Nanotechnology, the term currently revolutionized the research field associated to particles at nanometer scale (1–100 nm). Nanoparticles (NPs) can occur naturally be industrially engineered or exist as byproducts. With their greater surface to volume ratio, these materials are more reactive as compared to non nanoscale particles. This unique property makes these materials as fillers/modifier of choice in different products and materials, whereby they play a vital role in improving the properties. Silver NPs find use in many devices that are used in medical procedures, in therapies and molecular diagnostics, including dentistry. However, the recent studies showed concern about environmental and health associated risks with their use.

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Background: Oral cancer is one of the ten most common cancers in the world. In India, it is the most common cancer among male and the third most common among female population. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the epidemiologic profile of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Method: The study sample comprised of ninety eight biopsies diagnosed as OSCC. The clinical and histopathological features were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student's t test and chi-square test. Results: Male to female ratio was 3.26:1. Mean age was 51.35 ± 14.39 years and 55.35 ± 8.87 years in males and females, respectively. The most common site of occurrence was buccal mucosa and gingivo-buccal sulcus (GBS). Most of the cases (66.32%) were well-differentiated OSCC. In most of the cases (66.32%) the diagnosis was made within 2-6 months of onset of symptoms. Conclusion: In India, OSCC is a major health problem. Strategies must be made to improve the present scenario of health care service, where Government-run health care centers are burdened with ever-increasing patient pool and to avail treatment in such centers is always a compromise with time and health. Effective oral health programs for spread of knowledge and awareness, prevention, early diagnosis and management, and follow up of oral cancer must be implemented.

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Objective: The aim of this study is to assess whether dental caries was related to body mass index (BMI) in school going children of Ahmedabad city (Gujarat), India. Materials and Methods: Dental and anthropometric examinations were conducted on 750 school going children with a mean age of 10.96 ± 3.14 years from ten public schools. Dental caries was diagnosed according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria using deft/decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index. Nutritional status was obtained using BMI and classification of nutritional status was achieved using the standards of WHO. Results: Out of the 750 children, 450 (60%) were male and 300 (40%) were female. There was a highly significant difference (P < 0.001) when the prevalence of dental caries (deft/DMFT) was compared in different age groups of children. About 653 (87.1%) out of 750 children were underweight. There was a highly significant difference (P < 0.001) when the BMI and mean deft score was compared; however, when the BMI and mean DMFT score was compared the result was not reached to the significant level (P > 0.05). Significant correlation (P < 0.001) was observed between the different age groups and caries. There was a negative correlation between deft and BMI showing a significant result. Conclusion: Increase in age and underweight children were more likely to have caries experience.

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Nanotechnology is rapidly developing subdivision of technology that effects on many fields. Medicine is also influenced by nanotechnology. Nanotechnology modified methods can be used in cancer treatment. Nanotechnology can assist to have better diagnosis with less harmful substance. The use of optical nanoparticles provides efficient drug delivery to tumor cells with liposomes and functionalized micelles. Nanotechnology can be also used in molecular imaging with tomography and photoacoustic imaging of tumors and therapy of cancer as photothermal and radiotherapy. Nanotechnology a next generation techniques have many advantages to treat cancer patients from diagnosis to treatment.

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Infections in dental practice may be transmitted by several routes, including direct contact with blood, oral fluids, or other secretions, through indirect contact with contaminated instruments and surgical equipments, through contact with aerobiological contaminants present in either droplet spatter or the aerosols resulting from oral and respiratory fluids. Preventing the spread of air borne infection is gaining importance in dental set ups because a large number of bacteria and viruses are transmitted through this route and prove to be a health hazard for both patients and dental health care personnel. High-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) air filters are very effective in reducing bioaerosols, and hence, preventing air borne infection. This paper discusses the role of HEPA filters in controlling air borne infections in dental clinics.

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Management of the patient with congenital or acquired defect of palate, resulting in communication between oral cavity and nose and/or maxillary sinus, presents challenge to the clinician. The prosthodontic management involves use of obturator prosthesis. This article discusses various aspects of the obturator prosthesis.

