Aims: The purpose of this study is to compare the tensile bond strength between fissure sealants placed after rubber cup pumice polishing and air polishing of the enamel surface. Materials and Methods: An experimental study was carried out using 40 non-carious upper first premolars extracted for an orthodontic reason, the crowns were separated from the roots, the teeth were randomly divided into 2 main groups consisting of 20 crowns depending on the sealant material used (Prevent or Angie), the teeth were subdivided into two subgroups of 10 teeth depending upon whether rubber cup with pumice slurry polishing or air polishing. Group Ia: Prevent Rubber cup (PRC). Group Ib : Prevent Air polisher (PAP), Group IIa: Angie Rubber cup (ARC). Group IIb: Angie Air polisher (AAP). Each tooth in this study was etched with a 37% semi-gel phosphoric acid for 15 seconds on the buccal surface, rinsed thoroughly for 20 seconds, and dried with the air stream to get an uniformly white, chalky-similar appearance. A translucent plastic tube was fixed on an etched enamel surface and filled incrementally with a fissure sealant then ready small post screws with twisted orthodontic wire gauge 0.012 inches which placed inside the tube until the serrations of screws were embedded in the last increment and light-cured. Samples were kept in the distilled water at room temperature for 24 hours. Tensile bond strength was measured by using the universal testing machine (GESTER, GT-C04-2, CHINA) and the values were statistically analyzed using Independent sample t-test. Results: A non-significant difference in tensile bond strength was detected between two methods used in the groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: The air polishing method is easy and useful but, there were no significant differences on the tensile bond strength of material in comparison with a rubber cup and pumice.

Aims: Study and compare the effectiveness of different mouthwashes on dental plaque and assess the efficiency of text messages on the response of participants. Materials and Methods: The study was approved by Research Ethics Committee board (University of Mosul, College of Dentistry, REC reference No. POP/R.10/1/21). The Participants were (88) dental students, aged between 18 to 25 years (44 males and 44 females). Students with mild to moderate gingivitis were randomly divided into four groups, 22Participants for each. In Group A, participants were advised kin gingival mouthwash, Group B participants used Wisdom daily gum health mouthwash, Group C participants were given LACALUT aktiv, and KIN B5Gums was given to Group D. The subjects were advised to use 10ml of mouthwash for 30seconds, twice a day, not immediately after tooth brushing (at least5 minutes after tooth brushing), for 14days. Half of the students in all groups (44students) were motivated on regular intervals by personal text messages, to use mouthwash on regular basis. The parameter was recorded for Plaque index (TQHPI) at day 0 and14. Results: The reduction in dental plaque is highly significant on day 14(T1) compared to baseline values (T0). There are highly significant differences among the four types of mouthwashes used on the reduction of dental plaque. Mouthwash in Group C and D were significantly more effective than Group A and B. Mouthwash in Group A was significantly more effective than mouthwash in Group B. Group C mouthwash did not differ significantly from Group D nor Group A mouthwash in plaque build-up reduction. Conclusions: The four mouthwashes used has good efficacy in reducing dental plaque and there were differences in efficiency between them. KIN B5Gums and LACALUT aktiv mouthwashes were the most effective. Wisdom daily gum mouthwash was the least effective.

Aims: The objectives of this study to compare the tensile bond strength (TBS) of self-adhesive Flowable composite with conventional fissure sealants. Materials and Methods : an experimental study was carried out using forty non-carious upper first premolars that were collected of orthodontic extracted teeth. The crowns separated from the roots and the buccal surface were cleaned and polished to obtain a clean enamel surface. The samples were randomly divided into 4 main groups according to the types of resin material (n:10 for each group). Group I: testing TBS for Vertise Flow, Group II: testing TBS for Prevent, Group III: testing TBS for Angie, Group IV: testing TBS for Conseal. A translucent plastic tube was fixed after acid etching application on enamel surface for 15 seconds followed by water rinsed and air dryness, the tube filled incrementally with flowable resin and fissure sealant then ready small post screws with twisted orthodontic wire gauge 0.012 inch which placed inside the tube until the serrations of the screws were embedded in the last increment and light-cured. The Samples were stored in the distilled water at room temperature for 24 hours. Tensile bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine (Electronic Elastic Strength Tester GT-C04-2, GESTER, CHINA).The values were statistically analyzed using one way ANOVA and Duncan tests. Results : A significant difference in the tensile bond strength were observed among all groups (p<0.05). Vertise Flow showed higher tensile bond strength value than fissure sealants followed by Prevent , Angie and Conseal. Conclusions: The tensile bond strength of Vertise Flow better than the fissure sealant due to the presence bond (Optibond) with etchant properties.

