Sham S Bhat

Oral findings in newborn children in and around Mangalore, Karnataka State, India.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of normal findings and oral anomalies in newborn children in and around Mangalore, India, within the first week of birth. Subjects and Methods: A gloved index finger, a head torch and an extra-orally placed ruler were used to perform visual examinations in 1,038 newborn babies, who were selected by convenience sampling. The babies were examined by one of the investigators (D.G.). Normal findings like the location of upper labial midline frenum, symmetry of alveolar ridges, anteroposterior/buccolingual and vertical relationship of the alveolar ridges, and oral anomalies like white inclusion cysts that are gingival cyst of infants, Epstein’s pearls and Bohn’s nodules were recorded in a standard format. The findings were statistically analysed. Results: Open bite was present in 102 (9.8%) children. In the anteroposterior relationship, 1,035 (99.7%) had the mandible distal to maxilla. In the buccolingual relationship, the mandible was lingual to the maxilla in 1,035 neonates (99.7%). Gingival cyst of infants was present in 143 (13.8%) of the neonates, Epstein’s pearls in 365 (35.2%) and Bohn’s nodules in 492 (47.4%). Conclusion: The present study exhibits the prevalence of normal findings and anomalies in the neonates. Longitudinal studies are required to assess any significance of the anteroposterior, buccolingual and vertical relationships of the gum pads in the neonates to the future development of occlusion.

Characteristics of Primary Dentition Occlusion in Preschool Children: An Epidemiological Study

ABSTRACT Objective: The establishment and maintenance of normal occlusion constitutes one of the important objectives of pediatric dentistry. There are very few studies assessing the occlusal characteristics of primary dentition in the preschool children. The objective of this study was to assess the occlusal characteristics of primary dentition and difference in various parameters, in children between 3 and 5 years of age. Materials and methods: Eight hundred and eight healthy children, of age group between 3 and 5 years, and having full set of deciduous dentition, were selected by random sampling. Examination and recording of occlusal characteristics were done by single examiner. Results: Flush terminal molar relationship was seen in 67.9% of children. Statistically significant (χ2 = 47.835, p = 0.001) increase in mesial step molar relationship was seen with age. The class I canine relationship was the most prevalent canine relation, however the agewise changes of canine relation were not statistically significant. Anterior open bite was observed in 0.2% of children, which was less than the prevalence reported earlier in literature. 91.2% of children had overjet of 1 to 2 mm. The incidence of anterior and posterior crossbite was 0.4%. No cases of infraocclusion and scissors bite were observed. Conclusion: There is change in deciduous molar relationship as age increases. There is a significant increase in mesial step molar relation in 5 years age group compared to 3 years. The low prevalence of posterior crossbite and anterior open bite is suggestive of lower prevalence of sucking habits in children. Larger sample size may be required to assess the prevalence of infraocclusion and scissors bite. How to cite this article: Bhat SS, Rao HTA, Hegde KS, Kumar BSK. Characteristics of Primary Dentition Occlusion in Preschool Children: An Epidemiological Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2012;5(2):93-97.

Direct pulp capping in an immature incisor using a new bioactive material.

Preservation of the pulp in a traumatized immature fractured incisor tooth is of prime importance in order to achieve apexogenesis, a natural apical closure. The main factor influencing this is pulpal protection by a bioactive material proving optimum marginal seal in preventing any microleakage. This case report presents an 8-year-old female diagnosed with Ellis Class 3 fracture of immature tooth 11 involving the mesial pulp horn. Under rubber dam isolation, a partial pulpotomy was performed and the pulp was sealed using a new bioactive material BIODENTINE to stimulate apexogenesis, dentine replacement and pulp protection. The fractured segment was reattached for optimum esthetics, which was a concern for the patient. The patient was followed-up for 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, which revealed continued apical closure and maintenance of pulp vitality. The patient remained asymptomatic. This case report provides evidence for the potential use of Biodentine as an effective pulp capping material in the future.

Pediatricians' Views About Oral Health Care

Pediatricians and family practitioners have the responsibility of providing the crucial primary care for the children. They are considered to be in a unique position to contribute to the dental health of their young patients. In view of this a study was conducted in Mangalore city (India) to assess pediatricians’ views about oral health care and their advice regarding oral hygiene maintenance. Fifty pediatricians were personally interviewed with a questionnaire. All pediatricians acknowledged their role in oral hygiene maintenance of their patients. This study showed that there is a need for more communication between the two pediatric specialties of medicine and dentistry so as to deliver better child health care.

