Antibiotics have reduced the severity of infectious diseases, and the mortality due to them has reduced drastically, but irrational use of antibiotics may result in development of antibiotic resistance among bacteria. In the absence of full spectrum evidence-based guidelines for the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents, dentists remain the highly frequent antibiotic-prescribing group, responsible for 10.4% of all the antibiotic prescriptions with some geographic variations. The objective of the study was to assess the patterns of prescription of antibiotics among dentists for odontogenic infections and to correlate the appropriateness of the diagnosis and the antibiotic prescribed for that condition. The study was conducted at a dental institute of a tertiary healthcare hospital. The selected patients were enquired about their condition. The prescription slips of the patients were evaluated for diagnosis and treatment and prescription provided by the dentist, by the consent of the patient. The comparison of the data collected with the standard guidelines showed that cumulatively 85% of the cases were prescribed with antibiotics when not required as per the given guidelines. In the pulp and periapical diseases, 83.9% of the cases were prescribed antibiotics when not required. In chronic gingivitis diseases, 47% antibiotics were given for the cases when an antibiotic was not required. In implant placement, fracture, impaction, and orthodontic extraction, 100% of the cases were given antibiotics, but none of the guidelines recommended it. This study could help us to understand the reasons and identify the areas of possible intervention and improvement. Continued efforts to combat antibiotic resistance will require all prescribers, including dentists, to examine prescribing behaviors for appropriateness and the effectiveness of guidelines to optimize antibiotic use.

Introduction: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is among the most common potentially malignant disorders of the oral cavity, closely linked to the habitual chewing of areca nut and tobacco. Management options range from habit cessation counseling and physiotherapy to pharmacological and surgical interventions. This study aimed to assess and compare the effects of turmeric—given orally, applied topically, or in combination—with those of a positive control (antioxidants) in patients with OSMF. Material and Methods: Ninety six clinically diagnosed OSMF patients, aged 18–50 years, were randomly assigned to four equal groups. Group A received turmeric capsules; Group B applied turmeric topically; Group C received both oral and topical turmeric; and Group D was given antioxidant tablets. Active treatment lasted three months, followed by monitoring up to six months. Monthly assessments included burning sensation, interincisal mouth opening, tongue protrusion (TP), and cheek flexibility (CF). Results: Burning sensation was reduced notably in all groups within the first three months. Group A achieved the greatest gain in mouth opening (mean: 33.13 ± 3.56 mm, P < 0.001). Group B showed the highest TP improvement by the sixth month. CF increased steadily in Groups C and D over six months, with statistically significant results. The combined turmeric approach (Group C) demonstrated the most balanced improvement across all measured outcomes. Conclusion: Turmeric, whether oral, topical, or both, is a safe, inexpensive, and effective adjunct for managing OSMF. Combined therapy appears to offer the most comprehensive benefit. Larger, longer term studies are recommended to strengthen the evidence base and guide clinical protocols.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a global “silent pandemic” with dentistry contributing 10-12% of outpatient antibiotic use. In low-and middle-income countries such as India, the absence of context-specific national dental antibiotic guidelines, widespread over-the-counter antibiotic access and diagnostic limitations complicate rational prescribing and antimicrobial stewardship. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed method study was conducted over 12 months in Varanasi. The quantitative component analysed 2,844 dental prescriptions across primary, secondary and tertiary care settings. Prescribing appropriateness was assessed using international evidence-based guidelines from the American Dental Association and Faculty of General dental Practice (UK). The qualitative component included 30 in-depth interviews with dental practitioners, analysed using inductive thematic analysis to explore determinants of prescribing behaviour. Findings: Antibiotics were prescribed in 73.1% of cases, of which 69.6% were inappropriate. High prescribing rates observed in conditions where antibiotics are generally not indicated, including irreversible pulpitis (73.3%), apical periodontitis (92.3%) and implant procedures (100%). Broad spectrum antibiotics predominated, particularly amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (43.0%) and cefpodoxime-clavulanic acid (21.7%). Qualitative findings identified that prescribing was driven by diagnostic uncertainty, defensive practice, patient expectations and systemic constraints, including lack of national guidelines and unregulated antibiotic access. Interpretation: Inappropriate Antibiotic prescribing in dentistry reflects a context-driven, multifactorial behavioural shaped by clinical, behavioural and structural constraints rather than a simple knowledge deficit. Addressing this challenge requires context-specific national guidelines, strengthened antimicrobial stewardship, improved diagnostic support and regulatory enforcement. The proposed IDCARE+ framework offers a practical systems-based approach to promote rational antibiotic use in similar resource-constrained settings.

