Bennete Fernandes - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Bennete Fernandes

Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 2017

Certain factors in mothers could be risk indicators for certain diseases in their children. Hence... more Certain factors in mothers could be risk indicators for certain diseases in their children. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess maternal risk indicators for the development of early childhood caries in their children. A comparative, cross-sectional study was designed among 180 mother-child pairs attending various Anganwadi centers. Demographic, dietary, oral hygiene practices and other necessary information were collected from mothers using a structured questionnaire. Caries status and amount of plaque were recorded through clinical examination. Nonstimulated saliva from mothers was cultured for mutans streptococci (MS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Chi-square, Student's t-test, and logistic regression were used. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In the study group, 73.3% of mothers had caries as compared to only 53.3% mothers in control group. While mean DMFT and mean DMFS of mothers in the study group was 3.78 ± 3.91 and 8.37 ± 12.2, respectively, the same for the mothers in the control group was 2.66 ± 3.01 and 5.8 ± 5.3. Sixty (66.7%) out of ninety mothers in the study group had a high MS count as compared to only 40 (44.4%) mothers in control group (P = 0.003). The present study showed that high salivary MS count and decay in mothers could be important risk indicators for the development of caries in their children.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, Aug 28, 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use among health sc... more The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use among health sciences undergraduate students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 students in four health sciences faculties at a private university in Kota Damansara, Selangor Malaysia. Data was collected through a self-administrated validated questionnaire, adopted and modified from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. The survey was administered online using a Google Form for the participants to fill. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics was used to express results in percentage. Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association of smoking status and demographic variables. p value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results showed that more than 90% of the respondents were aware of the harmful effects of tobacco and effects of passive smoking. About one fifth of the participants had used tobacco (19%) in our study. Out of the tobacco users, 95% had used tobacco in more than one form. The most important reasons for smoking were peer pressure (36%) and stress (35%). No significant differences were found between age, faculty, year of study, or nationality, with the use of tobacco. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed significant gender differences in smoking with more smokers among males than females. In conclusion, about one fifth of the health science undergraduate students had used tobacco products in our study reflecting a seemingly inappropriate portrait as compared to their future careers as health professionals. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reinforcement of education and assistance on quitting tobacco usage among the undergraduates of health science faculties.

International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, 2018

INTRODUCTION: Management of wide midline diastemas accompanying an underlying osseous defect is c... more INTRODUCTION: Management of wide midline diastemas accompanying an underlying osseous defect is cumbersome which sometimes yields unpredictable results. However, regenerative therapy of these highly aesthetic zones using a Whale's tail flap technique obtains a maximum papilla fill after placement of the bone graft. This case report illustrated the utilisation of Whale's tail technique of flap for a large interdental defect. CASE PRESENTATION: A young healthy 31-year-old male patient presented with maxillary midline diastema. Probing depth of 6 mm was also noted over the mesial aspect of the same teeth with localised osseous defect radiographically which lead to a diagnosis of localized chronic periodontitis in relation to those teeth. A Whale's tail technique flap for papilla preservation was performed together with a regenerative procedure using bone graft and GTR membrane. DISCUSSION: Midline diastema is a common reported complaint in dentistry due to both aesthetic and functional reasons. Following the treatment, 12 months postoperatively, patient had a probing depth reduction of 3 mm and a gain in clinical attachment of 2 mm. The surgical technique allowed regeneration of wide intrabony defects involving the maxillary anterior teeth with notable interdental diastemas. CONCLUSION: This lead to significant improvement of the hard and soft tissue contour as well as it recreated a functional reattachment which was documented up to 12 months postoperatively.

Journal of Conservative Dentistry, 2017

Tooth surface loss (TSL) is a complex phenomenon characterized by the loss of hard tooth structur... more Tooth surface loss (TSL) is a complex phenomenon characterized by the loss of hard tooth structure at various locations of the teeth, usually due to more than one factor. TSL due to abrasion can be significant in patients consuming coarse, abrasive diet. The present case reports an interesting incisal edge abrasion in a female patient, attributed to a particular dietary behavior of long-term consumption of sunflower seeds. All her family members and most of the people from her native place were also reported to have similar lesions by the patient. Larger epidemiological studies to assess the prevalence and severity of such abrasive lesions in geographic areas with this particular dietary habit need to be carried out so that people may be made aware and educated about alternative ways of eating sunflower seeds that will not cause any form of tooth wear.