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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.

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Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-fungal activity of Aloe vera extract on Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: Extract from A. vera fruit was tested for anti-fungal activity via in vitro study at various concentrations using the disc diffusion method. Results: A. vera extract at 1000 μg/ml concentration effectively inhibited the growth of C. albicans (14 mm) compared with the positive control-amphotericin B (15 mm). It was found to be a dose-dependent reaction. Conclusion: A. vera displayed good anti-fungal effect on C. albicans and the inhibitory effect varied with concentration.

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Historically the function of biomaterials has been to replace diseased or damaged tissues. The first generation biomaterials were selected to be as bio-inert as possible and thereby minimize formation of scar tissue at the interface with host tissues. Bioactive glasses (BAGs) were discovered in 1969 and provided for the first time an alternative; the second generation, interfacial bonding of an implant with host tissues. Tissue regeneration and repair using the gene activation properties of Bioglass® provide a third generation of biomaterials. This article reviews the history of the development of BAGs, with emphasis on the first composition, 45S5 Bioglass®, that has been in clinical use since 1985. A bioactive ceramic is a ceramic that generate a positive reaction in the biological environment of the implants and/or chemical reaction that modify the material in a certain thickness under the surface.

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Over the past two decades, there is an increasing number of congenital defects affecting enamel mineralisation referred to as "molar incisor hypomineralisation" (MIH). This defect usually involves one to four permanent first molars and permanent incisors. Clinically, the defect presents as opaque lesions varying in colour from white to yellow or brown, with a sharp demarcation between the affected and sound enamel to posteruptive enamel breakdown. The destruction of enamel is so rapid and clinically, it presents as if the enamel has not formed at all. It has been postulated that MIH is a consequence of a variety of environmental factors acting systemically, which disturb the ameloblasts during amelogenesis. However, the possibility of a genetic component in the development of MIH cannot be excluded. Management of MIH always pose a big problem to the clinicians, as well as for the child due to severe sensitivity caused by the defective enamel.

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Space infection in the Oral and Maxillofacial region is common from odontogenic origin especially in the immunocompromised patients. Ludwig's angina which is relatively uncommon remains a potentially life-threatening condition due to the risk of impending airway obstruction. Thus, because of its invasive nature, early identification and management of Ludwig's angina is extremely important.

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Context: Since antiquity malocclusion is a problem. People have different perception about the problem which varies according to their geographical location and cultural background. The problem of malocclusion is more severe in developing countries like India. It can compromise the oral health tissues and can lead to social and the psychological problems. Aims: To assess the prevalence of malocclusion and its gender distribution among the Indian school children. Settings and Design: School settings and Descriptive cross-sectional survey. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted in all the 30 districts of Karnataka, India. School children in the age group of 10-16 years were the target population. Population proportionate technique was employed for the sample size estimation. A total sample of 9505 was randomly selected from 102 schools all over Karnataka, India. Ackermann-Proffit classification of malocclusion was used to record the malocclusion. Statistical analysis used: Simple Descriptive statistics. Results and Conclusion: Prevalence of crowding is 50.4% in boys and 51.4% in girls. Cross-bite was reported in 17.8% and 18.3% in boys and girls, respectively. Angles class I malocclusion was reported in 78.4% of boys and 80.2% of girls. Angles class II malocclusion was reported in 21.5% of boys and 19.8% of girls and class III malocclusion was observed in 0.1% of boys.

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Background: Dental anxiety is often reported as a cause of irregular attendance, delay in seeking dental care, or even avoidance of seeking dental care, resulting in a poor oral health-related quality of life. Aim: To assess the dental anxiety levels and factors associated with it among patients attending a dental teaching institute in Himachal Pradesh. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on a sample of 246 subjects. The dental anxiety was measured by Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. (MDAS). The questionnaire consisted of questions on various demographic factors, experience about dental treatments, and various questions as mentioned MDAS. Data were analyzed by SPSS package 16. Tests used were t-test and analysis of variance. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of dental anxiety was 29.2%. The mean dental anxiety score was 9.22. ± 4.5. Females, those residing in villages, those who had past negative dental history, and students were significantly associated with dental anxiety. On multiple logistic regression analysis, only gender and residence were the strong predictors of association. There was a strong association between dental anxiety and postponement of treatment. Conclusion: The anxiety levels are low among the present population as compared to other states of India. However, we should try to prevent the dental anxiety among patients as dental anxiety leads to postponement of treatment, which ultimately affects the oral health-related quality of life.