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate and compare the survival rate of reconstruction plate used in the management of mandibular continuity defects in patients with and without coronoidectomy. A single centre, randomized, parallel group, single-blinded prospective clinical trial was conducted on Fifty-four patients, who were divided randomly into two groups (Group A and B) of 28 patients each. All the patients underwent segmental mandibulectomy followed by mandibular reconstruction with reconstruction plate, in addition, ipsilateral coronoidectomy was done in group B patients alone. The patients were assessed at four intervals such as immediate post-operative day (Post-operative day 1), 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery, for parameters like maximum inter-incisal mouth opening (MIMO) and reconstruction plate related complications (RPRC). The results revealed that that the MIMO measurement at any time period was higher in the patients who underwent coronoidectomy. It was also observed that the incidence of RPRC was higher in patients who did not undergo coronoidectomy. It was observed that the overall plate fracture was more in Group A (51.85

OBJECTIVES:This pilot study compared the effects of herbal mouthwash and 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash on salivary uric acid, a primary endogenous salivary antioxidant biomarker, along with plaque index and gingival index. To the best of our knowledge, very few in vivo studies have examined the association between Chlorhexidine use and salivary antioxidant marker changes, highlighting the exploratory nature of the present study. METHODS:This double blinded clinical trial was performed over a period of 10 days on 28 participants with mild to moderate gingivitis. They were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 14 each). Group A received herbal mouthwash and Group B received 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and after 10 days of mouthwash use for the estimation of salivary uric acid levels. Plaque and gingival conditions were assessed using the Silness and Loe plaque index, Loe and Silness gingival index respectively. RESULTS:A significant increase in salivary uric acid levels was observed in both groups following the use of mouthwash for 10 days (p < 0.001). However, the variation in uric acid changes between two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.414). Both mouthwashes demonstrated similar effectiveness in reducing plaque and gingival inflammation, with no statistically significant differences observed between the groups. CONCLUSION:The findings suggest a potential association between the use of herbal and Chlorhexidine mouthwashes and changes in salivary uric acid levels, which reflect improved oxidative balance in the oral cavity, along with improvements in clinical oral parameters. This supports further exploration of their clinical relevance in managing oxidative stress-related oral conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Clinical Trials Registry-India: CTRI/2025/01/079176.

Background:Dental caries frequently affects first permanent molars soon after eruption due to their anatomical susceptibility. Fluoride varnish is a widely accepted preventive measure; however, different formulations vary in fluoride retention and cost. Evidence comparing both clinical outcomes and economic value of available varnishes in children remains limited. Aim:To compare the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of resin-based and alcohol-based 5 % sodium fluoride varnishes in preventing dental caries in permanent first molars of high-risk schoolchildren. Design:A double-blind, parallel-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted among 84 children (330 M) aged 6-8 years from a private school in Varanasi, India. Participants received either resin-based varnish (163 teeth) or alcohol-based varnish (167 teeth) at six-month intervals. Caries incidence was assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months using ICDAS-II. A financial cost-benefit perspective was adopted, considering direct material and application costs borne by the provider and estimated restorative treatment savings for patients. Appropriate statistical tests were used for analysis (α = 0.05). Results:Caries incidence remained low in both groups after 24 months (resin-based: 7.4 %; alcohol-based: 7.8 %; p = 0.961). No significant differences were found in early or advanced lesions at any interval (p > 0.05). ITT and Per-protocol analyses revealed negligible effect sizes (Cliff's Delta ≤0.05). Cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrated that the alcohol-based varnish produced ₹62.22 savings per ₹1 spent, compared to ₹8.47 in resin-based group. The cost to save ₹100 in future restorative expenses was ₹1.61 (alcohol-based) and ₹11.80 (resin-based). Conclusion:Both varnishes were equally effective, but alcohol-based varnish was substantially more cost-effective, making it a suitable choice for large-scale preventive programs in resource-constrained settings.

