Indian Journal of Dental Education

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in the salivary pH after the consumption of different beverages in children at different time intervals. Material and Methods: In this cross-over, single blinded, eighty children between the ages of 7 to 12 years having a strict vegetarian diet were included in the study for consumption of four different fruit juices (i.e. Guava, Orange, Apple, Pomegranate) by dividing them into 4 groups based on caries experience selected. The endogenous pH of the salivary samples was measured at the baseline and after consumption of the fruit juices at 5, 15 and 30 minutes. Data was collected separately for simple fruits, fresh fruit juices and processed juices. The intrinsic pH of fruit juices was noted by the digital electronic pH meter. The collected Data were statistically analyzed by using ANOVA. Results: The processed fruit juices caused acidity in saliva than fresh juices and fruits after 5 mins. After 15 mins of intake of juices and fruits, the pH of fresh fruit juices moved towards neutral pH while that of processed fruit juices was found to be still acidic. After 30 mins, pH tends to be alkaline for both fresh and processed juices. There was the least change in salivary pH with the use of pomegranate fruits and juices during the whole study. Conclusion: Pomegranate has less changing effect on saliva pH than all other fruits used in the study and processed fruit juices have a significant influence on the change of salivary pH. The use of fresh fruit juices can be suggested in future.

Introduction: Antifungal agents such as 1% Clotrimazole can be included in maxillofacial prostheses for their antifungal properties. Despite a lack of literature evidence supporting this connection, we conducted this study to assess and compare the physical properties of vulcanized maxillofacial silicone material with and without the inclusion of 1% Clotrimazole as an antifungal agent. Material and Method: Custom stainless steel molds were produced to assess mechanical properties (Tensile Strength, Elongation Percentage, Tear Strength, and Hardness). Three dies, compliant with ISO and ASTM standards, were crafted for silicone test specimens. To ensure even dispersion, 1% Clotrimazole, an antifungal agent, was added to part B of room temperature vulcanized maxillofacial silicone material (VST-30, Versiltal silicone). Results: Regardless of whether room temperature vulcanized maxillofacial silicone material included 1% Clotrimazole as an antifungal agent, all specimens displayed statistically insignificant changes in mechanical properties, including Tensile Strength, Elongation Percentage at break, and Tear Strength. However, a notable difference in Hardness was observed in the maxillofacial silicone material when comparing samples with and without 1% Clotrimazole. Samples with the antifungal agent exhibited improved mechanical properties (Tensile Strength, Elongation Percentage at break, Tear Strength, and Hardness) compared to those without the antifungal agent. Conclusion: Adding an antifungal agent to maxillofacial silicone elastomer is a viable option to enhance prostheses by reducing fungal activity. Additionally, it improves the mechanical properties (Tensile Strength, Elongation Percentage at break, Tear Strength, and Hardness) of medical-grade maxillofacial silicone material, extending the longevity of the prosthesis.

Tobacco is mostly commonly used drug which is the foremost preventable cause of death and disease in the world today. It is of major public health concern for countries in the southeast region.India faces a dual burden of tobacco use in the form of smoking and smokeless tobacco. With wide variation in smokeless tobacco consumption in India, the prevalence is higher in rural population. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for various infectious and Non-communicable Diseases. Participation of health care professionals in tobacco cessation is the need of the hour. Training the healthcare professionals for behavioural counselling and addiction management would serve the need to reduce the burden of tobacco related diseases. The association between tobacco usage and the various oral diseases are well recognized now. With the incorporation of Tobacco cessation counselling centre in all dental colleges across India, Dentists are nowadays trained for behavioural management of patients.

Pulp capping is a vital procedure in preserving the vitality of dental pulp in cases of pulp exposure due to caries or trauma. This study aimed to compare the clinical, histological, and radiographic outcomes of different pulp capping materials used on permanent teeth and explore current perspectives and future directions in this field. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify relevant studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Studies comparing the effects of various pulp capping materials, such as mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), calcium hydroxide, and biodentine, on permanent teeth were included. Clinical parameters, such as success rates and postoperative symptoms, were evaluated. Histological assessments focused on pulp tissue response and dentin bridge formation. Radiographic evaluations assessed the extent of pulp healing and periapical changes. Results from the reviewed studies showed that MTA and biodentine were more effective in promoting pulp tissue healing and dentin bridge formation compared to calcium hydroxide. Furthermore, these materials exhibited higher success rates and lower rates of postoperative complications. However, further long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings and evaluate the durability of these materials. In conclusion, MTA and biodentine are promising materials for pulp capping in permanent teeth, showing superior clinical, histological, and radiographic outcomes compared to calcium hydroxide. Future research should focus on standardizing study protocols, conducting randomized controlled trials, and exploring novel materials to improve the success and longevity of pulp capping procedures.