Dental caries in primary teeth remains a major pediatric health concern driven by Streptococcus mutans, necessitating effective antimicrobial strategies. Therefore, it is of interest to compare the antibacterial efficacy of nano silver, nano-chitosan and silver diamine fluoride against S. mutans isolated from carious primary teeth. Hence, an in vitro design using agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration assays was conducted on samples from 30 extracted primary molars. Nano silver demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity followed by silver diamine fluoride and nano-chitosan, with the lowest MIC observed for nano silver. Thus, we show that nano silver exhibits superior antibacterial potential and may serve as an effective adjunct in pediatric caries management.
Aim - To compare and evaluate the stress distribution in porcelain fused to metal and dual ceramic polymer crowns on mandibular molar with anatomical and non- anatomical tooth preparation opposing maxillary molars by using Finite Element Analysis. Material and method - Finite element analysis was performed using ANSYS 18.1 on a three-dimensional mandibular first molar model. Four crown designs were evaluated: PFM and dual-ceramic polymer crowns with anatomical and nonanatomical preparations. A static load of 400 N was applied, distributed as 200 N on the buccal cusp tip and 200 N along the central developmental groove. The cement layer was neglected, and enamel was assumed to be completely removed. Materials were assumed homogeneous, isotropic, and linearly elastic, with properties derived from literature. Result - Finite element analysis under 400 N load showed higher stress concentration in PFM crowns at cervical margins and occlusal contacts. Dual-ceramic polymer crowns exhibited more uniform stress distribution with lower peak values. Non-anatomical preparations increased stress at axial walls and root apex, while polymer crowns demonstrated superior biomechanical performance. Conclusion - PFM crowns showed higher stress concentration at occlusal and cusp regions. Dual-ceramic polymer crowns distributed stress more evenly but transmitted some stress to underlying dentin. Anatomic tooth preparation reduced stress concentration and provided better biomechanical performance compared to non-anatomical preparation.
Background:Early childhood caries (ECC) is a widely prevalent dental disease. Various risk factors affect its occurrence, such as demographic differences, dietary habits, and oral hygiene practices. This study aims to assess the association between ECC and the risk factors among preschoolers in Patna, Bihar. Materials and methods:A total of 1,200 children were included in the study, aged between 24 and 70 months. Parents of children enrolled in preschools and Anganwadi centers of Patna city formed the study population. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect demographic, dietary, and oral hygiene behavior data. Dental caries of children was assessed using the WHO Oral Health Survey 1997. A Chi-squared test of association was applied to find significant differences at the 5% level of significance. Results:ECC was prevalent in 28.1% of children. Lower socioeconomic status (p < 0.01), frequent snacking (p < 0.01), on-demand and nighttime bottle feeding (p < 0.01), maternal illiteracy (p < 0.01), and age (p < 0.01) were all significantly correlated with it. Protective factors included brushing under supervision, using fluoridated toothpaste, and taking nutritional supplements (p < 0.01). Neither birth weight (p = 0.055) nor the method of brushing one's teeth (brush vs finger, p = 0.757) was found to be a significant predictor. Conclusion:The study emphasized the multifaceted nature of ECC, with sociodemographic and dental hygiene-related factors as significant contributors. Preventive measures that prioritize better oral hygiene practices, food counseling, and parent/carer education to reduce the proportion of ECC are advised. How to cite this article:Anand A, Sharma S, Shukla JN, et al. Relationship between Demographic Characteristics, Dietary Habits, and Oral Hygiene Practices and the Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries among Preschoolers. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(5):607-610.
Intra-radicular posts are routinely used in restoring endodontically treated teeth to enhance retention and evenly distribute functional loads. The material of the post plays a critical role in stress transmission within the tooth and supporting structures, directly influencing long-term prognosis. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate stress distribution patterns among different post materials, specifically fiber-reinforced composite, cast metal and stainless steel posts. Fiber posts, due to their modulus of elasticity similar to dentin, showed more favorable stress dispersion and reduced risk of root fracture in biomechanical analyses. Metallic posts exhibited stress concentration at apical and cervical regions, increasing fracture susceptibility. Thus, we show the importance of considering biomechanical compatibility, not just strength and retention, when selecting post materials to improve restoration longevity and overall clinical success.
Introduction: Classical methods based on morphological, radiological or histological methods are being used which shows lesser precision and reliability with higher margin of error. There is a need for development of a biological tool at molecular level with higher precision and reliability and lesser margin of error. Hence, this study was aimed at estimating age using Amino Acid Racemization in Indian scenario. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 60 extracted teeth above 18 years of age divided equally into males and females with 10 permanent teeth each of lower central incisors, first premolars and second molars each. Data related to demographic details along with date of birth and type of tooth were collected and entered into specially designed proforma. Regression formula was derived and difference between chronological age and estimated age was calculated. GCMS was performed on each sample to quantify the L and D forms of aspartic acid in dentin in Aspartic acid racemization group. Results: AAR showed no significant difference between chronological age and estimated age in any teeth. Mean error in estimated age was found to be less than 3 years in participants. In males, mean error was 0.44 years and in females, it was found to be 0.58 years. Least mean error was found to be in lower central incisors (0.48 years). Most reliable tooth for age estimation was found to be second molar in both males and females. Conclusion: AAR was found to be a reliable method for estimating age in Indian population.