Comparison of Proximal Caries Detection in Primary Teeth between Laser Fluorescence and Bitewing Radiography: An in vivo Study

ABSTRACT% Background and objective: Proximal caries detection is of great importance because of the rapid rate of caries progression and the difficulty in determining the absence or presence of a lesion in primary dentition. Although, various methods for caries diagnosis offer good diagnostic performances, they provide varying sensitivities for detecting proximal carious lesions. The objective of this study was to compare, in vivo, the accuracy of DIAGNOdent and bitewing radiography at detecting proximal caries in primary teeth. Materials and methods: One Hundred and one primary maxillary and mandibular molars without obvious cavities of children between the age group of 3 and 10 years were included. The teeth were first subjected to DIAGNOdent examination followed by bitewing radiography. The specificity and sensitivity of the systems were calculated. Results: At the dentin caries (D3) level, the sensitivity of DIAGNOdent and bitewing radiography was 78.5%; at the enamel caries (D1 and D2) level it was 39.12% and for the sound teeth (D0) it was found to be 76.52%. A strong association was observed between the DIAGNOdent and the bitewing radiograph (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The DIAGNOdent can be used as an alternative diagnostic method in detection of proximal caries in primary teeth. But when seen at the each caries level, the DIAGNOdent is more accurate at the D0 and D3 threshold. How to cite this article: Mepparambath R, Bhat SS, Hegde SK, Anjana G, Sunil M, Mathew S. Comparison of Proximal Caries Detection in Primary Teeth between Laser Fluorescence and Bitewing Radiography: An in vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2014;7(3):163-167.

Effect of Propolis on Streptococcus mutans Counts: An in vivo Study

ABSTRACT Propolis, a natural antibiotic, is a resinous substance that honey bees (Apis mellifera) produce. The main chemical classes present in propolis are flavonoids, phenolics and other various aromatic compounds. Aim: To evaluate the antibacterial action of propolis on the concentration of Streptococcus mutans colonizing the oral cavity of children. Materials and methods: Thirty children performed the rinses, with no other changes in their oral hygiene and dietary habits. Saliva was collected at two time points: Before using the product, 1 hour after the rinse. Results: Paired t-test was used for analysis of the results. A reduction in the concentration of Streptococcus mutans was observed in samples collected after use of the extract. There was a reduction in Streptococcus mutans count when compared to samples obtained in baseline. Significant reductions were seen at the end of 1 hour. The result was statistically significant. There were no side effects in soft and hard tissues of mouth. Conclusion and clinical implication: The propolis possesses in vivo antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans present in the oral cavity and might be used as a measure to prevent dental caries. How to cite this article: Hegde KS, Bhat SS, Rao A, Sain S. Effect of Propolis on Streptococcus mutans Counts: An in vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2013;6(1):22-25.

A 9 year follow-up of a fractured tooth fragment reattachment.

Coronal fractures of the anterior teeth are a common form of dental trauma that mainly affects children and adolescents. One of the options for managing coronal tooth fractures, when the tooth fragment is available, is reattachment of the dental fragment. Reattachment of fractured fragment can provide good and long lasting esthetics. This is a report of a 9 -year follow-up of a oronal fracture case successfully treated using tooth fragment reattachment.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: Changing Indian Scenario

Abstract Hand, foot and mouth disease usually affect infants and children. Although seen worldwide, it is not common in India. It is moderately contagious and is spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva, or feces of an infected person. It typically occurs in small epidemics, usually during the summer and autumn months. The incidence of hand, foot and mouth disease has recently been on the rise in India due to the probable mass immunization programs. This report describes a case of hand foot and mouth disease from Mangalore, South India. How to cite this article: Rao PK, Veena KM, Jagadishchandra H, Bhat SS, Shetty SR. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease: Changing Indian Scenario. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2012;5(3):220-222.

GC Tooth Mousse Plus: A potential storage media for avulsed teeth

Context: Avulsion injury is a severe form of dental trauma. Due to the complexity of this injury, the neurovascular supply is severely compromised and usually results in the loss of pulp vitality. A variety of factors can influence the success of replantation especially the storage media and storage period. Casein phosphopeptides are derived from casein which accounts for 80% of the total protein in bovine milk. They can function as carriers for several minerals especially calcium and also have known to have antibacterial properties. Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of GC Tooth Mousse Plus in comparison with chilled Homogenous pasteurized whole milk as a storage media. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy premolars that are extracted for orthodontic purpose will be divided into three groups: (1) Group A: Control (Saline), (2) Group B: Positive control (Chilled Homogenous milk), (3) Group C: Experimental (GC Tooth Mouse Plus). These groups were further divided into two subgroups, each indicating storage period of 30 min and 60 min. The periodontal ligament (PDL) cell viability will be checked using tryphan blue staining. Results: Data were analyzed using Students t-test. Conclusion: GC Tooth Mousse Plus can be used as a storage media to prevent desiccation of PDL cells up to the duration of 60 min.

Estimation of salivary bacteria capable of inhibiting and stimulating Streptococcus mutans and its correlation to dental caries and untreated carious teeth.

Bacteriocins are bacteriocidal proteinaceous molecules produced by the Gram-positive bacteria not active against the produced strain. Many investigations have revealed that certain bacteria using antibacterial or the inhibitory substance inhibit some other bacteria. A study was conducted in a group of 60 children to ascertain whether any correlation exists between the proportion of salivary bacteria inhibiting and stimulating Streptococcus mutans and the oral health indices (DMFT, deft and Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs). A definite inverse correlation was observed between the percentage of salivary inhibiting S. mutans and untreated carious teeth (UCT).