Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intensive application of sodium fluoride varnish in prevention of caries in molars in children between 6 and 7 years and to evaluate the caries status in molars before and after application of fluoride varnish (Cavity Shield).

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Endodontic treatment makes the tooth brittle due to loss of bulk of tooth structure, decrease in the moisture content of dentin and dentin elasticity. The following study was carried out to evaluate the effect of endodontic treatment on the fracture resistance of the tooth and reinforcing ability of three different core materials. The following study comprised of sample size of 30 deciduous second molars divided into control group (6) and test group (24). Access opening was done in 24 and 18th teeth with access opening were restored with three different core materials namely IRM (6), silver amalgam (6), GIC (6). All the 30 were subjected to fracture test using UTM (Universal testing machine)- Instron 95. Result showed a drastic reduction in the fracture resistance of the tooth on access opening (1/3rd) and out of the three core materials glass ionomer was shown to be the best core material giving the highest fracture registrance followed by silver amalgam and IRM. How to cite this article Shah P, Gugwad SC, Bhat C, Lodaya R. Effect of Three Different Core Materials on the Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Deciduous Mandibular Second Molars: An in vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2012;13(1):66-70.

Background: Dentifrices containing fluoride are known to possess anticarious benefits and are also used for enamel remineralization. A dentifrice is the best source of fluoride for children. However, there seems to be a risk of dental fluorosis as children tend to consume passable amount of fluoride from toothpastes itself. Due to the deliberate swallowing of toothpaste and the menace of fluorosis, dentifrices with lower fluoride concentrations for young children are developed and marketed. Aim: The objective of the study is to determine and equate the efficiency of fluoridated toothpastes of children at altered or diluted levels against Streptococcus mutans. Methodology: The preparation of the slurry was done by diluting the measured amount of toothpastes (20 g) in calculated 20 mL of sterile distilled water that gives a 1:1 (toothpaste:distilled water) concentration. Blood agar plates were made, and after solidification of culture medium, wells were made in each agar plate and all the concentrations of the two test materials, i.e., 1:1, 1:4, and 1:8 of 20 μL each were added to respective wells and were incubated at 37°C for 48 h and under strict aerobic conditions. The study was performed and repeated 10 times under sterile conditions. The zone of inhibition was measured using a digitalized Vernier caliper in millimeter. Results: The zone of inhibition of the studied samples against the tested strain was significant at diluted levels of fluoride. Conclusions: The fluoridated dentifrices even after having lesser fluoride concentration show antimicrobial property. Clinical Significance: This study will help us in understanding the antimicrobial efficiency of fluoride at reduced concentrations and thereby can help curb the menace of fluorosis and nip it at the bud. By manufacturing, dentifrices contained reduced levels of fluoride.

Background: Dental caries is an infectious disease influenced by cariogenic microorganisms.Streptococcus mutans is associated with the initiation of caries, while lactobacilli with disease progression. Chlorhexidine is used as a gold standard mouthwash but with some side effects such as staining on long-term use. Nature itself is the best physician; it helps in treating oral health. Medicinal plants such as neem, tulsi, clove oil, triphala, and many more have been used in dentistry since ages to treat oral health problems such as bleeding gums, halitosis, and caries. One of them is pomegranate. It is the oldest edible fruit and considered as "a pharmacy unto itself. " Pomegranate has phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins in its different parts. Hydrolysable tannins called punicalagins which have free scavenging properties are the most abundant polyphenols found in pomegranate containing mouthwash. It has anticariogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of pomegranate peel extract, Hiora, and chlorhexidine. Materials and Methods: In this study, three different mouthwashes were used and divided into four groups as follows: Group A as chlorhexidine mouthwash (Hexidine), Group B as herbal mouthwash (Hiora), Group C as pomegranate peel extract 100% concentrated, and Group D as pomegranate peel extract 75% concentrated. Reference strains of S. mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus were selected as it plays an important role in caries initiation and progression. S. mutans and Lactobacillus were grown in blood agar plates. For agar well diffusion method, wells of approximately 6-mm diameter and 4 mm in depth were made using a cork. In those wells, mouthwashes were added. Plates were incubated for 48 h at 37°C. The zone of inhibition was measured with the help of Vernier caliper. Results: The zone of inhibition of the solutions against S. Mutans and Lactobacillus shows a statistically significant P < 0.001** with f value of 1419.377 and 164.916, respectively. Conclusion: The pomegranate peel extract and Hiora show antimicrobial activities, and hence, they can be replaced for the long-term use to avoid the side effects of chlorhexidine mouthwash. Clinical significance: The pomegranate peel extract is a natural product with the antibacterial property; hence, it can be easily incorporated into oral hygiene measures such as mouthwashes or toothpastes.