AbstractBisphenol-A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical used in the manufacturing of polycarbonates and epoxy resins. This paper is a review of studies reporting the occurrences and concentrations of BPA in the environment and associated impact on human health. Studies have found that at high temperature conditions such as open burning of dumped waste in developing nations can relocate BPA from plastic waste into the environment. BPA is a proven endocrine disruptor capable of mimicking or blocking the receptors and altering hormone concentrations and its metabolism. Even though it is consumed in a low dose, it can stimulate cellular responses and affect body functions. Biomonitoring studies show that human and animal exposure to BPA is rapid and continuous. In-depth studies are needed to understand the fate of these compounds particularly in the developing nations and the associated adverse health impacts of BPA due to prolonged exposure.

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the use of various local drug delivery systems in the management of chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods: A total of 60 patients aged around 30-55 years were included. The subjects who were enrolled under took a phase I therapy that included scaling and root planing (SRP). Patients who satisfied the conditions for selection to enter the trial were assigned randomly to three groups, with each group consisting of 20 participants as follows: group I: controlled-release drugs-chlorhexidine gel, group II: metronidazole gel, group III: tetracycline fibers. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) were recorded after 1st week as the baseline data and were recorded again after 15 days and 30 days post-baseline. Results: The mean GI scores were 1.32 ± 0.10, 0.88 ± 0.16, and 0.76 ± 0.12, at baseline, 15 days, and 30 days, respectively, in group I. In group II, the mean GI score reduced to 1.09 ± 0.83 at 30 days from 1.48 ± 0.27 at baseline. Likewise, in group III the mean GI score reduced to 0.90 ± 0.62 at 30 days from 1.38 ± 0.06 at baseline. All the groups demonstrated a statistically significant difference at various intervals. The mean PI score decreased to 0.90 ± 0.78 at 15 days from 1.46 ± 0.22 at baseline in group III. A statistically significant difference at different intervals was seen in group III only. In all groups, the intergroup comparison of PPD was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion:This study demonstrated that although thorough SRP is an effective treatment method for elimination of chronic periodontal pockets, improved results can be obtained by adjunctive use of locally administered chlorhexidine gel, metronidazole gel, and tetracycline fibers. Clinical significance: The use of the adjunctive local drug delivery system along with mechanical cleansing in the treatment of periodontal pockets in chronic periodontitis is therapeutically beneficial.

BACKGROUND Ground water is the major source of freshwater, hence protection of groundwater is critical for the welfare of humankind. The people living in rural areas are more exposed, since there is no centrally supplied water in these areas. The major source of fluoride in ground water is the fluoride-bearing rocks. Dental fluorosis which manifests as discolouration of teeth and skeletal fluorosis which are endemic are most early biomarkers of fluoride toxicity. Dharmapuri district in Tamilnadu is one such region where high concentration of fluoride is present in ground water. The present study was done to determine the occurrence of dental fluorosis in children belonging to Avarankattur village, Dharmapuri district and correlate to the fluoride content of the drinking water and other related factors.

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A BSTRACT Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries and treatment needs among Tibetan monks and nuns in Bylakuppe. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, stratified random sampling was used to obtain desired sample for the study. The clinical examination was carried out to obtain data regarding dental caries status and treatment needs using World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Pro forma 1997. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 20.0. The data were statistically analyzed by using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Results: The study population consisted of 345 Tibetan monks (men) and 35 Tibetan nuns (women). Prevalence of dental caries was 88.68% with mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) value of 6.06 ± 5.37. Assessment of dental treatment needs showed 82.3% of participants needed one surface filling, 11.9% of participants needed pulp care and restoration, and 9.3% of participants required extraction of teeth. Conclusion: The study population is characterized by high prevalence of dental caries and lack of awareness about treatment needs.