorhexidine and cetrimide: An in-vitro study

BACKGROUND Incorporation of antibacterial agents frequently results in changes in the physical properties of restorative materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS This in-vitro study investigated the antibacterial and physical properties of Glass ionomer cement (GIC) with chlorhexidine and cetrimide, to determine the optimal concentration, for incorporation of these agents to obtain antibacterial GICs for use with the Atraumatic restorative treatment approach. This was assessed using the agar diffusion test. Chlorhexidine diacetate and cetrimide were added to Glass ionomer cement type-IX (GIC-FUJI IX) at 1 and 2% W/W ratio. The experimental GIC specimens were placed on agar plates inoculated with Lactobacillus casei, and the area of inhibition was calculated after 48 hours. RESULTS All the experimental GICs exhibited inhibition of bacteria, but the sizes were dependent on the concentration of the antibacterial agent. Incorporation of chlorhexidine diacetate and cetrimide, at 2%, significantly decreased the compressive strength, and the setting time was extended a little by the addition of any concentration of chlorhexidine and cetrimide. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated that experimental GICs containing chlorhexidine diacetate and cetrimide were effective in inhibiting bacteria associated with caries, and incorporation of 1% cetrimide was optimal to give the appropriate antibacterial and physical properties.

Contributions of Indian conservative dentists and endodontists to the Medline database during 1996-2009: A bibliometric analysis

Background: Analysis of publication trends will guide the policy framers, administrators, and dentists to frame future policies and design programs for the development of scientific and technological policies in the field of dentistry. Aims and Objectives: This study was undertaken to assess the trends in Indian Conservative dentists and endodontists’ Publication in PubMed-Medline database during 1996–2009. Materials and Methods: Using the time limitation of publication date limit of 1st January 1996 to 31st December 2009, all articles where authors’ affiliation had the words Dental AND India were selected. From this collection of articles, the following were noted down: year of publication, number of authors, name of the journal, reach of the journal, status of the journal, specialty of the first, state of origin, and type of research. From this database, the performance of department of conservative dentistry and endodontics was analyzed. Results: The number of articles published by conservative dentists and endodontists was 124. Among them, 63 got published in international journals and 61 in Indian journals. A majority of 33 journals were published in Indian Journal of Dental Research followed by 25 in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry. Out of these articles, 66 were on the basis of original research done by the authors. Nearly 45.2% of the published articles were from the institutes in Tamil Nadu, followed by Karnataka (30.6%), and Maharashtra (8.1%). Although the overall distribution of the publication trends seems to be constant from 1996 to 2006, there seems to be boom in the publication trend since 2007.

Comparative evaluation of the surface tension and the pH of calcium hydroxide mixed with five different vehicles: an in vitro study.

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.

Research experiences, attitudes, and barriers to publishing among the dental postgraduate teachers: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION Research is important in medical and dental sciences to improve healthcare. Faculties play an important role in research productivity and student motivation in research. AIM The aim of this paper was to assess the attitude and experiences of dental post-graduate teachers toward article writing and reading and to discuss the barriers faced by them. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 150 dental post-graduate teachers from various Dental Colleges in South India participated as the study group. A questionnaire relating to publishing practices was distributed, and the results were analyzed. RESULT Majority of the study group (82%) were involved in the publication with many (48.4%) doing so for career progression. Journal prestige was the main reason for selection of journals. Lack of time was the main reason for those not involved in the publication. CONCLUSION This study revealed the positive attitude of teachers toward scientific reading and writing. They only require motivation and time.

Prevalence of impacted permanent mandibular second molars in South Indian population: A cross-sectional study

Aims: The aim of this study is to retrospectively determine the prevalence of impacted second molars and associated dental and radiographic findings in South Indian population. Settings and Design: Cross-sectional design. Materials and Methods: Dental records of 4976 patients depending on the selection criteria from various dental clinics in South India were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All selected radiographs and records were examined by the two authors. The angle of impacted second molars was also recorded on panoramic radiographs. Data were tabulated and analyzed. Results: The prevalence of impacted second mandibular molars was found to be 0.16%. In seven cases, the impaction was unilateral with three on the left and four on the right, and in one case, it was bilateral. The prevalence was found to be more in females than males. The angle of impaction was found to range from 19° to 80°. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of impacted second molars is low, it is crucial to diagnose early for optimal treatment.

Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of silver nanoparticles and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate when used alone and in combination assessed using agar diffusion method: An In vitro study

Context: Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) is a potent antimicrobial that is widely used in several fields of medicine. Chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate is a well-known agent used in dentistry to eliminate oral microbial flora. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of AgNPs, 2% CHX gluconate, and the combination of two solutions against endodontic pathogens such as Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans. These organisms are frequently found in the root canal space and their persistence may lead to endodontic failure. The synergistic effect of the two solutions has been evaluated in this study. The antibiotic gentamycin was taken as the control group. Settings and Design: Agar well diffusion method was used and minimum inhibitory concentration of AgNP was found to be 15 μg/mL. AgNPs were synthesized from the aqueous plant extract of Cassia roxburghii. The combination of CHX-AgNP solution was stirred together by a glass rod. The values were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS software version 20. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare within the groups and between groups. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: CHX-AgNP combined solution exhibited the highest efficacy in comparison to these solutions used alone. They showed the highest efficacy against C. albicans among the three organisms tested. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the antimicrobial efficacy of a novel mixture of CHX-AgNP solution, and it may be developed as a promising antimicrobial agent against endodontic flora.

Influence of Socioeconomic Status on Caries Prevalence in Chennai Population: A Cross-sectional Study

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the influence of socioeconomic status and social habits on the prevalence of dental caries in Chennai population. Cross sectional study was conducted in 500 patients by survey method using a questionnaire. Data was collected based on demographic details, information on the income, educational qualification, occupation, social habits (tobacco and alcohol consumption) and the caries exposure in terms of presence or absence of dental caries or a restoration. The data was tabulated using Microsoft Excel and statistically analysed using SPSS version 22. 91.8% of subjects in the lower socio economic status have a caries exposure while only 82% and 73.4% of the medium and higher economic status had caries. Within the limitations of the present study it can be concluded that there exists a connection between the individuals’ socio economic condition and the oral health status that calls for implementation of oral health programs.