Introduction:This study explores laser auricular acupuncture as a potential solution for nicotine dependence, comparing it to conventional counseling. With a death every 6.5 s due to tobacco, the systematic review aims to assess the efficacy of laser acupuncture versus counseling or placebo, offering insights into innovative strategies for combating tobacco addiction. Methods:A systematic search across scientific databases yielded 2537 articles (2000-2021), reduced to 1294 after deduplication. Abstract screening narrowed it down to eight articles; after a full-text assessment based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, four were selected. Inter-rater reliability between coders (Z.A., M.R.K.) was strong at each screening stage, with perfect agreement at the full text (κ = 1.0), abstract (κ = 0.99), and title (κ = 0.89) stages, all with a 95% confidence interval. Results:In the meta-analysis of two studies on post-intervention nicotine dependence using the Fagerstrom scale, the laser group showed significantly lower scores (p = 0.002, mean difference = -0.60). Examining subjects who failed to quit smoking immediately after therapy, the laser group had 53.8% continuation compared to 83.0% in the comparison group (non-significant difference). At the 3-month mark, the continuation rates were 60.8% for the laser group and 86.6% for the comparison group (non-significant difference). Conclusion:Potential superiority of laser auricular acupuncture over behavioral counseling in tobacco cessation, with reported safety. However, the limited trials and sample size warrant cautious interpretation. Laser therapy emerges as a promising modality, but further extensive trials, especially in combination with other interventions, are crucial to solidify its efficacy in facilitating successful tobacco cessation.

Background:Laser auricular acupuncture is a form of therapy that is non-invasive, aseptic, and painless, thus advantageous over the traditional form of acupuncture for tobacco cessation. The objective of the study is to evaluate and compare nicotine dependence, urinary cotinine level, physical effects, and quit rate among tobacco chewers before and one month after laser therapy and behavioral counseling, and to evaluate and compare extrinsic stains one month post-intervention. Methods:The present study was a randomized controlled trial, with laser therapy and behavioral counseling as the test and control interventions, respectively. The laser was focused on both ears once a week for four weeks. Counseling sessions were held once a week for four weeks. Nicotine dependence, urinary cotinine level, physical effects, as measured using the Visual Analog Scale, and quit rate were recorded before and after the intervention. Findings:The results showed significant reductions in nicotine dependence in both laser and counseling groups post-intervention (P<0.001). Urinary cotinine levels increased significantly in the counseling group post-intervention (P=0.010). Inter-group comparison revealed significant differences in pre- and post-intervention cotinine levels (P<0.05). Adjusted analysis confirmed significant post-intervention differences between the groups (P=0.048). Conclusion:This study demonstrates that combining laser auricular acupuncture therapy with behavioral counseling yields superior outcomes for smokeless tobacco cessation compared to behavioral counseling alone. The combined approach results in greater reductions in nicotine dependence, lower urinary cotinine levels, slightly higher quit rates, and significant improvements in various physical effects associated with tobacco use.

Background: Saliva has been used as a potential diagnostic tool due to its ease, noninvasive accessibility, along with its numerous biomarkers. The use of salivary alpha amylase (SAA) as a biomarker for various diseases including carious lesion is a subject of intense discussion. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of the consumption of oral probiotics on SAA, buffering capacity, pH, and plaque level among dental students. Materials and Methods: This parallel-arm, double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted for a period of 5 days on 20 randomly selected dental students allocated into two groups – enKor D and ProGG probiotics, ten in each group. Saliva samples were collected at baseline and after probiotics usage for 5 days for the analysis of SAA by Liquixx Amylase kit, buffering capacity and pH by pH digital meter, and plaque level assessed by Silness and Loe plaque index. Results: The results of the study showed that there is no difference in the level of SAA in both the groups enKor D and ProGG after the consumption of probiotics for 5 days (P = 0.062 and 0.086, respectively). Buffering capacity and pH remained in the normal range in both the groups with no significant changes. Conclusion: It was concluded that the oral probiotics do not show any effect on the SAA level, which facilitates acid production by starch hydrolysis and plaque formation.