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Objectives: Some calcifications of the head and neck region may be seen on dental panoramic images due to the superimpositions and proximity of structures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications observed on digital panoramic images and the relationship of the calcifications with age and gender. Materials and Methods: Four thousand two hundred and sixty-three digital dental panoramic radiographs of the individuals aged between 6 and 89 who had visited the faculty of dentistry for different oral and dental complaints were evaluated retrospectively and detected calcifications were recorded with the age and gender information. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-squared, and independent samples t-test. Results: Two hundred and seventy calcifications (6.4%) were detected in the whole study population. Observed calcification types were tonsillolith (2.5%), carotid artery calcification (2.3%), sialolith (1%), and calcified lymph node (0.6%). The prevalence of calcifications for all types increased with age (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The prevalence of calcifications seen on the dental panoramic images is relatively rare, but the detection during routine dental examinations is important in terms of the need for more detailed evaluation of the patients.

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Introduction: Oral cavity cancer is the third most common cancer in India. It presents a major burden on health services in India due to the widespread and rampant use of tobacco. Moreover, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research 2016 data, it ranks the fifth in overall mortality rate among different cancers prevalent in India. Aims and Objectives: The aim was to study and present our data on patient- and tumor-related factors as well as overall survival (OS) among patients of oral cavity cancer treated with surgery and radiotherapy at our center. The objective was to find the difference in OS in various subgroups of patients at 2 and 5 years from treatment. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out in a tertiary care center of North India. The data collected were of patients treated between November 12 and November 16. A total of 112 cases of oral cavity cancers were studied. The patient-related variables that were analyzed included age, gender, history of tobacco or alcohol use, and presence of preexisting comorbidities. The tumor-related factors that were studied were tumor subsite, stage, and histological grade. OS of patients with varying parameters was compared at 2 and 5 years. Results: OS at 5 years for Stage I was 100% and decreased to 85% for Stage II. For Stages III and IV, the 5-year survival was a mere 43% and 42%, respectively. Conclusion: Treatment results at our center were comparable to world literature.

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In this era of advanced technology, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has gained popularity in the field of oral radiology due to its advantages over conventional radiography. The use of CBCT is profoundly increasing for diagnosis and treatment planning in different specialties of dentistry. The incorporation of cone-beam technology into clinical practice is taking place because of the progress in image acquisition and three-dimensional (3D) imaging. The equipment design is easier to use, image distortion is minimal, and the images are compatible with other planning and simulation software. The 3D imaging has made the complex craniofacial structures more accessible for examination. Early and accurate diagnosis of deep-seated lesions is possible. CBCT provides a high-spatial resolution of bone and teeth which allows accurate understanding of the relationship of the adjacent structures. CBCT has helped in detecting a variety of cysts, tumors, infections, developmental anomalies, and traumatic injuries involving the maxillofacial structures. It has been used extensively for evaluating dental and osseous disease in the jaws. This paper reviews current advances in CBCT and their uses in dentistry.

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Dental fluorosis leads to staining of the teeth which ranges from mild to moderate to severe grade. Mild-to-moderate fluorosis stains present over the anterior teeth gives an unaesthetic and unpleasant smile. In such conditions, enamel microabrasion could be a conservative approach which helps in rehabilitation of the esthetics with minimal enamel loss. Topical application of remineralizing agents after microabrasion enhances remineralization and reduces postoperative effects. The present case report of an 11-year-old boy describes the treatment of fluorosis stains with microabrasion in combination with topical application of casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate cream. The results show the benefit of the combination of microabrasion with remineralizing agent.

