BackgroundThe pullout strength of pedicle screws is influenced by many factors, including diameter of the screws, implant design, and augmentation with bone cement such as PMMA. In the present study, the pullout strength of an innovative fenestrated screw augmented with PMMA was investigated and was compared to unaugmented fenestrated, standard and dual outer diameter screw.MethodsTwenty four thoracolumbar vertebrae (T10-L5, age 60 to 70 years) from three cadavers were implanted with the four different pedicle screws. Twelve screws of each type were instrumented into either left or right pedicle with standard screw paired with unaugmented and dual outer diameter screw paired with augmented fenestrated screw in any given vertebra. Axial pullout testing was conducted at a rate of 5 mm/min. Force to failure (Newtons) for each pedicle screw was recorded.ResultsThe augmented fenestrated screws had the highest pullout strength, which represented an average increase of 149%, 141%, and 78% in comparison to unaugmented, standard, and dual outer diameter screws, respectively. Pullout strength of unaugmented screws was comparable to that of standard screws, however it was significantly lower than dual outer diameter screws.ConclusionsFenestrated screws augmented with PMMA improve the fixation strength and result in significantly higher pullout strength compared to dual outer diameter, standard and unaugmented fenestrated screws. Screws with dual outer diameter provided enhanced bone-screw purchase and may be considered as an alternative technique to increase the bone-screw interface in cases where augmentation using bone cement is not feasible. Unaugmented screws can be left in the pedicle even without cement and provide similar pullout strength to standard screws.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of malocclusion among school children of Bangalore city, India during their mixed dentition period. The sample consisted of 745 children (388 males and 357 females) in the age group of 8-12 years randomly selected from twelve different schools in Bangalore city. The subjects were randomly selected, and none had received previous orthodontic treatment. Occlusal anteroposterior relationships were assessed based on the Angle classification. Also various malocclusion features associated with class I malocclusion according to Dewey’s modification of Angle’s classification were assessed. The results showed that about 71% of the subjects had malocclusion. Class I malocclusion constituted the major proportion of malocclusion which was found in 62% of the studied population. No significant difference was found between boys and girls neither in the overall prevalence of malocclusion nor in various forms of malocclusion. Crowded incisors was found to be most ommon finding in subjects with class I malocclusion. A number of studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence of malocclusion among Indian children and it has been reported that the results range from a value as low as 19.6% (Miglani DC, Chennai 1961) to as high as 90% (Sidhu SS, Delhi). This varied range emphasizes the need to standardize criteria for assessing malocclusion.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate cephalometrically the treatment effects of preorthodontic trainer on dentoskeletal components in individuals showing class II division I malocclusion. This study comprised of 50 class II div. I patients (20 test patients and 30 controls) in the age group of 8-12 years. The test group was treated with a preorthodontic trainer for a period of 15 months. Standardized lateral cephalograms of both groups were taken before and after the treatment period. The cephalograms were then evaluated to determine the skeletal and dental changes in the course of treatment and then compared with the normative growth data to eliminate the possible growth effects. The readings were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. The results of the study after excluding the changes due to growth showed reduction in ANB and OP-SN values, indicating a significant reduction in the skeletal class II relationship. An upward cant of the occlusal plane in the treatment group was noted, probably due to the forward rotation of mandible. A significant increase in the vertical dimensions of the face in general and the mandible in particular was observed with the use of preorthodontic trainer. A significant reduction in the overjet and an increase in the inclination of mandibular incisor (L1-NB deg) were noted in the treatment group when compared with control group. It can be concluded that class II corrections can be achieved with the preorthodontic trainer appliance, which appears to have mostly dentoalveolar effects with smaller but significant skeletal effects.

Background: Restricted mouth opening is a common complaint in patients suffering from temporomandibular joint disorders, ankylosis, impaired masticatory muscle function, rheumatic disease, infection, or malignancy. As with any disease, the aim of treatment of disorders affecting mouth opening is to restore the mouth opening to its normal value. It is thus of paramount importance to determine the normal value. Objective: To establish the normal range of maximal incisal opening (MIO) in children aged 4 to 15 years and to investigate the correlation between MIO and age, gender, height, and body weight. Materials and Methods: Six hundred and two children from various schools in Bengaluru, India, participated in the study. The children were divided into the following age groups: 4–5, 6–7, 8–9, 10–11, 12–13, and 14–15 years. MIO for the children was recorded using Therabite ® scale. The measurements of MIO were then correlated with gender, body weight, and height of the children in different age groups. Results: It was observed that MIO gradually increased with age with a mean MIO of 41.34 mm at 4–5 years to a mean MIO of 51.73 mm at 14–15 years. The mean MIO value for males (48.90 ± 6.49 mm) was found to be higher when compared to that of females (46.17 ± 5.58 mm). The results indicated a strong positive correlation of MIO with height and weight. Conclusion: MIO gradually increased with age in both the genders, and a strong positive correlation of MIO with height and weight was observed.

