Sudhanshu Saxena

Comparative effect of neemstick and toothbrush on plaque removal and gingival health - A clinical trial

Introduction: The 80 percent of the population in India who live in rural areas still start their day with the chewing stick. Researchers believe that the use of neem stick is responsible for the healthy teeth of Indian villagers, people who never had access to any modern dental care facilities or fancy toothbrushes. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of neem stick and toothbrush on plaque removal and gingival health. Materials and Method: A single blind, randomized cross-over study conducted among 30 study subjects regularly attending the out patient department of the People’s College Of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal. QuigleyHein plaque and Loe-Silness gingival index were taken at baseline and again following 3 weeks use of either neemstick or toothbrush. Professional tooth cleaning was done 7 days before the start of study and repeated after a further 3 weeks. Statistical analysis was done using t- tests and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). P value <0.05 was considered statistical significant. Result: No significant difference has been found between toothbrush and neemstick. But, both has resulted in significant reduction in plaque and gingival scores compared to baseline. Conclusion: Neemstick is equally effective as toothbrush in reducing plaque and gingival inflammation.

Antibacterial Activity and Fluoride Release of Glass-Ionomer Cement, Compomer and Zirconia Reinforced Glass-Ionomer Cement

INTRODUCTION The cariostatic property of glass ionomer cement (GIC) stems from its ability to release fluoride into the oral environment. Recently, zirconia reinforced GIC has been launched which promises the protective benefits of glass ionomer while completely eliminating the hazard of mercury. AIM To evaluate invitro antibacterial activity and fluoride release from two conventional glass ionomer cements (GC II and GC IX), compomer (Compoglass) and a zirconia reinforced glass ionomer cement (Zirconomer). MATERIALS AND METHODS The antibacterial activity of the cement specimens was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans using the agar inhibition test. Zone of inhibition on Mueller-Hinton agar plates was measured after 48 hours. The fluoride release from the cement specimens in ppm were measured at day 1, 7, 14 and 21 using a fluoride ion selective electrode. Data was analysed using one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by LSD post-hoc test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Statistically significant largest zone of inhibition was observed with Zirconomer. Also, significant differences were seen in fluoride release of different materials. At all the time intervals maximum fluoride release was observed with Zirconomer and minimum with Compoglass. CONCLUSION This invitro investigation has revealed that zirconia reinforced GIC (Zirconomer) had maximum antibacterial activity against S.mutans and fluoride release.

Oral health preventive protocol for mentally disabled subjects- A review

Background: About 500 million people worldwide are disabled. Nearly 2.1% of population of India is suffering from one or other kind of disability. Mentally disabled form 0.2% of total population and constitute 10.2% of total disabled. They have been reported with poor oral health status than the general population. Preventive dental care for such patients should be considered more important than the general population. Overview: This article discusses the oral health status of mentally disabled to understand the importance of good oral health for such patients. It also discusses various preventive measures that can be taken to improve the oral health such as plaque control, fluoride application, application of pit and fissure sealant, etc. along with diet counseling and health education to caregivers. Article focuses on barrier in accessing dental care and various patient management techniques such as establishing a relaxed environment, communication skills to make the treatment acceptable for such pupils. Conclusion: It is utmost important to provide preventive dental care to such patients by overcoming the barrier which obstacles it. Before motivating the patients and caregivers, it is the dentist who has to be motivated first in fulfilling special health care needs of patients resulting in improvement of quality of life.

Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, fluoride release, and antimicrobial properties of glass ionomer cements indicated for atraumatic restorative treatment

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare constituents of glass powder, fluoride release, and antimicrobial properties of new atraumatic restorative treatment material with zirconia fillers and conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) type IX. Materials and Methods: Thisin vitro study comparing Zirconomer and Fuji IX was executed in three parts: (1) energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of glass powders (2) analysis of fluoride release at 1st, 3rd, 7th, 15th, and 30th day, and (3) antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, and Candida albicans at 48 hours. Data was analyzed using unpaired t-test and two way analysis of variance followed by least significant difference post hoc test. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis revealed that, in both Zirconomer and Fuji IX glass powders, mean atomic percentage of oxygen was more than 50%. According to the weight percentage, zirconium in Zirconomer and silica in Fuji IX were the second main elements. Calcium, zinc, and zirconium were observed only in Zirconomer. At all the time intervals, statistically significant higher amount of fluoride release was observed with Zirconomer than Fuji IX. At 48 hours, mean ± standard deviation (SD) of zone of inhibition against Streptococcus mutans was 11.14 ± 0.77 mm and 8.51 ± 0.43 mm for Zirconomer and Fuji IX, respectively. Against Lactobacillus casei, it was 14.06 ± 0.71 mm for Zirconomer and 11.70 ± 0.39 mm for Fuji IX. No antifungal activity was observed against Candida albicans by Zirconomer and Fuji IX. Conclusion: Zirconomer had higher antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei, which may be attributed to its composition and higher fluoride release. However, it failed to show antifungal effect againstCandida albicans.

Assessment of periodontal status of Indian police personnel of Central India: A cross-sectional representative study

Background: Periodontal health is an integral part of oral and in turn general health. Police personnel form the pillars for safety and security of a community hence their health is of utmost importance. The present study aimed to assess the periodontal health status of district police personnel employed in police stations of Bhopal District of Central India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on all the available police personnel at various police stations. Final sample size comprised of 781 subjects. The data were recorded on modified World Health Organization format (1997) comprising Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and loss of attachment. Results: The mean age of subjects was 40.5 years, 95.6% were males and 4.4% were females. Regarding highest CPI score, 23.4% subjects had a healthy periodontium whereas maximum subjects (31.3) had a CPI score 2. The CPI scores showed a significant relationship with post, age and education. Conclusion: Overall periodontal status was poor with a high number of subjects requiring oral health education.

Knowledge of evidence-based dentistry among academic dental practitioners of Bhopal, India: a preliminary survey

This study aimed to characterize the knowledge of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) among dental faculty members in the city of Bhopal in central India. A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered at two dental colleges in Bhopal City. All dental faculty members who were present on the day of the study and who agreed to participate were included in the study. A total of 50 dental faculty members returned the questionnaire. Six Likert-type questions were asked, and the percentages of various responses were used for analysis. Sixteen faculty members (32.0%) strongly agreed that EBD is a process of making decisions based on scientifically proven evidence. Fifteen faculty members (30.0%) strongly disagreed or disagreed with the item stating that the best and quickest way to find evidence is by reading textbooks or asking experienced colleagues. Thirteen faculty members (26.0%) strongly agreed that EBD allows dentists to improve their scientific knowledge and clinical skills. It is recommended that EBD be included in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula and in intensive continuing dental education programs that are conducted for dental faculty members.

Oral hygiene practices and its relationship with periodontal status among police personnel of Bhopal city, Central India: An epidemiological study

Background: To assess the oral hygiene practices, oral health awareness, and oral health status of police personnel in Bhopal city and to suggest measures to improve the present oral health status. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted on 781 subjects, mean aged 40.5 years, who were selected by simple random sampling. Type-III examination of the subjects was conducted and along with questionnaire, community periodontal index (CPI), loss of attachment index and decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) data was recorded on modified W.H.O format 1997. A value of P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Awareness related to oral health diseases, its cause, and prevention was low among police personnel. DMFT was significantly lower among this group. CPI score 2 was highest among the majority of subjects. Subjects brushing twice daily had significantly healthy periodontium than those brushing once daily. Conclusion: Most of the police personnel lack oral health awareness and suffer from periodontal diseases. Awareness should be created to maintain good oral hygiene, regular dental checkup and refrain from smoking among police personnel.