Background Human beta defensin-3 (HβD-3) is an antimicrobial peptide present in saliva that protects tooth surfaces from microbial attack. These peptides are part of innate immunity so levels may be affected by different systemic diseases like anemia. Therefore, anemia may predispose an affected child to an increased risk of dental caries. The objectives of this study were to determine the association of early childhood caries (ECC) with HβD-3 levels and observe the association of HβD-3 levels with childhood anemia. Methods A total of 80 children admitted in a pediatric medical ward, age 48–71 months, of either sex were included in the study. The included children were categorized as cases (children with ECC n = 40) and controls (children without ECC n = 40). Children were further segregated into the anemic and non-anemic sub-groups based on the hospital record of hemoglobin level. The salivary concentration of HβD-3 was measured by Enzyme-Linked Immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). IBM SPSS version 20 software was used for statistical analysis. Two sample t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to compare mean values while spearman was used for correlations at p < 0.05. Results The mean Salivary HβD-3 level in cases (8.87 ± 4.30) was significantly higher (p = 0.042) as compared to controls (7.23 ± 2.57). Salivary HβD-3 level in patients with caries and without anemia was highest (10.80 ± 4.50) whereas salivary HβD-3 level in the presence of caries and anemia was lowest (6.94 ± 3.13) amongst all groups. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Salivary HβD-3 level was found to be moderately correlated with cases (p = 0.002). An inverse correlation was found between salivary HβD-3 level and anemia (r = -0.479, p = 0.002). Conclusion Anemia may affect the innate immunity of children, and may result in a decreased level of salivary HβD3, thus increasing vulnerability to decay.

Parents have a significant role in educating their children about oral hygiene, therefore their knowledge and attitude influences their children oral health status. METHODOLOGY: In this cross-sectional study questionnaires were distributed to 300 mothers from Dow Dental College OPD to assess their knowledge, attitude and practice towards their children oral health. Questionnaire assessed demographic data, literacy level, importance of primary dentition and aspects of early childhood decay. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 20. P Values was considered significant at p<0.05. Associations between multiple variables were assessed by using chi square and multinomial logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Majority (n=167, 55.7%) had fair knowledge, 23.3% (n=70) reported to exhibit fair attitude while 47% (n=141) reported acceptable oral hygiene practices. While majority mothers (96.7%, n=290) knew that sugar is the main cause of caries but in practice many of them were giving their children sweet upon demand (60.7%, n=182). Only 127 participants (42.3%) knew about the role of fluoride. Positive attitude towards primary dentition was shown by 169 participants (56.3%). CONCLUSIONS:Overall very few mothers had good knowledge towards their children's oral health which resulted in the poor practices of oral hygiene.

Background Hepatitis C virus is a viral infection associated with autoimmune disorders. This virus has hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations. One of the extrahepatic manifestations associated with the hepatitis C virus includes oral lichen planus. Oral lichen planus is an autoimmune disorder mainly affecting the tongue and buccal mucosa. It clinically represents grayish-white striae bilaterally on the buccal mucosa. The pathogenesis involves the progression of the hepatitis C virus, and oral lichen planus affects T lymphocytes. Specific proteins and cytokines activate these T lymphocytes, which act as biomarkers to detect certain diseases. Interleukin 10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, whereas interleukin 17 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine. These cytokines have a pathophysiological role and act as biomarkers for many diseases. Therefore, this review article aims to establish the role of interleukin 10 and interleukin 17 as biomarkers for hepatitis C-associated oral lichen planus. Conclusion Hepatitis C virus is an infectious disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis, and oral lichen planus is a premalignant lesion that can lead to oral carcinoma. As interleukin 10 lessens the immune pathologies and interleukin 17 mediates proinflammatory response, therefore, these biomarkers have a role in progression of these diseases.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of second mesio-buccal canal in permanent maxillary first molars. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration: Dr Ishrat ul Ebad Khan Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Karachi during the period from February 2020 to January 2021 Patients and Methods: Three hundred and fifty cases of both genders were presented in this study. Patients were aged between 18-60years. Patients’ detailed demographics including age, sex and body mass index were recorded after taking written consent. Local anesthesia was given for isolation of rubber dam. The pulp chamber floor was clearly visualized and the access cavity was ready. The location of the MB2 channel in three phases was done. Complete data was analyzed by SPSS 22.0 version. Results: Mean age of the patients were 30.14±17.47 years with mean BMI 25.61±8.25 kg/m2. Among 350 cases, Majority of the patients 225 (64.3%) were male while the rest 125 (35.7%) were females. Majority of the patients were from age group 20-30 years and less patients were between 51-60 years old. Frequency of second mesiobuccal canal was found in 280 (80%) patients. Conclusion: We concluded in this study that prevalence of MB2 channel was reported in 80% in the initially permanent maxillary molars. Most MB2 canal apertures are distal from the main MB channel and most MB2 apertures are palatal. Key words: Permanent maxillary first molar, MB2 canals, Frequency

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess self-reported oral health knowledge and practices among academicians of province of Sindh, Pakistan Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the help of a self-administered questionnaire, among students from all academic years of different colleges in province of Sindh, Pakistan. Sample size was calculated to be 647. The questionnaire inquired about demographic details of students which included students' age, gender and specialty. First part of questionnaire assessed knowledge of the students about their oral health care while the second part was based on practices. Results were defined using descriptive statistics. Results:Results showed that students from all three departments participated equally in the study, while females were seen to be in majority among the sample. A huge number of respondents went to visit dentists only when needed. Tooth brush with tooth paste was found to be the commonest method of teeth cleaning. Most of the respondents believed that smoking has harmful effects on teeth and oral conditions cannot be isolated from systemic problems. Once daily brushing was reported among most of the students with frequent sugary food intake and habit of having snacks between meals. Major reason for delaying dental visit was cost factor. Conclusion:Despite proximal access of dental services, most of the students did not have the habit of visiting dental clinic timely and lacked sufficient awareness about oral health care. It is therefore recommended that comprehensive awareness sessions be conducted for students.

Objectives: To evaluate the individuality of palatal rugae patten and correlate them in males and females in different age groups by using Trobo’s classification. Study Design: Cross Sectional. Setting: Department of Prosthodontics, Dow Dental College, Dow University of Health Sciences. Period: September 2019 to January 2020. Material & Methods: This study comprised of ninety-four participants with equal number of males and females from 10 years to 70 years, visiting the Prosthodontic department. Study casts included were free of dental abnormality, trauma, malocclusion, orthodontic problems, and deformity in palatal rugae area. Sample size was calculated from software name openepi.com with 95% confidence interval. Data was tabulated and SPSS version 22.0 was used to identify the results. Results: Frequency distribution was performed among age groups in which second group (20 to 39 years) has highest frequency with 52 in number. The cross tab between age group and type of rugae was made which showed group II, having age between 20 to 39 years, had the highest number of palatal rugae configurations amongst all. Conclusion: Sinuous or type E was the predominant type of palatal rugae found in this study. The study did not show significant difference in gender, however number of rugae were found consistently more in young adults with propensity towards individuality. Their use can thus be justified for dental identification in forensic odontology.

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