Comparative Evaluation of Knowledge and Awareness on Early Childhood Caries Among Medical and Non-Medical Personnel in Salem, India - A Cross Sectional Study

  

  J. Baby John , C. Bharath , Vinola Duraisamy

 Abstract

Oral health is a crucial aspect of overall health. Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a widespread childhood disease worldwide. Therefore, it is vital to compare the knowledge and awareness about ECC between medical and non-medical personnel, particularly the male and female population, as they can influence others they come in contact with. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the oral health knowledge and awareness of medical professionals and non-medical personnel regarding ECC in Salem, Tamilnadu, India. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1235 participants aged 18-35 years, including medical professionals and non-medical personnel in Salem, India. Statistical analysis techniques, such as mean percentage scores, standard deviation (±SD), frequency distribution, chi-square test, Student's t-test, and ANOVA were used to calculate knowledge scores related to oral health. The results showed that males among the non-medical personnel had a mean knowledge score of 10.34±10.22, while females had a score of 12.12±09.21 (t = -2.1774, p = 0.030**). Though a significant difference was observed among medical professionals, the overall knowledge score related to ECC was only satisfactory (F-8.897, p=0.000). Thus, the knowledge of medical professionals about ECC was not up to the mark, considering their role as healthcare providers. Therefore, ECC prevention knowledge should be included in the curriculum for all medical and non-medical personnel. ...Read More >>

 Medical Management of Carious Lesion with Silver Diammine Flouride Drops: A Report of 3 Cases in Preschool Children

  

  Greeshma S. G. , Sageena George , Anandaraj Saswathy Raju , Sujith Kumar

 Abstract

Untreated dental caries in young children is a significant health challenge that affects the quality of life of both children and their parents. There has been a paradigm shift from surgical to medical management of dental caries, with Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) being a topical medicament used for treating and preventing dental caries. SDF is a colorless ammonia solution containing silver and fluoride ions, dissolved in water containing ammonia. It contains approximately 25% (w/v) silver as an antimicrobial agent, 8% ammonia as the solvent, and 5% sodium fluoride as a remineralization agent. SDF can cause permanent dark discoloration of teeth, temporary discoloration of skin and mucosa, and pulpal irritation in deep caries. Due to these issues, SDF has had poor acceptance among patients, parents, and even clinicians. However, discoloration caused by SDF can be removed with a potassium iodide solution. This paper describes the medical management of carious lesions in preschool children with 38% SDF. Key words: dental caries, preschool children, SDF. ...Read More >>

 Sequestrectomy and Saucerisation - A Novel Method for the Treatment of Chronic Suppurative Osteomyelitis of the Mandible - A Case Report

  

  Chandooorya C. , I. Packiyaraj , Dhineksh Kumar , Sherin A. Khalam , Gen Morgan , Divakar T. K. , Angeline Deepthi , Raghu Dhanapal

 Abstract

Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory reaction to an infection of the bone caused by pyogenic bacteria. The condition was first described by REES in 1947. It initially involves the periosteum and rapidly spreads to involve the Haversian system, then extending to the medullary portion of the bone. Osteomyelitis is mostly of odontogenic origin, such as infection from the root canal or root apex, periodontal infection, or from the extraction site. It can also be due to trauma or infection from the fracture site. It is more common in the mandible rather than the maxilla. This is because the maxilla has a profuse blood supply, and its thin cortical plates dissipate pus, discharging it into the adjacent soft tissue and paranasal sinuses. ...Read More >>

 Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma - A Case Report

  

  Jhansi Rani , H. Mohammed Musthafa , Santhosh Kumar , Ramshri

 Abstract

The purpose of this study is to report a clinical case of a 55-year-old female patient with a Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma (POF) in the maxilla with a history of endodontic treatment. POF is a non-neoplastic enlargement of the gingiva that is classified as an active hyperplastic inflammatory lesion. These lesions originate from the cells of the periodontal ligament, appear in the gingival tissue, and are located anterior to the molars and in the maxilla, close to the periodontal ligament. POF mainly affects women in the second and third decades of life. The lesion may be present for months to years before treatment, depending on the degree of ulceration, discomfort, and interference with function. The patient was studied with a complete intra or extraoral examination, radiographic analysis, hematologic and histopathological examination, and underwent surgical management, followed by postoperative follow-up. ...Read More >>

 Sterilization and Disinfection in Dental Clinic

  

  Selvakumar , Renuka Devi

 Abstract

Infection control and sterilization is the discipline concerned with preventing nosocomial or healthcare-associated infections among patients and healthcare professionals. With microorganisms becoming increasingly virulent and resistant, it is important to prevent their spread through sterilization and disinfection procedures. This review article will discuss the steps taken for infection control and sterilization in dental clinics. ...Read More >>