Journal of oral medicine and oral surgery, 2022

Shisha, a form of smoking tobacco is known to be detrimental to oral health. Yet, the effects of ... more Shisha, a form of smoking tobacco is known to be detrimental to oral health. Yet, the effects of shisha on oral health is not well documented. Hence, this study was undertaken to compare the clinical and cytological findings in oral cavity of young shisha smokers as compared to non-smokers. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was undertaken among 60 subjects including 30 young shisha smokers and 30 nonsmokers. Clinical examination was carried out to record gingival status, periodontal status, oral hygiene and dental caries experience. Exfoliative cytology was used to study the cytological changes of buccal mucosal cells. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test and odd's ration was used for comparison. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: No significant differences were found between the groups with respect to proportion of subjects with gingivitis (p = 0.071), erosion (p = 0.085) and dental caries experience (p = 0.329). However, shisha smokers had poorer oral hygiene and more severe gingival inflammation as compared to non-smokers with p = 0.026 and p = 0.007 respectively. The odds of having atypical cells in oral mucosa among shisha smokers was 3.76 times higher than the non-smokers. Conclusion: The findings of our study showed that young shisha smokers had more atypical cells in oral mucosa as compared to their non-smoking counterparts. However, longitudinal studies are needed to affirm the findings of this study.

Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2018

A 29-year-old male patient reported to SEGi Oral Health Center with a chief complaint of an unaes... more A 29-year-old male patient reported to SEGi Oral Health Center with a chief complaint of an unaesthetic appearance of gums in the lower front tooth region associated with sensitivity from past one year. The patient had not visited any dentist before as the sensitivity was mild, but he complained that it had increased in the last two months. The patient was a non smoker, and no significant medical or family history was reported. On clinical examination, the patient had the full complement of permanent teeth except for #31 which was congenitally missing. Oral hygiene was fair with mild calculus on the lingual surface of lower anterior teeth. Periodontal examination of the area of complaint showed Miller's Class III gingival recession in relation to #41 with Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) of 9 mm, Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) of 2 mm, Recession Height (RH) of 7 mm and Width (RW) at cervical region was 5 mm, at mid and apical region was 4 mm respectively, and the Width of Keratinised Tissue (WKT) was about 1mm [Table/Fig-1,2]. Additionally, there was CAL of 2 mm seen in relation to #44 and #45 which could be due to improper brushing technique by the patient. Hence, it was diagnosed as a case of chronic localised periodontitis in relation to #41.

Journal of Oral Health Research, 2011

BMC Oral Health, Oct 12, 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to adapt, translate and validate the Rapid Estimate of Adul... more Background: The aim of this study was to adapt, translate and validate the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (MREALD-30) instrument for the Orang Asli population in Malaysia. Methods: After translation and cross-cultural adaptation, interviews were conducted with 326 participants of the Temuan tribe from village Kampung Tering in Johol, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The instrument's validity was assessed using the scores of MREALD-30, which were compared based on occupation, monthly household income, educational attainment, general literacy, use of dental services, and three dental outcomes. A questionnaire containing socio-behavioral information and validated Malay Oral Health Impact Profile (M-OHIP-14) was also administered. The reliability of the MREALD-30 was assessed by re-administering it to 30 subjects after two weeks. Its correlations evaluated convergent and discriminative validity of MREALD-30 with the level of education and dental visiting habits, monthly household income, respectively. Predictive validity was assessed with M-OHIP-14, while construct validity was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis using the Rasch model. Results: The internal consistency of the MREALD-30 measured by Cronbach's alpha was 0.89. The test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC 0.95, k = 0.85). MREALD-30 exhibited good construct validity. Rasch analysis showed two factors, and infit mean-square statistics for MREALD-30 were all within the desired range of 0.50-2.0. The discriminant validity and predictive validity were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: MREALD-30 showed very strong reliability, good construct, discriminant, and predictive validity, but poor convergent validity. Overall, it showed good psychometric properties and can be used in these community settings.

Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 2017

New and innovative surgical techniques are necessary to help the clinician ensure the best result... more New and innovative surgical techniques are necessary to help the clinician ensure the best results and satisfy patient's expectations. One such periodontal problem that has been challenging to the dental practitioners and impacts the oral health quality of life of patients has been gingival recession. When present anteriorly where esthetics is a major concern, patient centric parameters too become paramount. Root coverage esthetic score (RES) evaluation helps to keep the patient outcomes in mind. This case reports the successful treatment of a wide anterior mucogingival defect using epithelial embossed connective tissue graft which was evaluated for the first time using RES.

Contemporary Clinical Dentistry, 2022

Journal of Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology, 2017

During the routine radiographic investigation of a 65-year-old female we came across radiodense s... more During the routine radiographic investigation of a 65-year-old female we came across radiodense string-like artifacts on the orthopantomograph. These artifacts can be mistaken for electrostatic discharges, ghost images, or ligature wires. The patient revealed a history of undergoing facial lift surgery 7 years ago. Here, we are presenting a case of unexpected and coincidental radiographic finding seen as multiple, linear radiopacities in the jaw bones stressing the need for sufficient knowledge of all the possible types of artifacts.