A bstract Aim and objective The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of low-fluoride and fluoride-free dentifrices against Streptococcus mutans . Materials and methods The antimicrobial efficacy of four commercially available low-fluoride child formula dentifrices and four fluoride-free dentifrices against S. mutans was determined using the agar diffusion test. Fifty microliters of various dilutions (1:1, 1:2, 1:4) of each dentifrice were inoculated on the assigned plates under aseptic conditions. Saline was taken as negative control and 0.2% chlorhexidine was considered as a positive control. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and the zone of inhibition around the wells was measured. Results All the tested low-fluoride dentifrices showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity against S. mutans with F2 (Pediflor®) and F4 (Cheerio™) showing greater zones of inhibition when compared to F1 (Colgate®kids) and F3 (Kidodent). When the mean zones of inhibition produced by non-fluoridated dentifrices were compared with that of fluoridated dentifrices, no statistically significant difference was noted between NF1, NF3, NF4, and F2, F4. The antibacterial activity of F1 and F3 was significantly lower when compared to others. However, no antibacterial activity was noted with NF2. Conclusion Both low-fluoride and fluoride-free formulations tested in the study exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. mutans . In very young children where the risk of fluorosis is of concern, fluoride-free formulations can be considered as safe alternatives to fluoride formulations. Clinical significance Several dentifrices, both fluoride-free and low-fluoride formulations, are being aggressively marketed for young children. Though these toothpastes are being very commonly used by young parents for their infants and toddlers, there is very little published literature available on their antimicrobial activity and this study focuses on addressing this. How to cite this article Reddy D, Selvan A, Paul ST, et al. Antimicrobial Efficacy of Commercially Available Low-fluoride and Fluoride-free Dentifrices for Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):183–186.

Studying of bacteria prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility in samples from foot ulcer patients with chronic wounds will provide the epidemiological information on chronic wound infections, representing support for diagnosis, treatment and management of this pathology, thus preventing further complications of foot infection. There are many risk factors associated with a foot ulcer, so identifying those risk factors and preventing them will help in reducing the incidence of the disease to a certain extend.  Identifying the type of organisms causing the chronic wound infection, antibiotic sensitivity and resistance representing support for diagnosis, treatment and management thus preventing further complications of foot infection, and to understand the significant risk factors associated with the development of foot ulcers. An interventional study was conducted among the 80 patients with foot ulcers admitted in General surgery ward of a medical college teaching hospital from Dec 2018 to May 2019. Antimicrobial susceptibility results showed that gram-negative organism was more prevalent and among the species, the isolated majority was found to be Staphylococcus aureus 28 (0.35%) followed by Klebsiella 16(20%) and E.coli15(18.75%). The most sensitive antibiotic found was Meropenam70 (87.5%) followed by Imipenam 67(83.75%) and Linezolid 65(81.25%) The most resistant antibiotic was Cotrimoxazole 66(82.5%). This study concludes that high proportion of foot ulcers were found amongst diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients, and were often associated with trauma, cellulitis, gangrene. Some of the critical risk factors for foot ulcers included low educational status, previous history of foot ulcer, previous amputation was done, duration of ulcers, smoking, peripheral neuropathy, infection and HbA1c levels of patients.

Background: Many changes have occurred in development and availability of dental restorative materials for primary teeth. To date, there has been no emphasis to identify the approaches and materials used by pediatric dentists for primary teeth. The present study was conducted to assess the preferred choice of restorative materials among pediatric dentists for restoring primary teeth in children. Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to obtain demographic information. Six hypothetical clinical scenarios were presented and clinicians choice of material for each of these scenario was evaluated. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done based on chi-square test. Results were displayed as percentages. Results: A total of 62 pediatric dentists completed the questionnaire, of which 97% preferred tooth-coloured materials over amalgam. Respondents reported the most influencing factors in the choice of restorative materials as age, behaviour of child and caries experience. Conclusion: Responses to various hypothetical clinical scenarios showed preference of tooth coloured materials and uniform choice of materials was noted among pediatric dentists irrespective of age or years of clinical experience. Keywords: restorative materials, primary teeth, pediatric dentists