Aims: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of different mouthwashes in decreasing the gingival inflammation. Materials and Methods: The participants were (88) dental students, aged between 18 to 25 years (44 males and 44 females). The students with mild to moderate gingivitis were randomly divided into four groups, 22 Participants for each one. In Group A, participants were advised kin gingival mouthwash, Group B participants used Wisdom daily gum health mouthwashes, Group C participants are given LACALUT aktiv mouthwashes, and KIN B5Gums mouthwash was given to Group D. The students were advised to use 10 ml of given mouthwash for 30 seconds, twice a day, not immediately after tooth brushing (at least 5minutes after tooth brushing), for 14 days. The parameter was recorded for gingival index (GI) at 0 and 14 days. Results: The reduction in the gingival inflammation is highly significant on day 14 (T1) compared to baseline values (T 0). There are highly significant differences among the four types of mouthwashes used for the reduction of gingival inflammation. These results prove that the four mouthwashes used have variable efficiency on gingival inflammation depending on their major active chemical components. Mouthwash C is the most effective one in reducing gingival inflammation. Mouthwash A, mouthwash B and mouthwash D have no significant differences between them. Conclusions: In this study, all the mouthwashes were used showed clinical efficacy in reducing gingival inflammation. The mouthwash LACALUT aktiv is the most effective one.

This study was a part of a field work carried out by the University of Mosul in Humaidat village which is located at the Tigris river about 25 km to the northern west from Mosul. The size of the sample was 213 individuals; 105 males and 108 females. Their ages were ranged between 10 – 59 years. Clinical dental examination was carried out using plaque index (Pl I), gingival index (GI) and calculus index (CI). Questionnaires were used to assess the level of dental health attitude and behaviour among the individuals. Results showed that a large percent of them do not brush their teeth (46.4%) and do not use interdental cleaning aids (87.3%). Also a large percent of them did not attend a dental treatment previously (45%), and most of dental attendances of the others were for teeth extraction and due to pain. Clinical examination showed that the mean scores for plaque, gingival and calculus indices were high (1.16, 1.22 and 0.54 respectively) and increased by increasing age.

Background Periodontal health at the restorative gingival interface continues to represent one of the most difficult challenges. Unfortunately, they only mimic the physical and morphological aspects of teeth, as they are limited by the absence of the ‘ideal material’ that would provide characteristics similar to the normal tooth structure. Aims To determine the influence of class II amalgam and composite restorative materials on plaque accumulation, gingivitis and periodontal pocket depth. Materials and Methods One hundred patients were included in the study. The age ranged between (21-24) years old. The sample was composed of two groups (50 patients each), with an equal ratio of males and females. The tested restoration types were: amalgam class II (MO) and composite class II (MO) of 2-3 years. The following periodontal parameters: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and pocket depth (PD) in mm were recorded for each restored tooth compared with non-restored tooth on the other side of the mouth as a control. Results The results showed that amalgam induce the higher means of plaque, gingivitis and pocket depth compared with composite. The mean of the three parameters, as compared to control group, were statistically higher in the restored amalgam surfaces (p<0.05). For composite restoration the means of the three parameters were also higher but not in significant levels for both plaque index and gingival Index, except for pocket depth of the restored surfaces were significantly higher than the controlled surfaces. However, there were no significant differences in the ranks of the three mesial indices of patients having amalgam in comparison with those having composite. Conclusion This study suggests that composite restorations did not have a significant advantage on periodontal health over amalgam restorations for Class II posterior teeth.

Background Dental caries in addition known as tooth decay is a breakdown of teeth due to actions of bacteria. The cavities may be a number of dissimilar colors from yellow to black. Symptoms may contain pain and difficulty with eating. Aims To determine the direct effect of the oral medicines which were used for long time by children on the teeth. To reduce the negative effect of these drugs. Material and Methods the study used medications that are prescribed for children for long time that administrated only orally to determine the direct effect of these drugs. The study sample included lower deciduous molars, which were obtained from children who required extraction of their mobile molars after taking the agreement of parents. Sample size was (50) freshly extracted, caries-free lower molar of patients aged 10-12 years old. Teeth were divided into five groups with 10 samples in each group, natural saliva was collected from a number of children and was added to the solution to simulate the oral cavity. The incubation period was 32 days then sectioning the samples and measure the lesion depth by polarized microscope. Results Verapamil produced maximum lesion depth in enamel while Dexamethasone was associated with minimum lesion depth. Conclusion it is obvious that all test medications affect the enamel of tooth by different degree.