Dental research journal, 2019

Background: The antimicrobial property of Tinospora cordifolia has been tested against a variety ... more Background: The antimicrobial property of Tinospora cordifolia has been tested against a variety of microorganisms in the literature. The present study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of commercially available T. cordifolia powder against Streptococcus mutans. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was undertaken in which extract of T. cordifolia was obtained using 100% ethanol by maceration. Seven different concentrations were prepared and tested against S. mutans in brain–heart infusion agar medium. Plates were incubated aerobically at 37°C for 48 h, and zone of inhibition was measured using Vernier caliper. 0.2% chlorhexidine and dimethylformamide were used as positive and negative controls respectively. The data were analysed by descriptive analytic tests. Results: The maximum antibacterial activity of T. cordifolia was observed with a volume of 40 μl at 2% concentration with a zone of inhibition of 19 mm. A 30 μl volume of 0.2% chlorhexidine showed a zone of inhibition of 28 mm, and no zone of inhibition was observed with dimethylformamide. Conclusion: Tinospora exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. mutans. However, it needs to be confirmed further with in vivo studies.

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2020

Oral health influences general well-being and quality of life. Oral diseases can be debilitating ... more Oral health influences general well-being and quality of life. Oral diseases can be debilitating and are a major heath concern worldwide. Medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years for treating human diseases. Considering the emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens and financial difficulties in developing countries, there is an urgent need for developing new antimicrobial compounds which are safe, efficient and cost effective. Liquorice also known as yashtimadhu, sweetwood or mulhatti is one such herbal remedy which has shown to have immense potential in treatment of orofacial diseases. Liquorice is rich in secondary metabolites which are used in cosmetics, foods, traditional and modern medicine. It has well known properties such as antiviral, glucocorticoid, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-ulcerative, anti-carcinogenic and many more. Liquorice extracts and liquorice bioactive ingredients such as glabridin, licoricidin, licorisoflavan A, licochalcone A, and glycyrrhizin have shown beneficial effects in preventing and treating oral diseases. This paper reviews the effects of liquorice and its constituents on oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, gingivitis, candidiasis, recurrent aphthous ulcer and oral cancer and its use as a root canal medicament and summarizes the results of clinical trials that investigated the potential beneficial effects of liquorice and its constituents as a prevention and treatment modality in oral diseases. Clinical trials, case reports and review of literature evaluating the effect of liquorice on oral microorganisms and oral diseases are included. Literature pertaining to the effects of liquorice on systemic diseases have been excluded from this review of literature.

DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Nov 1, 2013

Background: To find out if there is an association between levels of salivary Mutans Streptococci... more Background: To find out if there is an association between levels of salivary Mutans Streptococci (MS) of mothers and salivary MS and Caries experience of their Children. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was designed among 180 mother-child pair attending Vanivilasa Children Hospital, Bangalore, India. Caries was diagnosed using WHO criteria. Ninety children with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) with their mothers were included in case group and 90 caries free children with their mothers were included in the control group. Whole non-stimulated saliva was collected from mothers and children and cultured for MS. Colonies were counted and compared. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 10. Chi-square test and t-test were used to find differences between groups. P value of <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Among 180 children, 80 of them had a high MS count. Among them, 60 (75%) had ECC and only 20 (25%) were caries free. This difference was significant with P < 0.001. Among 180 mothers, 100 had a high MS count. Among them, 60 (60%) belonged to case group and 40 (40%) to the control group (P = 0.003). Forty nine of the Children in case group with a high count also had mothers with high count as against only 14 in the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Present study showed a strong association between maternal and child salivary MS levels indicating that mother's MS count could be an important risk indicator for ECC development.

Dental Journal: Majalah Kedokteran Gigi, Oct 13, 2022

Background: Treatment of head and neck cancers may cause sequelae affecting patients' quality of ... more Background: Treatment of head and neck cancers may cause sequelae affecting patients' quality of life during and after treatment. As a result, periodontal management of a patient with parotid gland adenoid cystic carcinoma, particularly in advanced stage 4, can be challenging for dental practitioners, especially if the patient is on active oral molecular therapy and undergoing long-term radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Purpose: This report was intended to describe the conservative non-surgical management of tooth 27 with poor prognosis owing to grade II mobility in a patient on active Lenvatinib therapy-where the extraction was not advisable to lessen the risk of osteonecrosis. Case: A 52-year-old female patient was referred by an oncologist to our dental clinic for noncarious toothache. Five years ago, the patient was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and had a treatment history of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgical removal of the left parotid gland to manage the malignancy. Oral examination revealed characteristic findings of periodontitis. Case Management: Ultrasonic scaling, antimicrobial mouth rinses and reinforcement in oral hygiene instructions manage the tooth 27 conservatively. Conclusion: A cautious approach by the dental surgeon, together with the multidisciplinary team caring for cancer patients, is fundamental and helps with the palliative periodontal management of this patient to enhance oral health-related quality of life. With a lack of reports on conservative periodontal therapy in ACC patients, this report highlights the combination of smoking cessation, reinforcement of oral hygiene instructions and conservative periodontal treatment.

DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Apr 21, 2022

Background: To investigate whether fixed functional therapy for mandibular advancement with the F... more Background: To investigate whether fixed functional therapy for mandibular advancement with the Forsus™ appliance would produce any changes in the cervical spine posture. Materials and Methods: This prospective clinical exploratory study was conducted on 12 patients (six females and six males) with a mean age of 15 ± 1.3 years, having mandibular retrusion, Class II malocclusion, who were treated with the Forsus™ appliance. Lateral cephalogram was taken twice, once at the baseline (T1) before the commencement of the treatment and once following termination of fixed functional treatment (T2). Eleven measurements representing the vertical and the sagittal craniofacial proportions, and the head posture, were taken into account. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. The variations between before and after treatment measurements were collated using paired t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: No significant differences were noticed in the angle linking the horizontal lines of the head and the superior crest of the spinal column before and after the treatment, with P = 0.73. The cervical curvature angle also failed to show any significant difference with P = 0.14. Conclusion: Fixed functional therapy with the Forsus™ device resulted in dentoalveolar and soft tissue alterations alone but did not alter the cervical spine posture.

PubMed, Jan 2, 2017

Labial and buccal gingival recession is a common finding in the adult population, which can occur... more Labial and buccal gingival recession is a common finding in the adult population, which can occur due to various factors. When present, it can lead to an unesthetic appearance and can cause hypersensitivity. However, very limited literature is available regarding the incidence of palatal gingival recession. Many times it goes unnoticed during routine clinical examinations. Although there are no esthetic concerns in these regions, recession can cause sensitivity and pose a technical challenge in surgical correction because of poor accessibility and visibility. This case reports the treatment of a single palatal recession defect using an epithelial embossed connective tissue graft. The 12-month follow-up of the case showed significant root coverage (93.6%) and decreased sensitivity. The advantage of the harvested graft was that the connective tissue was not exposed, as it was tucked into the underlying flap, and the mucosal contour was maintained.

The Journal of Indian Orthodontic Society, Apr 1, 2018

Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances release metal ions such as nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), a... more Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances release metal ions such as nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn), which can initiate DNA damage in oral mucosa cells. Aims and Objectives: Assessment of metal ion levels and possible DNA damage in buccal mucosa cells in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: The present study was undertaken on fifty participants in the age range of 15-40 years visiting the department of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, ABSMIDS, selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Buccal mucosa cells were scraped using interdental brush and subjected to atomic absorption spectrometry and comet assay to assess the amount of metal ions and DNA damage, respectively, before insertion and at 6 months, 1 year, and 1.5 years after insertion of appliance. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 17. The mean metal ion levels and cell damage before and after treatment were compared using paired t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Ni ions increased to 62.85 ± 4.81 ppb at the end of 1.5 years from 22 ± 2.3 ppb at baseline before the insertion of appliance, Cr ion levels reached 58.3 ± 5.1 ppb from 20 ± 3.8 ppb, and Zn ion levels reached 562.8 ± 66.5 ppb from 197.4 ± 68.5 ppb, respectively. This result was significant with P < 0.01. A decrease in cell viability and an increase in head diameter, % DNA in tail, and tail length were found at the end of 1.5 years as compared to baseline with P < 0.05. Conclusion: Fixed orthodontic appliances showed an increased metal ion levels and DNA damage to a certain extent which has no clinical impact on buccal mucosa cells in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

The Cochrane library, Mar 13, 2018

Sealants for preventing dental caries in primary teeth.

Dental research journal, 2019

Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances can release metal ions such as nickel, chromium, and zin... more Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances can release metal ions such as nickel, chromium, and zinc into saliva and blood, which can cause contact dermatitis, hypersensitivity, and cytotoxicity. This study was undertaken to assess the release of nickel, chromium, and zinc in saliva and serum of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: This in vivo study was conducted on 80 participants with an age range of 15-40 years. Thirty were included as controls and 50 participants were treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Saliva and blood samples were collected at five different periods, before insertion of fixed orthodontic appliance and at 1 week, 3 months, 1 year, and 1.5 years after insertion of appliance, respectively. The metal ion content in the samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mean levels of nickel, chromium, and zinc in saliva and serum were compared between groups using independent sample t-test and before and after results using paired t-test. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: At the end of 1.5 years, the mean salivary levels of nickel, chromium, and zinc in controls were 5.02 ppb, 1.27 ppb, and 10.24 ppb, respectively, as compared to 67 ppb, 30.8 ppb, and 164.7 ppb at the end of 1.5 years. This was statistically significant with P < 0.001. A significant increase in the metal ion levels were seen in participants with before and after insertion of appliance (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Orthodontic appliances do release considerable amounts of metal ions such as nickel, chromium, and zinc in saliva and serum. However, it was within permissible levels and did not reach toxic levels.

Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, 2017

Certain factors in mothers could be risk indicators for certain diseases in their children. Hence... more Certain factors in mothers could be risk indicators for certain diseases in their children. Hence, this study was undertaken to assess maternal risk indicators for the development of early childhood caries in their children. A comparative, cross-sectional study was designed among 180 mother-child pairs attending various Anganwadi centers. Demographic, dietary, oral hygiene practices and other necessary information were collected from mothers using a structured questionnaire. Caries status and amount of plaque were recorded through clinical examination. Nonstimulated saliva from mothers was cultured for mutans streptococci (MS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Chi-square, Student&#39;s t-test, and logistic regression were used. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In the study group, 73.3% of mothers had caries as compared to only 53.3% mothers in control group. While mean DMFT and mean DMFS of mothers in the study group was 3.78 ± 3.91 and 8.37 ± 12.2, respectively, the same for the mothers in the control group was 2.66 ± 3.01 and 5.8 ± 5.3. Sixty (66.7%) out of ninety mothers in the study group had a high MS count as compared to only 40 (44.4%) mothers in control group (P = 0.003). The present study showed that high salivary MS count and decay in mothers could be important risk indicators for the development of caries in their children.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, Aug 28, 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use among health sc... more The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and patterns of tobacco use among health sciences undergraduate students. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 students in four health sciences faculties at a private university in Kota Damansara, Selangor Malaysia. Data was collected through a self-administrated validated questionnaire, adopted and modified from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. The survey was administered online using a Google Form for the participants to fill. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics was used to express results in percentage. Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression was used to test the association of smoking status and demographic variables. p value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results showed that more than 90% of the respondents were aware of the harmful effects of tobacco and effects of passive smoking. About one fifth of the participants had used tobacco (19%) in our study. Out of the tobacco users, 95% had used tobacco in more than one form. The most important reasons for smoking were peer pressure (36%) and stress (35%). No significant differences were found between age, faculty, year of study, or nationality, with the use of tobacco. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed significant gender differences in smoking with more smokers among males than females. In conclusion, about one fifth of the health science undergraduate students had used tobacco products in our study reflecting a seemingly inappropriate portrait as compared to their future careers as health professionals. Therefore, there is an urgent need for reinforcement of education and assistance on quitting tobacco usage among the undergraduates of health science faculties.

International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, 2018

INTRODUCTION: Management of wide midline diastemas accompanying an underlying osseous defect is c... more INTRODUCTION: Management of wide midline diastemas accompanying an underlying osseous defect is cumbersome which sometimes yields unpredictable results. However, regenerative therapy of these highly aesthetic zones using a Whale's tail flap technique obtains a maximum papilla fill after placement of the bone graft. This case report illustrated the utilisation of Whale's tail technique of flap for a large interdental defect. CASE PRESENTATION: A young healthy 31-year-old male patient presented with maxillary midline diastema. Probing depth of 6 mm was also noted over the mesial aspect of the same teeth with localised osseous defect radiographically which lead to a diagnosis of localized chronic periodontitis in relation to those teeth. A Whale's tail technique flap for papilla preservation was performed together with a regenerative procedure using bone graft and GTR membrane. DISCUSSION: Midline diastema is a common reported complaint in dentistry due to both aesthetic and functional reasons. Following the treatment, 12 months postoperatively, patient had a probing depth reduction of 3 mm and a gain in clinical attachment of 2 mm. The surgical technique allowed regeneration of wide intrabony defects involving the maxillary anterior teeth with notable interdental diastemas. CONCLUSION: This lead to significant improvement of the hard and soft tissue contour as well as it recreated a functional reattachment which was documented up to 12 months postoperatively.

Journal of Conservative Dentistry, 2017

Tooth surface loss (TSL) is a complex phenomenon characterized by the loss of hard tooth structur... more Tooth surface loss (TSL) is a complex phenomenon characterized by the loss of hard tooth structure at various locations of the teeth, usually due to more than one factor. TSL due to abrasion can be significant in patients consuming coarse, abrasive diet. The present case reports an interesting incisal edge abrasion in a female patient, attributed to a particular dietary behavior of long-term consumption of sunflower seeds. All her family members and most of the people from her native place were also reported to have similar lesions by the patient. Larger epidemiological studies to assess the prevalence and severity of such abrasive lesions in geographic areas with this particular dietary habit need to be carried out so that people may be made aware and educated about alternative ways of eating sunflower seeds that will not cause any form of tooth wear.

