Introduction: The incidence of dental caries is as high as 70% among preschool children. There are various screening tests used globally in different settings to diagnose caries activity among preschool children. Snyder test is one such test, which is sufficiently accurate and sensitive for estimation of caries activity in field settings. Objective: The aim was to assess the change in caries activity level of preschool children by Snyder test after providing oral hygiene training to Anganwadi workers (AWWs). Materials and Methods: This before and after comparison study was conducted in year 2010 among Anganwadi centers (AWCs) of Chandigarh, a North Indian City. A total of 495 children aged 3-6 years from 21 AWCs were randomly selected. The prevalence of dental caries was recorded based on decayed, missing, filled teeth index using codes and criteria as described by WHO. The saliva samples (0.2 ml) of children were taken in tubes with Snyder media to detect caries activity. The readings were taken at 24, 48 and 72 h to detect the color change in media. AWWs were provided with oral hygiene training who then educated children and their parents. Post training data regarding caries activity using Snyder test was again collected after 3 months. Results: Caries activity among children decreased from 48.2% pretraining to 31.2% posttraining. The positive caries activity level at 48 and 72 h showed statistically significant decline after training when compared to the baseline level. Prevalence of caries based on WHO criteria (48.3%) was in concordance to Snyder test results (48.2%) at the end of 72 h. Conclusion: Snyder test could be used to detect the caries activity of children in field settings. Snyder test will diagnose highly susceptible children for caries that in-turn will assist in prioritizing the dental care and management.

Context: Malocclusion is the second most common of the dental diseases in children and young adults. It should be identified at its earliest to prevent the further derangement. The prevalence and severity of malocclusion among in vitro fertilization (IVF) children of West Bengal was not documented till date. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the orthodontic status and treatment need of IVF children of West Bengal using dental esthetic index (DAI). Settings and Design: In a cross-sectional case control study, 251 IVF children and 251 spontaneously conceived children in the age group of 12-14 years who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered. Materials and Methods: The information of the samples was collected using a predesigned questionnaire by a single examiner using criteria of DAI (World Health Organization oral health assessment form 1997) The case group consisted of term, singleton babies who were the outcome of IVF in the studied area in 2009-2011. The control group consisted of spontaneously conceived children of the same area. Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was carried out using Z-test. Results: No statistically significant difference found in studied (IVF children) and control group (spontaneously conceived children) except when comparing anterior maxillary irregularity in 0 mm category 1-2 mm category and molar relationship in one full cusp category the results are statistically significant at P < 0.05. Conclusions: IVF children are considered nearly same as spontaneously conceived children when studied according to DAI except in three categories. So they may be treated in the same manner as like spontaneously conceived children with a little bit of more precaution because they are more precious to their parent.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the color change of six esthetic dental composite materials immersed in various solutions for 7 days, and determine the effect of curing time on color change. Materials and Methods: Disk-shaped samples of six types of light curing composite were prepared, and all samples were divided into two groups that were light cured for 20 s and 40 s (n = 7). After 24 h, color measurements were performed with a digital spectrophotometer. Samples were immersed in a solution (coffee, tea, Coke^; , cherry juice and distilled water) for 7 days. The discoloration of each specimen was measured and statistically analyzed with a statistics software SPSS Version 17.0 (Released 2008. SPSS Statistics for Windows, Chicago: SPSS Inc.). Results: The discoloration of Filtek^™ and Ceram.X was significant. The highest color change values were in Filtek^™ group. The lowest color change values were in Herculite classic group. Coffee (ΔE = 12.27) showed the highest influence on color change. There was no effect of curing time on the discoloration of the composites. Significance: The color differences (ΔE) ranged from 3.23 to 12.48. There was no significant difference in color change between two curing times, and coffee was the immersion medium that promoted the highest color change on the tested composite resin.