Background: Dental implants in fresh extraction sockets of the maxillary esthetic area are technique-sensitive procedures where retaining a buccal root segment can enhance periodontium preservation and esthetics. This study aims to compare marginal bone levels and esthetic outcomes between conventional immediate implant placement and the socket-shield technique in fresh maxillary extraction sockets. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four patients with type 1 extraction sockets were included in this randomized trial and assigned to either conventional immediate implant placement or the socket-shield technique. Implant survival, crestal bone levels, and pink esthetic scores (PES) were evaluated at 8 months (temporary prosthesis), 12 months, and 36 months (final crowns). Results: All implant-supported restorations were successful within the study’s observation period. The socket-shield technique showed significantly lower marginal bone loss (e.g. 1.40 ± 0.29 mm vs. 1.70 ± 0.36 mm at 36 months; P = 0.040) and superior PES (e.g., 10.50 ± 0.90 vs. 9.36 ± 0.98 at 36 months; P = 0.008) compared to the conventional technique. However, the technique’s complexity underscores the need for expertise and careful execution to optimize tissue preservation in the maxillary esthetic zone. Conclusion: The socket-shield technique better preserves hard and soft tissues around implant-retained prostheses than conventional implant placement in maxillary esthetic regions. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are required to validate these findings.

OBJECTIVE:This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between the dental caries and the level of salivary alpha amylase activity among caries active and caries free individuals. DESIGN:This review followed the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024518973). A comprehensive search across various research databases until January 31, 2024 yielded 1031 articles, where multiple screening ultimately narrowed it to 13 articles. Appropriate cross sectional studies comparing caries active (CA), caries free (CF) group and evaluating their level of salivary alpha amylase activity were included. RESULTS:The meta-analysis was performed on all 13 included studies utilizing a random effects model and two sub group analysis were performed where studies with salivary alpha amylase activity estimated using spectrophotometer and autoanalyzer were analyzed separately among caries active and caries free group. The pooled data reveals that the salivary alpha amylase activity was significantly higher (p = 0.005) in caries active group compared to caries free group with a standardized mean difference of 1.30. CONCLUSION:This review indicated the differences in the salivary alpha amylase activity among caries active and caries free individuals which could aid in identifying individuals susceptible to dental caries thereby offering new insights for preventive dentistry by assessing their caries risk, enabling tailored preventive strategies.

Background Areca nut having a sialagogue effect and antibacterial activity against several bacteria can help to reduce dental caries. In the present study Areca nut in the form of a mouth rinse was used.Aim To evaluate and compare the effect on salivary parameters and bacterial count before and after the use of betel nut mouth rinse.Method Baseline salivary sample was collected from each patient on day 1. The collected samples were then used to evaluate salivary pH salivary flow rate and total bacterial count. Subsequently 5 mL of 0.2 betel nut study solution was given to the subjects as mouth rinse for using once daily for one minute for a period of 15 days. At the end of 15 days the post rinse salivary samples were collected and evaluated for the same parameters.Results The results obtained in our study demonstrated that using 0.2 betel nut as a mouth rinse has potential to reduce the oral bacterial count significantly. Although there was a difference in flow rate before and after the intervention the values obtained were not significant.Conclusion The results of this study conclusively demonstrated that 0.2 betel nut extract when used as a mouth rinse does reduce the concentration of oral bacteria and hence can have a positive impact on the overall oral health of an individual.