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Aims: The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries and gingivitis among corporation school-going children and their treatment needs in Chennai city. Subjects and Methods: The present descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 3–19-year-old corporation school-going children of Chennai city. It was conducted for a period of 2 months from August 20, 2018, to October 20, 2018. A sample size of 20,007 children (9707 males and 10,300 females) was examined. Oral health status with emphasis on dental caries, gingivitis, and treatment needs was recorded. Statistical Analysis Used: The obtained data was analysed using SPSS 21.0 (IBM, USA). Results: The prevalence of dental caries in the participants examined was 34.72% (6946). About 1663 (23.94%) participants had dental caries involving single tooth, 293 (4.22%) had dental caries involving two teeth, and 4 (0.06%) had dental caries involving >2 teeth. Clinical pulpal involvement with pain on percussion was found in 4067 (58.55%) participants. Nine hundred and nineteen (13.23%) participants exhibited grossly decayed tooth advised for extraction. The prevalence of gingivitis in the participants examined was 8259 (41.28%). About 2672 (32.35%) participants had mild gingival inflammation, 5563 (67.36%) had moderate gingival inflammation, and 24 (0.29%) had severe gingival inflammation based on Loe and Silness gingival index scoring. On the basis of treatment needs, 59.5% of the participants were in need of treatment. Almost 34.3% of the screened participants were in need of primary care, whereas 25.1% of the screened participants were in need of advanced care. Conclusions: The present study reveals the current oral health status of corporation school-going children in Chennai corporation. The results obtained demand a special attention toward these children of less effluent families for the promotion of oral health by regular conduct of treatment camps by corporation and other agencies.

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Background: Melanin pigmentation of the gingiva occurs in all ethnicities. Excessive pigmentation is an esthetic concern that has increased awareness about depigmentation procedures. The purpose of the present study is to correlate skin color and gender with intensity and distribution of gingival melanin pigmentation in a group of South Indians for treatment strategies. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 male and female non-smoking healthy subjects were included aged 18-35 years. A clinical examination of gingiva was performed to assess the anatomic distribution of gingival pigmentation. The intensity of gingival pigmentation and phenotype of gingiva were also assessed. Subsequently, the skin color was visually examined and assessed as fair, wheatish brown and dark. Results: Six classes of gingival pigmentation were defined based on the anatomic distribution. Gingival pigmentation was observed as highest being in the attached gingiva and interdental papilla (25.4%) and least being in the marginal gingiva and interdental papilla (10.2%). Correlation between skin color and intensity of pigmentation was statistically significant, with dark skinned subjects having heavy gingival pigmentation. However, no correlation was found between gender and phenotype of the gingiva with intensity and distribution of pigmentation. Conclusion: South Indians predominantly have pigmentation in attached gingiva and interdental papilla and their skin color is positively correlated with the intensity of pigmentation. Incidence of pigmentation did not differ between the sexes. Majority of subjects had thick gingival phenotype. Anatomic delineation of gingival pigmentation and their contributory factors may help design treatment strategies in depigmentation procedures.

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Background: Career choice is one of the most important and critical decisions in a student's life. Educators and admission committees are also interested in researching the factors that affect a student's decision to opt for dentistry. Objectives: To identify dental interns' motivation for studying dentistry and to study their future aspirations after graduation. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive survey. A detailed, anonymous, structured questionnaire to assess motivating factors for joining dentistry as a profession was administered to the study group of 78 dental undergraduate students undergoing internship (interns). The questionnaire consisted of sections on demographic details, motivational factors, and career choice items. Data was analyzed using counts and percentages and ranking of motivating factors was based on calculation of mean and standard deviation. Results: The response rate was 94%. Majority of the respondents were females (80%). The most popular reasons for choosing dentistry as a career were family advice, prestige and social status, interest in medical sciences and altruistic motives. The majority of the students planned to do postgraduation (35.1%) or practice dentistry (18.9%) after graduation. The dental students had a positive attitude towards the dental profession. Conclusion: The motives for joining dentistry were primarily related to personal factors. The students took responsibility for their career choice and parents' approval played a major role. Majority of the students planned to pursue a postgraduation degree after completing graduation and few were inclined to be employed in public or private sector.

