Turmeric plays a crucial role in dentistry, as it is useful in treating periodontal disease and oral cancers, and can be used as pit and fissure sealant, mouthwash, subgingival irrigant, local drug delivery system, and in other endodontic applications. 2 CHEMICAL PROPERTIESIn 1815, Roughley isolated C. longa while its chemical structure was determined in 1973 by Whiting. It contains fats, proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, and moisture. The yellow color is due to curcumin (diferuloylmethane) (3-4%). It comprises curcumin I (94%), curcumin II (6%), and curcumin III (0.3%). Its melting point is 184°C, soluble in ethanol, and exists in solution as keto-enol tautomers. 7Demethoxy and bisdemethoxy derivatives of curcumin have also been isolated. PHARMACOKINETICSCurcumin has poor oral bioavailability. Poor absorption in intestine, high metabolic rate, and rapid systemic elimination from body are responsible for its poor oral bioavailability.2 Around 40 to 85% oral dose of curcumin passes unchanged from the gastrointestinal tract. In order to increase absorption and anti-inflammatory effect, curcumin is formulated with bormelain. 8 TURMERIC: HERBAL MEDICINETurmeric has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. 9 It also has potential therapeutic properties, which gives benefits in our day-to-day life. It is used as an antiseptic in disinfection of burns and cuts. It regulates insulin levels; thus, it has antidiabetic, antiapoptotic, antiangiogenic, and immunomodulatory properties. It prevents platelet aggregation (antithrombotic), cancer cell metastasis, and melanoma, and reduces chances of childhood leukemia. It also acts as natural painkiller due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it is used in the treatment of arthritis. It reduces blood cholesterol, helps in detoxification of liver and fat metabolism, strengthens the immune system, and also enhances wound healing. This makes turmeric a boon for many medical conditions. 10,11 TURMERIC AND ORAL HEALTHTurmeric, which is widely used for various medical conditions, is also being utilized in dentistry. Its anti-inflammatory ABSTRACTTurmeric, also called as Curcuma longa, is used as a flavoring agent, medicinal herb, and dye in Asian countries. In India where Ayurveda is a system of herbal medicine, turmeric is known for strengthening and warming the whole body. The main component in turmeric is curcumin, which has a wide range of properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial. The main objective of this article is to review the importance and therapeutic properties of turmeric in oral health. Various databases like PubMed, Cochrane, Index Copernicus, EBESCO, etc., were searched to collect data about turmeric and oral health. The effectiveness of turmeric in the treatment of dental pain, periodontal diseases, oral cancers, and as a sealant, mouthwash, toothpaste, and subgingival as well as endodontic irrigant will be discussed.

A new strain of coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has overwhelmed the world with its rapid spread and high number of cases. SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19 disease which may present with mild, moderate, or severe illness. In severe cases, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and septic shock can occur. Individuals above 60 years and people with preexisting comorbidities are at higher risk for developing serious complications. The incubation period of this new pathogen ranges from 1 to 14 days and there is no preexisting immunity to the disease. Countries across the globe have adopted various prevention and control measures to minimize negative health impacts. India has adopted various public health measures which include social distancing measures, nationwide lockdown to reduce risk of exposure, widespread IEC messaging regarding hand-washing, usage of masks, and recommending avoidance of unnecessary travel to combat the spread of disease. This manuscript reviews the global situation, contextualizes India's disease control efforts, and outlines the possible way forward by identifying specific actions under the following headings: enhancing district preparedness, enabling care for patients, and broadening community and stakeholder engagement for India.

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