Journal of oral medicine and oral surgery, 2022

Shisha, a form of smoking tobacco is known to be detrimental to oral health. Yet, the effects of ... more Shisha, a form of smoking tobacco is known to be detrimental to oral health. Yet, the effects of shisha on oral health is not well documented. Hence, this study was undertaken to compare the clinical and cytological findings in oral cavity of young shisha smokers as compared to non-smokers. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was undertaken among 60 subjects including 30 young shisha smokers and 30 nonsmokers. Clinical examination was carried out to record gingival status, periodontal status, oral hygiene and dental caries experience. Exfoliative cytology was used to study the cytological changes of buccal mucosal cells. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test and odd's ration was used for comparison. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: No significant differences were found between the groups with respect to proportion of subjects with gingivitis (p = 0.071), erosion (p = 0.085) and dental caries experience (p = 0.329). However, shisha smokers had poorer oral hygiene and more severe gingival inflammation as compared to non-smokers with p = 0.026 and p = 0.007 respectively. The odds of having atypical cells in oral mucosa among shisha smokers was 3.76 times higher than the non-smokers. Conclusion: The findings of our study showed that young shisha smokers had more atypical cells in oral mucosa as compared to their non-smoking counterparts. However, longitudinal studies are needed to affirm the findings of this study.

Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 2018

A 29-year-old male patient reported to SEGi Oral Health Center with a chief complaint of an unaes... more A 29-year-old male patient reported to SEGi Oral Health Center with a chief complaint of an unaesthetic appearance of gums in the lower front tooth region associated with sensitivity from past one year. The patient had not visited any dentist before as the sensitivity was mild, but he complained that it had increased in the last two months. The patient was a non smoker, and no significant medical or family history was reported. On clinical examination, the patient had the full complement of permanent teeth except for #31 which was congenitally missing. Oral hygiene was fair with mild calculus on the lingual surface of lower anterior teeth. Periodontal examination of the area of complaint showed Miller's Class III gingival recession in relation to #41 with Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) of 9 mm, Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) of 2 mm, Recession Height (RH) of 7 mm and Width (RW) at cervical region was 5 mm, at mid and apical region was 4 mm respectively, and the Width of Keratinised Tissue (WKT) was about 1mm [Table/Fig-1,2]. Additionally, there was CAL of 2 mm seen in relation to #44 and #45 which could be due to improper brushing technique by the patient. Hence, it was diagnosed as a case of chronic localised periodontitis in relation to #41.

Journal of Oral Health Research, 2011

BMC Oral Health, Oct 12, 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to adapt, translate and validate the Rapid Estimate of Adul... more Background: The aim of this study was to adapt, translate and validate the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (MREALD-30) instrument for the Orang Asli population in Malaysia. Methods: After translation and cross-cultural adaptation, interviews were conducted with 326 participants of the Temuan tribe from village Kampung Tering in Johol, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The instrument's validity was assessed using the scores of MREALD-30, which were compared based on occupation, monthly household income, educational attainment, general literacy, use of dental services, and three dental outcomes. A questionnaire containing socio-behavioral information and validated Malay Oral Health Impact Profile (M-OHIP-14) was also administered. The reliability of the MREALD-30 was assessed by re-administering it to 30 subjects after two weeks. Its correlations evaluated convergent and discriminative validity of MREALD-30 with the level of education and dental visiting habits, monthly household income, respectively. Predictive validity was assessed with M-OHIP-14, while construct validity was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis using the Rasch model. Results: The internal consistency of the MREALD-30 measured by Cronbach's alpha was 0.89. The test-retest reliability was excellent (ICC 0.95, k = 0.85). MREALD-30 exhibited good construct validity. Rasch analysis showed two factors, and infit mean-square statistics for MREALD-30 were all within the desired range of 0.50-2.0. The discriminant validity and predictive validity were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: MREALD-30 showed very strong reliability, good construct, discriminant, and predictive validity, but poor convergent validity. Overall, it showed good psychometric properties and can be used in these community settings.

Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 2017

New and innovative surgical techniques are necessary to help the clinician ensure the best result... more New and innovative surgical techniques are necessary to help the clinician ensure the best results and satisfy patient's expectations. One such periodontal problem that has been challenging to the dental practitioners and impacts the oral health quality of life of patients has been gingival recession. When present anteriorly where esthetics is a major concern, patient centric parameters too become paramount. Root coverage esthetic score (RES) evaluation helps to keep the patient outcomes in mind. This case reports the successful treatment of a wide anterior mucogingival defect using epithelial embossed connective tissue graft which was evaluated for the first time using RES.

Contemporary Clinical Dentistry, 2022

Journal of Indian Academy of Oral Medicine and Radiology, 2017

During the routine radiographic investigation of a 65-year-old female we came across radiodense s... more During the routine radiographic investigation of a 65-year-old female we came across radiodense string-like artifacts on the orthopantomograph. These artifacts can be mistaken for electrostatic discharges, ghost images, or ligature wires. The patient revealed a history of undergoing facial lift surgery 7 years ago. Here, we are presenting a case of unexpected and coincidental radiographic finding seen as multiple, linear radiopacities in the jaw bones stressing the need for sufficient knowledge of all the possible types of artifacts.

