Aim:The aim of this case-control study is to estimate the circulatory levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in saliva and serum of patients with chronic periodontitis and periodontally healthy subjects. Materials and methods: Forty-four patients were screened, and based on biofilm-gingival interface (BGI) index, they were grouped into group I healthy periodontium ] and group II periodontitis [BGI-P3 (24)]. Venous blood and salivary samples were collected and analyzed using solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Independent sample t test was performed to determine the association. Results: Overall, there were differences in both the saliva and the serum TNF-α levels in healthy and periodontitis subjects. The average serum TNF-α concentration in group I healthy subjects was 23.12 pg/mL and in group II periodontitis was 24.06 pg/mL. In the saliva, the mean TNF-α level in group I healthy subjects was 45.69 pg/mL and in group II diseased subjects was 46.58 pg/mL. However, the values were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Circulatory and salivary TNF-α levels were found in detectable quantities. They showed a marginal increase in chronic periodontitis patients when compared with normal healthy patients in the absence of systemic diseases. Further studies are required in a large scale and with different methodologies to substantiate the role of TNF-α in the progression of periodontal diseases. Clinical significance: Clinical significance of this study is to analyze the TNF-α levels in saliva and serum, which may be the aggravating factor in causing periodontal disease, thereby helping to treat periodontitis.

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Moringa oleifera (MO) commonly known as drumstick plant, is recognised by modern medicine for its distinctive therapeutic benefits. One of those benefits being its antimicrobial activity. Silver nanoparticles, known for its pharmacological effects as well as synergistic action with various agents have gained popularity in recent years. The aim of this research work was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of 5% Moringa oleifera mouthwash reinforced with silver nanoparticles against oral aerobic organisms. Aqueous extract of 5% Moringa oleifera was used to synthesize silver nanoparticles and prepare the mouthwash. Characterization was done using scanning electron microscopy analysis and energy dispersive x-ray analysis. The antibacterial activity of the mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans was investigated using agar well diffusion assay. 5% MO - silver nanoparticles mouthwash had a stronger impact on Staphylococcus aureus and a comparable effect on Streptococcus mutans. The maximum zone of inhibition was 28 mm at 100 µL for Staphylococcus aureus and minimum zone of inhibition was 16mm for Candida albicans. There was a dose dependent effect of MO - silver nanoparticles mouthwash on Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Of these, the antimicrobial effect was more appreciable on plaque colonizers like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. Thus, these characteristics of phytomedicine and nanomedicine prove to be a safer alternative in the management of Plaque associated Gingival diseases.

How to cite this article: Sivakumar S. The increasing prevalence of edentulous state among children in Malaysia.

Background: Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude, practice of Ultrasonic bone surgery (piezo electric) among dentist in the state of Tamilnadu. Methods: A set of 29 questions was sent to dentists in and around Tamilnadu. The questionnaire was circulated digitally (Google forms & emails) and responses were recorded. 125 dentists participated in the study, among them 21 dentists were excluded since they did not have any awareness about piezo surgery or the equipment used. Statistical Analysis: The basic data was expressed used using frequency with percentages and by diagrams. For expressing   quantitative variable, mean and standard deviation were used. Kruskal wallis test was used to compare whether knowledge score differed by characteristics of the selected variables and Dunn’s post hoc test was applied to find out which of the characteristics were statistically significant.  All the statistical analysis were done using XLSTAT 2014 software Results: 63% of the dentists had adequate knowledge regarding piezo surgery and 53% of the dentists were currently using piezotome in their dental practice and 47% of dentists use it for harvesting bone grafts and 86% have complimented that it was less traumatic to the hard tissues. 81% felt that patient compliance was better compared to traditional methods like osteotome and chisel. Majority of the dentists showed a positive attitude towards piezosurgery and they extended their willingness to update their knowledge furthermore and emphasized that the concept of piezosurgery, its usage and its advantages should be given adequate importance in future dental education. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that knowledge and attitude towards piezosurgery was good among the dental professionals, but the actual practice of it is still deficient. This could be probably because of the lack of training in the dental schools, which could be overcome by including piezo surgery in dental curriculum and conducting workshops for improvising the skill of the dentists.