Background: Substance abuse has often associated with high caries, poor periodontal health, and altered functioning of the individual. The substance abuse may be natural or synthetic in origin, both causing deleterious effect on the oral and overall health of the individual. Aim: To assess the oral health status and treatment needs of substance abusers attending deaddiction centers in Western Uttar Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 substance abusers from 6 randomly selected deaddiction centers. The subjects were divided into four groups: Group 1, alcohol (A); Group 2, nicotine (N); Group 3, alcohol + nicotine (AN); and Group 4, other drugs (O). A demographic record along with full-mouth examination was recorded based on the World Health Organization pro forma. Results: The overall results showed that out of the total participants, 144 had oral mucosal lesions. Alcohol group had significantly higher mean community periodontal index code 3 (pockets 4–5 mm) than the other groups ( P < 0.05). The prevalence of decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) was 83.33%, and the mean DMFT of the alcohol group was significantly higher than the other combinations group ( P < 0.01). Conclusions: The oral health status of substance abusers was poor, with a large number of oral mucosal lesions. The dental caries status and periodontal status were the worst among the alcohol group.

A bstract Aim To assess and analyze the resin-bonded dentin in terms of shear bond strength after using deproteinizing agents 5% sodium hypochlorite, 10% sodium hypochlorite, and bromelain. Materials and methods Overall 140 permanent and intact human premolars were split into four groups, three experimental groups and one control group. In all four groups, the occlusal surface of the teeth was wet ground to expose superficial dentin. In group I, teeth were etched and deproteinized with 5% sodium hypochlorite. In group II, teeth were etched and deproteinized with 10% sodium hypochlorite. In group III, teeth were etched and bromelain was used to deproteinize. In group IV, teeth were etched and no deproteinization was being performed and simultaneous fulfillment of the resin composite and later inserted into the plastic tube and polymerized with light. Samples were stored at 37°C for 24 hours and the later samples were transferred to the universal testing machines to shear bond strength analysis at a speed of 0.5 mm/minute. Results The outcome of the bond strength was significantly influenced by the application of bromelain enzymes. A remarkable difference was observed between the shear bond strength of sodium hypochlorite (5 and 10%) and in the bromelain enzyme-treated group. Group III showed better results than group I and group II. Conclusion This study concluded that bromelain shear has the maximum value for shear bond strength. Bond strength improved because of removal of unsupported collagen fiber with bromelain enzyme after acid etching. Clinical significance Natural pineapple enzyme, i.e., bromelain improves bond strength by removal of unsupported collagen fiber. Hence, it is completely safe to use. How to cite this article Khan R, Sharma N, Garg Y, et al. Comparison of Different Dentin Deproteinizing Agents on the Shear Bond Strength of Resin-bonded Dentin. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(S-1):S69–S77.

Background: Plaque-associated oral disease affects a considerable portion of the population and is considered one of the major causes of tooth loss. The presence of plaque may be the reason for dental caries, gingivitis, periodontal problems, and halitosis. Many mechanical aids are used to control plaque, including toothbrushes, dental floss, mouth rinses, and dentifrices, and the most effective method of controlling gingivitis is supragingival plaque control. Aim and objective: To evaluate and compare the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis efficacy of commercially available herbal toothpaste (Meswak) and non-herbal toothpaste (Pepsodent). Materials and method: 50 subjects aged between 10 and 15 years with a full complement of dentition were included in the study. The two toothpastes were provided to the subjects in plain white tubes by the investigator. Subjects were instructed to brush their teeth twice daily using the given toothpaste for 21 days. Plaque and gingival scores on days 0, 7, and 21 were recorded, and the data were subjected to statistical analysis. Result: At the end of the 21-day study, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups for plaque and gingival scores. Conclusion: The plaque and gingival scores were significantly reduced throughout the study in both groups. In comparison, the herbal dentifrices show more effectiveness in reducing plaque and gingival scores, but no statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups.

Pandemic situations always impose devastating aftereffects on communities and cause chronic damaging effects on the healthcare system. Novel coronavirus disese-2019 (COVID-19) which has originated in China (Wuhan) is nowadays an emerging threat to public health across the world. It is spreading worldwide so rapidly and has started infecting people in all possible ways. Several dental care facilities in affected countries are completely closed or have been only providing minimal treatment for emergency cases since the whole lockdown has been announced. However, in some affected countries, they are still providing regular dental treatment. This discrepancy could be because of the dearth of proper awareness, knowledge, protocol, or guidelines. How to cite this article Kshirsagar MM, Dodamani AS, Deokar RN, et al. Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(5):711–714.

Background: Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is non-specific in nature and is seen to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Thus we aim to compare serum CRP levels in pregnant women with and without periodontitis.  Methods: A total of 222 pregnant women aged between 18-45 years were recruited in study and divided into two groups Group A:- Pregnant patient without periodontitis (n=100) and Group B:- Pregnant patient with periodontitis (n=122). Different clinical parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were evaluated. A 2 ml of blood sample was taken from antecubital vein for quantative serum CRP analysis. Results: The mean CRP level in Group B was found to be higher (4.22 + 2.247 mg/L) than Group A (1.55 + 0.702 mg/L). In both the groups, statistically significant and positive correlation of PI with GI and CRP level was found (p < 0.05). Similarly, in Group B, PI showed a positive correlation with PD & CAL whereas, PD showed a similar correlation with CAL & CRP level was statistically significant. (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Periodontitis influenced the serum CRP levels in pregnant patients representing increased inflammatory burden.