Introduction: Proper plaque removal is necessary for oral hygiene. Since plaque is invisible, patients need to be educated about it by making it visible using disclosing solution. Due to limitations of disclosing solution, alternative methods are required to detect plaque and create awareness among patients. The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the ability of plaque detection of fluorescence plaque detecting system Q scan with the traditionally used plaque disclosing solution. Methodology: The study was conducted on 174 undergraduate students of a dental institute after obtaining informed consent. The plaque level was first assessed and recorded by Quigley-Hein plaque index in each patient using fluorescent Q SCAN plus device and later using disclosing solution. All the participants were then asked to fill the questionnaire about their experience of plaque detection method. Results: The results of the study showed that the plaque score recorded using Q scan plus fluorescent plaque detecting system was significantly lower than that of the plaque scores recorded by the applying disclosing solution (P ≤ 0.05). Most of the students preferred the use of Q-scan plus fluorescent plaque detecting system for the evaluation of plaque level. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the results of the study that the Q-scan plus fluorescent plaque detecting system although took lesser time and is easy to use and convenient method of plaque detection is not as sensitive as disclosing solution.

BACKGROUND:Dental sealants are critical in preventing caries by protecting pits and fissures from food and microorganism accumulation. Sealants are categorized as hydrophobic and hydrophilic. Hydrophobic sealants exhibit higher retention but less effective in moist environments, hydrophilic sealants perform better under such conditions. Evaluating retention and caries prevention efficacy of these sealants is essential for optimizing dental care practices. This review evaluates retention and caries preventive efficacy of both sealants. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Data on study design, sample size, sealant type, follow-up duration, retention rates, and secondary caries incidence were extracted. The risk of bias assessed using RevMan 5.4, and meta-analyses were conducted with both random-effects model and fixed-effects model based on heterogeneity and nature of included studies. RESULTS:Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, 15 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and 3 Non-Randomized Controlled Trials (NRCTs) met with inclusion criteria. Hydrophilic sealants showed significantly higher retention rates at 3 months (OR: 3.00, 95 % CI: 1.46-6.16) and 12 months (OR: 2.00, 95 % CI: 1.35-2.96). However, no significant differences observed at 6, 9, and 18 months. Caries prevention efficacy was similar for both sealant types across all follow-up periods, with low heterogeneity indicating consistent results. DISCUSSION:Hydrophilic sealants initially provide better retention due to moisture-resistant properties but do not sustain this advantage in long run. Both sealant types are equally effective in preventing caries. These findings align with prior studies, emphasizing importance of moisture control in sealant application. CONCLUSION:Hydrophilic sealants exhibit superior short-term retention and similar caries prevention efficacy compared to hydrophobic sealants.

Socioeconomic status (SES) is one of the influential factors that determines the health of an individual. Assessment of SES status relies on multiple factors such as income, education, occupation, and religion. BG Prasad’s SES scale is the most widely used. It is based on per capita monthly income and is widely used in India. As the price of the Rupee keeps on changing, there is a need to update the BG Prasad’s SES scale. How to cite this article: Khairnar MR, Kumar PGN. Updated B. G. Prasad Socioeconomic Status Classification for the Year 2024. J Dent Bio-Allied Health Sci 2024;1(1):28–29.

Background: Isolation with cotton rolls does not always provide as complete isolation as rubber dam, especially in procedures where absolute moisture control is critical. Therefore, this review aims to summarize and analyze previous studies evaluating the retention and marginal integrity of pit & fissure sealant using rubber dam and cotton roll isolation techniques during dental treatment in children. Material and methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, search yielded 1361 articles, with seven RCTs and one non-RCT design meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on study design, sample size, sealant type, follow-up duration, retention rates, and caries incidence. Results: The comparison of retention rate between rubber dam and cotton roll at six months difference was non-significant (OR:1.15; p = 0.64) while there was significant difference at 12 month (OR:2.23; p < 0.001). The difference for the marginal integrity was statistically significant at six months (OR:2.00; p = 0.03) while non-significant difference observed (OR:1.74; p = 0.10) at 12 months. Conclusion: The sealant placed using a rubber dam as an isolation technique showed higher retention than the cotton roll after 12 months. In terms of marginal integrity, the performance of the rubber dam and cotton roll was equivalent at the end of 12 months.