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Background: Dental fluorosis is a major public health problem in 15 states of India. Himachal Pradesh has considerable amount of problem though not an endemic zone for dental fluorosis. Aims: To determine the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis using Dean's index among school going children of rural and urban areas. Settings and Design: A cross sectional study was conducted among the students in the age group of 5, 9 and 12 years from rural and urban areas of six district of Himachal Pradesh in the year 2009 to 2010. Materials and Methods: A total of 1,800 school children of both sexes from randomly selected schools were examined as per the WHO survey proforma to identify the presence of dental fluorosis and grade it using Dean's index. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS 15.0 was used. Data expressed as proportions and test applied was Chi-square test. Results: Out of these total 1,800 children, 973 were boys and 827 were girls. Of them, 612, 564 and 624 children belonged to the age groups of 5, 9 and 12 years, respectively. The overall prevalence of dental fluorosis was 4.1%. The prevalence ranged from highest 7% in district Shimla to lowest 1.7% in district Sirmour (P < 0.002). Dental fluorosis was equally distributed in rural and urban areas of six districts but was more common among girls than boys. The trend of increase in prevalence was observed with increase in age (P < 0.00002). Conclusions: A well-designed epidemiological study should be undertaken to evaluate the risk factors associated with the condition in the study region.

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Alcohol is considered to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in adults in most parts of the world. Ethanol, the most common hepatotoxin, can injure the liver cells directly or through its toxic metabolites i.e., acetaldehyde and free radicals. Its effect begins on its exposure to oral mucosa, but liver is the main site for its metabolism and not surprisingly its toxicity. Besides promoting the formation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, long-term ethanol ingestion might deplete the hepatocyte of some important secondary component of the antioxidant defense system. Thus, alcohol and its metabolites tip the balance between the oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense system toward the net oxidant excess, which seems to be one of the contributing factors in the pathophysiology of periodontitis, oral cancer besides alcohol-induced liver disease.

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Swine flu or influenza A (H1N1) flu, which was officially declared as a pandemic is causing havoc all over the world, with the large number of people constantly getting infected and where the government is helpless about a situation, we have to protect ourselves. Apart, we as health care providers should feel responsible for reducing the transmission of influenza. During a pandemic, reducing transmission of influenza to health care workers may not only help support the health care workforce, but may also prevent influenza transmission to patients. This is possible by proper infection control measures during patient assessment as well as during treatment. Apart there are specific recommendations for Dental Health Care Personnel which are summarized here. Hence we as dental health care professionals should try to fight that all the dental health care professionals should try to fight the barriers like fear and use all the necessary precautions to prevent the H1NI infection. It is the duty of every health care professional to follow the preventive procedures so that there would be no infections that spreads through the dental operatory.

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Cytokines are nonstructural proteins, which act as molecular messengers in the movement of various inflammatory cells, as well as in inducing growth and regeneration in the surrounding microenvironment. The inflammatory cytokine network, which influences growth, proliferation, and differentiation of cells in normal health and healing has also been found to induce tumorigenesis and tumor progression. A detailed study of the role of cytokines in various cancers has brought out many facts regarding the mechanisms and sequence of events that has eventually led to cancer. A study of these cytokines in tumorigenesis will throw further light on its usefulness in early detection of oral cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer therapy.

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Chemical burns on the gingiva can be caused by the use of certain pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical products by patients or by injudicious use of caustics by the dental clinician. These lesions in the oral cavity, however, are rarely reported. Hence, information about the product and needful instructions is necessary to be given to the patients for prevention of the same. These burns can be caused by the way of self-infliction, allergic tendency toward certain products, or it may be iatrogenic. A detailed history is the key to diagnosing and managing these cases. Chemical burns are usually treated by eliminating the etiology and managed by palliative therapy.

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