Dental research journal, 2019

Background: The antimicrobial property of Tinospora cordifolia has been tested against a variety ... more Background: The antimicrobial property of Tinospora cordifolia has been tested against a variety of microorganisms in the literature. The present study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of different concentrations of commercially available T. cordifolia powder against Streptococcus mutans. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was undertaken in which extract of T. cordifolia was obtained using 100% ethanol by maceration. Seven different concentrations were prepared and tested against S. mutans in brain–heart infusion agar medium. Plates were incubated aerobically at 37°C for 48 h, and zone of inhibition was measured using Vernier caliper. 0.2% chlorhexidine and dimethylformamide were used as positive and negative controls respectively. The data were analysed by descriptive analytic tests. Results: The maximum antibacterial activity of T. cordifolia was observed with a volume of 40 μl at 2% concentration with a zone of inhibition of 19 mm. A 30 μl volume of 0.2% chlorhexidine showed a zone of inhibition of 28 mm, and no zone of inhibition was observed with dimethylformamide. Conclusion: Tinospora exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. mutans. However, it needs to be confirmed further with in vivo studies.

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 2020

Oral health influences general well-being and quality of life. Oral diseases can be debilitating ... more Oral health influences general well-being and quality of life. Oral diseases can be debilitating and are a major heath concern worldwide. Medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years for treating human diseases. Considering the emergence of multi-drug resistant pathogens and financial difficulties in developing countries, there is an urgent need for developing new antimicrobial compounds which are safe, efficient and cost effective. Liquorice also known as yashtimadhu, sweetwood or mulhatti is one such herbal remedy which has shown to have immense potential in treatment of orofacial diseases. Liquorice is rich in secondary metabolites which are used in cosmetics, foods, traditional and modern medicine. It has well known properties such as antiviral, glucocorticoid, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-ulcerative, anti-carcinogenic and many more. Liquorice extracts and liquorice bioactive ingredients such as glabridin, licoricidin, licorisoflavan A, licochalcone A, and glycyrrhizin have shown beneficial effects in preventing and treating oral diseases. This paper reviews the effects of liquorice and its constituents on oral diseases such as dental caries, periodontitis, gingivitis, candidiasis, recurrent aphthous ulcer and oral cancer and its use as a root canal medicament and summarizes the results of clinical trials that investigated the potential beneficial effects of liquorice and its constituents as a prevention and treatment modality in oral diseases. Clinical trials, case reports and review of literature evaluating the effect of liquorice on oral microorganisms and oral diseases are included. Literature pertaining to the effects of liquorice on systemic diseases have been excluded from this review of literature.

DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Nov 1, 2013

Background: To find out if there is an association between levels of salivary Mutans Streptococci... more Background: To find out if there is an association between levels of salivary Mutans Streptococci (MS) of mothers and salivary MS and Caries experience of their Children. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was designed among 180 mother-child pair attending Vanivilasa Children Hospital, Bangalore, India. Caries was diagnosed using WHO criteria. Ninety children with Early Childhood Caries (ECC) with their mothers were included in case group and 90 caries free children with their mothers were included in the control group. Whole non-stimulated saliva was collected from mothers and children and cultured for MS. Colonies were counted and compared. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 10. Chi-square test and t-test were used to find differences between groups. P value of <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Among 180 children, 80 of them had a high MS count. Among them, 60 (75%) had ECC and only 20 (25%) were caries free. This difference was significant with P < 0.001. Among 180 mothers, 100 had a high MS count. Among them, 60 (60%) belonged to case group and 40 (40%) to the control group (P = 0.003). Forty nine of the Children in case group with a high count also had mothers with high count as against only 14 in the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Present study showed a strong association between maternal and child salivary MS levels indicating that mother's MS count could be an important risk indicator for ECC development.

Dental Journal: Majalah Kedokteran Gigi, Oct 13, 2022

Background: Treatment of head and neck cancers may cause sequelae affecting patients' quality of ... more Background: Treatment of head and neck cancers may cause sequelae affecting patients' quality of life during and after treatment. As a result, periodontal management of a patient with parotid gland adenoid cystic carcinoma, particularly in advanced stage 4, can be challenging for dental practitioners, especially if the patient is on active oral molecular therapy and undergoing long-term radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Purpose: This report was intended to describe the conservative non-surgical management of tooth 27 with poor prognosis owing to grade II mobility in a patient on active Lenvatinib therapy-where the extraction was not advisable to lessen the risk of osteonecrosis. Case: A 52-year-old female patient was referred by an oncologist to our dental clinic for noncarious toothache. Five years ago, the patient was diagnosed with adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and had a treatment history of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgical removal of the left parotid gland to manage the malignancy. Oral examination revealed characteristic findings of periodontitis. Case Management: Ultrasonic scaling, antimicrobial mouth rinses and reinforcement in oral hygiene instructions manage the tooth 27 conservatively. Conclusion: A cautious approach by the dental surgeon, together with the multidisciplinary team caring for cancer patients, is fundamental and helps with the palliative periodontal management of this patient to enhance oral health-related quality of life. With a lack of reports on conservative periodontal therapy in ACC patients, this report highlights the combination of smoking cessation, reinforcement of oral hygiene instructions and conservative periodontal treatment.

DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Apr 21, 2022

Background: To investigate whether fixed functional therapy for mandibular advancement with the F... more Background: To investigate whether fixed functional therapy for mandibular advancement with the Forsus™ appliance would produce any changes in the cervical spine posture. Materials and Methods: This prospective clinical exploratory study was conducted on 12 patients (six females and six males) with a mean age of 15 ± 1.3 years, having mandibular retrusion, Class II malocclusion, who were treated with the Forsus™ appliance. Lateral cephalogram was taken twice, once at the baseline (T1) before the commencement of the treatment and once following termination of fixed functional treatment (T2). Eleven measurements representing the vertical and the sagittal craniofacial proportions, and the head posture, were taken into account. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. The variations between before and after treatment measurements were collated using paired t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: No significant differences were noticed in the angle linking the horizontal lines of the head and the superior crest of the spinal column before and after the treatment, with P = 0.73. The cervical curvature angle also failed to show any significant difference with P = 0.14. Conclusion: Fixed functional therapy with the Forsus™ device resulted in dentoalveolar and soft tissue alterations alone but did not alter the cervical spine posture.

PubMed, Jan 2, 2017

Labial and buccal gingival recession is a common finding in the adult population, which can occur... more Labial and buccal gingival recession is a common finding in the adult population, which can occur due to various factors. When present, it can lead to an unesthetic appearance and can cause hypersensitivity. However, very limited literature is available regarding the incidence of palatal gingival recession. Many times it goes unnoticed during routine clinical examinations. Although there are no esthetic concerns in these regions, recession can cause sensitivity and pose a technical challenge in surgical correction because of poor accessibility and visibility. This case reports the treatment of a single palatal recession defect using an epithelial embossed connective tissue graft. The 12-month follow-up of the case showed significant root coverage (93.6%) and decreased sensitivity. The advantage of the harvested graft was that the connective tissue was not exposed, as it was tucked into the underlying flap, and the mucosal contour was maintained.

The Journal of Indian Orthodontic Society, Apr 1, 2018

Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances release metal ions such as nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), a... more Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances release metal ions such as nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn), which can initiate DNA damage in oral mucosa cells. Aims and Objectives: Assessment of metal ion levels and possible DNA damage in buccal mucosa cells in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: The present study was undertaken on fifty participants in the age range of 15-40 years visiting the department of orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, ABSMIDS, selected after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Buccal mucosa cells were scraped using interdental brush and subjected to atomic absorption spectrometry and comet assay to assess the amount of metal ions and DNA damage, respectively, before insertion and at 6 months, 1 year, and 1.5 years after insertion of appliance. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 17. The mean metal ion levels and cell damage before and after treatment were compared using paired t-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Ni ions increased to 62.85 ± 4.81 ppb at the end of 1.5 years from 22 ± 2.3 ppb at baseline before the insertion of appliance, Cr ion levels reached 58.3 ± 5.1 ppb from 20 ± 3.8 ppb, and Zn ion levels reached 562.8 ± 66.5 ppb from 197.4 ± 68.5 ppb, respectively. This result was significant with P < 0.01. A decrease in cell viability and an increase in head diameter, % DNA in tail, and tail length were found at the end of 1.5 years as compared to baseline with P < 0.05. Conclusion: Fixed orthodontic appliances showed an increased metal ion levels and DNA damage to a certain extent which has no clinical impact on buccal mucosa cells in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.

The Cochrane library, Mar 13, 2018

Sealants for preventing dental caries in primary teeth.

Dental research journal, 2019

Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances can release metal ions such as nickel, chromium, and zin... more Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances can release metal ions such as nickel, chromium, and zinc into saliva and blood, which can cause contact dermatitis, hypersensitivity, and cytotoxicity. This study was undertaken to assess the release of nickel, chromium, and zinc in saliva and serum of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: This in vivo study was conducted on 80 participants with an age range of 15-40 years. Thirty were included as controls and 50 participants were treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Saliva and blood samples were collected at five different periods, before insertion of fixed orthodontic appliance and at 1 week, 3 months, 1 year, and 1.5 years after insertion of appliance, respectively. The metal ion content in the samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mean levels of nickel, chromium, and zinc in saliva and serum were compared between groups using independent sample t-test and before and after results using paired t-test. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: At the end of 1.5 years, the mean salivary levels of nickel, chromium, and zinc in controls were 5.02 ppb, 1.27 ppb, and 10.24 ppb, respectively, as compared to 67 ppb, 30.8 ppb, and 164.7 ppb at the end of 1.5 years. This was statistically significant with P < 0.001. A significant increase in the metal ion levels were seen in participants with before and after insertion of appliance (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Orthodontic appliances do release considerable amounts of metal ions such as nickel, chromium, and zinc in saliva and serum. However, it was within permissible levels and did not reach toxic levels.