Aims of the study: To assess the oral health status (dental caries, dental plaque, gingival condition) and salivary pH among asthmatic patients using anti-asthmatics medications. Materials and Methods: 76 asthmatic patients of both sexes (0-30 years old) and 76 age and sex matched controls were studied. In asthmatic patients, the types, duration of medications were recorded. The dental health status including DMFT (decay, missing, filling teeth), plaque and gingival index were examined. In addition, measurements of unstimulated salivary pH were performed for both groups. Results: The mean value of dental caries (DMFS), plaque index (Pl I), gingival index (GI) were found to be significantly higher among study group compared to control group at (p<0.05), while for salivary pH was significantly lower among study group compared to control at (p<0.05). The data analyzed with one way ANOVA test showed that mean value of DMFS and salivary pH of asthmatics were significantly affected by type of medication, while plaque and gingival index were statistically not significant in relation to anti-asthmatics medications. There was significant correlation between indices of dental caries and disease duration, while for Pl I, GI and pH no significant correlation were found. Conclusions: Individuals with asthma have a higher caries prevalence, worse oral cleanliness, gingival condition and lower salivary pH compared to the control group, which can be due to use of anti-asthmatics medications. So a special preventive programs need to be designed for those patients.

Aims of the study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate caries-preventive potential of Er, Cr: YSGG laser and to study the effect of power in order to determine the optimal output power for caries prevention. Materials and Methods: The study samples were upper first premolars obtained from patients who required orthodontic extraction. Sample size was a forty-eight freshly extracted, caries-free upper first premolars of patients aged 15-20 years old. The crowns of teeth were covered with nail varnish leaving a square window (approximately 3mm×3mm) on the buccal surface at the middle third of the crown. Teeth were randomly assigned to four groups with 12 samples in each group, these groups were: group A (irradiated with laser power0.25watt for 10 seconds), group B(irradiated with laser power 0.50watt for 10 seconds), group C(irradiated with laser power 0.75watt for 10 seconds) and control group(no laser treatment). Er, Cr: YSGG laser with 2.78µm in wavelength and 20Hz repetition rate was used. Teeth were subjected to caries-like formation by immersion in lactic acid (pH=3.5) and incubation for twenty-one days at 37oC. Sections of 250µm in thickness were then obtained. Mean lesion depth was measured using polarized microscope. Results: Post hoc(Duncan's test)confirmed that there was a high significant difference among lesion means of group A,B and C(P≤0.00) where samples were irradiated at different powers and a constant time. Results indicated that treatment with Er, Cr: YSGG laser could cause caries inhibition up to 56%. Conclusions: It is obvious that increasing the laser power (up to 0.75watt) could result in an increase in caries inhibition and reduction in mean lesion depth.

Aims of the study: To evaluate the prevalence of dental caries among children aged 9-10 years in Mo-sul City Center and to compare between traditional index and significant caries index of these students. Materials and Methods: The study sample was obtained from third and fourth class students from eight randomly selected primary schools in Mosul City Center. Sample size was 363 students, 225 fe-males and 138 males. Students' ages were 9 and 10 years. All primary and permanent teeth were ex-amined for the presence of decay, missing or filling teeth/surfaces. Mean DMFT, DMFS, dmft and dmfs were calculated for the students together and separately for each sex. The mean Significant Caries Index (SiC) was also calculated as the mean DMFT and DMFS of the one third of the students with the highest caries scores. Results: The SiC index was significantly higher in all comparisons with tradi-tional DMF index (p < 0.000). A comparison between the two indices indicated that there is a large children subgroup presented with a high caries rate. Conclusions: The mean DMF values did not accu-rately reflect the skewed distribution of dental caries leading to incorrect conclusions that the caries rate of the statewide population is under control. It is better to use SiC index instead of the traditional index.

Aims: To assess the severity of dental caries and its relation to risk factors such as parents' education, income level, demographic variables, dental attendance….etc using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System on the primary teeth of kindergarten children in Mosul City Center. Materials and Methods: The study sample was randomly selected from (8) kindergarten in Mosul City. The sample size was (219) child (120 males and 99 females), their ages ranged between (3-6) years. Risk factors considered on caries severity included parent's income level, parent's education, visiting the dentist, types of dental treatment performed and brushing behavior. dmft and the percentage of caries free students were also considered. Caries severity was measured using International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Results: These factors have an effect to increase or decrease caries severity either significantly or not significantly. Conclusion: considerable efforts are required in prevention of dental caries in these children. There is a lot of untreated caries, which needs immediate attention.

Aims: To determine the effect of risk factors such as income level, socioeconomic status, parents education, brushing behavior , dental attendance, type of treatment performed and others on dental ca-ries severity of permanent teeth. Materials and Methods: Sample size was (531) students (260 males and 271 females) who were selected randomly from (10) primary and intermediate schools in Mosul City, their ages were ranged between (6-16) years. Risk factors considered on caries severity included parent's income level, parent's education, visiting the dentist, types of dental treatment performed and brushing behavior. Distribution of dental caries on each side of the mouth, DMFT and the percentage of caries free students were also considered. Caries severity was measured using International Caries Detection and Assessment System. Results: These factors have an effect to increase or decrease caries severity either significantly or not significantly. Conclusion: These risk factors should be kept in mind when we decide to reduce caries severity.