Aims: It is necessary to clean the dentine wall of smear layer, debris, and intra-canal medicament prior to obturation. Any residual intra-canal medicament interferes with the sealing ability of root canal sealers to the root dentine. Hence, effective and complete removal of calcium hydroxide intra-canal medicament is an important aspect in endodontic therapy. Settings and Design: Forty-four single rooted mandibular premolars were selected. After access cavity preparation and coronal enlargement, working length was established at 1 mm short of the apical foramen. Two negative samples served as the control group and the remaining teeth were filled with calcium hydroxide powder. Materials and Methods: The removal of this medicament was attempted by 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (Group I), 17% ethylenediaminetetracetic acid in combination with sodium lauryl sulfate (Group II), mechanical agitation with CanalBrush (Group III), use of master apical file (Group IV) and passive ultrasonic irrigation (Group V). The teeth were sectioned and visualized under a scanning electron microscope and analyzed using graded scoring criteria. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test. Results: Activated irrigation technique, that is, passive ultrasonic irrigation proved more effective than syringe irrigation. Conclusions: Although no single material or technique removed calcium hydroxide completely, a combination of techniques and solutions shall prove beneficial.

Orthodontic intervention in the mixed dentition does not always prevent orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition; however, there can be significant advantages to early intervention. Identifying certain problems at an early age offers a possibility either to redirect skeletal growth or to improve the occlusal relationship. The primary objective of managing orthodontic problems in the mixed dentition stage is to intercept or correct malocclusions that would otherwise become progressively more complex in the permanent dentition or result in skeletal anomalies. The purpose of this article is to discuss how to identify and treat such common situations and malocclusions in the mixed dentition that lend themselves to early intervention

Forensic odontology analyzes dental evidence for human identification. Teeth form an excellent material for anthropological, genetic, odontologic and forensic investigations, as their characteristics remain unchanged even after long periods of stay in extreme environments. Determining the sex is one of the most important steps in the process of human identification. Dental remains help in establishing the sex of victims with bodies mutilated beyond recognition. This article reviews the importance of the role of dentition in sex determination using clinical methods like differentiating sex by measuring the mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions of the teeth, permanent canine teeth and their intercanine distance in sex identification through dimorphism, morphological features of the tooth crown or root which create a difference between men and women and microscopic method like determining sex by the study of X and Y chromosomes in the cells which are not undergoing active division and usefulness of advanced technique like polymerase chain reaction in sex determination has also been discussed.

The concept of oral field cancerization (OFC) was first introduced by Slaughter et al. in 1953 in the setting of oral cancer, to propose the field cancerization theory which claims that after repeated exposure, the mucosa accumulates genetic alterations, resulting in the induction of multiple, independent, malignant lesions, thus field cancerization involves the lateral spread of premalignant or malignant disease and contributes to the recurrence of head and neck tumors. The molecular studies regarding OFC have been expanding exponentially since a few years. The need for chemoprevention and the management of OFC with its resultant effects of development of second primary tumors (SPTs) have been challenging till today. Hence, the article tries to explain the conflicting aspects of various mechanisms by which SPTs develop, the molecular techniques and chemoprevention of OFC.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) make up a large family of multifunctional polypeptide growth factors of which there are 22 distinct members. The FGF family shows a high affinity for heparin and also interacts with FGF receptors. FGF can be classified into subgroups according to structures, biochemical properties, and expression. Members of FGF family have been identified in a variety of organisms, and they play a significant role in many cellular processes including mitogenesis differentiation, migration, and cell survival. However, it also has the potentiality to induce oral neoplasms, and various FGFs can be used for therapeutic purpose as well. This review discusses the basic mechanism for FGF action, and their receptors, various functions of FGFs in normal development, their role in cancer formation along with oral diseases and treatment.

Radiographs are the essential tools in the field of dentistry. Plain film radiography provides a two-dimensional view of the structures. In the field of periodontology, assessment of the condition of teeth and surrounding alveolar bone depends largely on these two-dimensional imaging modalities such as periapical radiographs and bitewing radiographs. Although these modalities are very useful and have less radiation exposure, they still cannot determine a three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the bony defects. Hence, an imaging modality which would give an undistorted 3D vision of a tooth and surrounding structures is required to improve the diagnostic potential of the clinician. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides 3D images that facilitate the transition of dental imaging from initial diagnosis to image guidance throughout the treatment procedures. This technology offers increased precision, lower doses, and lower costs when compared with conventional computed tomography. This review discusses how CBCT can be a guide to the periodontologist.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a light source treatment that generates light of a single wavelength. The low-level lasers do not cause temperature elevation within the tissue, but rather produce their effects from photobiostimulation effect within the tissues. Low-level lasers do not cut or ablate the tissue. The therapy performed with low-level lasers ia called as LLLT. LLLT devices include the gallium arsenide, gallium aluminum arsenide infrared semiconductor (gallium-aluminum-arsenide), and helium-neon lasers. The output powers range from 50 to 500 mW with wavelengths in the red and near infrared of the electromagnetic spectrum, from 630 to 980 nm with pulsed or continuous-wave emission. The application of LLLT has become popular in a variety of clinical applications in periodontics including promotion of wound healing and reduction of pain following nonsurgical and surgical procedures.

The pathogenesis of ectopic teeth is unknown, but it could be due to tissue interactions during tooth development. The causes can be multi-factorial. Ectopic teeth may be permanent, deciduous, or supernumerary. Maxillary canine and mandibular third molar are the most frequently involved tooth. Ectopic eruption of teeth other than the oral cavity is rare, but various authors have reported ectopic teeth in various facial region. Tooth in the maxillary antrum may cause local sinonasal symptoms. Water's view, panoramic radiography, and plain skull radiography are advocated for maxillary sinus pathology. Routine computerized tomography imaging is debatable. The standard treatment for an ectopic tooth in the maxillary sinus is a surgical removal through Caldwell-Luc procedure and recently functional endoscopic sinus surgery is gaining popularity. We report a case of ectopic eruption of maxillary right first molar in the maxillary sinus with the complaint of foul smelling discharge from the nose and surgically removed by Caldwell-Luc procedure.

Arranging the teeth for complete denture involves specific laid out principles, which are instructed in dental schools. A dentist who graduates from a dental school is expected to be sufficiently trained in the theory and the practice of teeth setting. Whether it is a conventional removable or implant retained complete denture, the principles of teeth setting remain the same. The possible effect is that all dentists may give almost identical complete dentures to their patients. The complete denture patients may be satisfied with what the dentists provides. It is the duty of the dentist to inform the patient that his or her complete dentures can be characterized to suit his/her wish and appearance better. Incorporation of correct tooth size, shade and position has a visual impact on patient's appearance. This will bring out proper harmony and balance between a persons smile and facial design. Meeting patients' expectations by giving importance to their demands is the most important criteria for success. Even though the importance should be given to the patient's choice an operator can take the liberty to arrange the teeth in an esthetic and acceptable form. This will have a positive effect on patient's self-esteem. Each complete denture patient should be evaluated individually, and the dentist should strive to make the complete denture unique to that person. The authors present 11 case reports of complete denture characterizations. Denture characterization provides infinite possibilities for the dentist.

Dentigerous cyst is an epithelial-lined cavity that encloses the crown of an unerupted tooth at the cementoenamel junction, can be either developmental or inflammatory in origin. The purpose of this paper was to report of an asymptomatic dentigerous cyst of inflammatory origin in a 7.5-year-old child who was managed by conservative means of a simple extraction, followed by decompression under local anesthesia. After 16 months of follow-up, the cyst was completely ossified, and the displaced premolars were normally erupted in the oral cavity. Similarly, we also noticed rapid root maturation of the cyst involved premolars than the contralateral premolars.

Sialolithiasis is the most common salivary gland disease which has predilection for males and is often seen in adults. Majority of sialolith occur in the submandibular gland and its duct. Giant salivary calculi measure >1.5 cm in size and are uncommon in the salivary ducts. The purpose of this article is to report a case of asymptomatic giant sialolith in the Wharton's duct of a 55-year-old female, which was detected when patient had gone for an Ear Nose Throat examination. Furthermore, literature in English language on "giant sialolith in Wharton's duct" is reviewed since 1990.