IntrOductIOnThe developement of dental caries is a dynamic process involving cycles of demineralization and remineralization. Demineralization results in the loss of calcium and phosphate ions creating a subsurface lesion. Remineralization utilizes the existing calcium and phosphate ions in saliva aided by available salivary fluoride to create a new surface on existing crystal remnants in the subsurface lesion. Sub parts per million (ppm) of salivary fluoride levels prevent dental caries by shifting the balance from demineralization to remineralization at the tooth-oral fluid interface, due to the precipitation of calcium phosphates and the formation of fluorohydroxyapatite in tooth structure. The ability of fluoride to affect the demineralization-remineralization process depends on whether fluoride is available in the oral cavity at the right time and proper concentration. Maintaining low levels of fluoride release over long periods is important in the inhibition of demineralization and the promotion of remineralization [1].The rationale for caries preventive effect of fluoride has been known for many decades. The fact that fluoride can be incorporated into the crystalline lattice of dental hard tissues, resulting in a tissue less soluble in acid environment, has been the scientific corner stone for caries prevention [2].For many years professionally applied topical fluorides have been used effectively to prevent caries, especially in children. Professionally available fluoride is in the form of gels, foams, (containing around 12,300 ppm of fluoride) used effectively for inhibiting dental caries especially in children. The fluoride varnishes have gained immense popularity in the field of pediatric dentistry due to its ease of application thereby facilitating its use in precooperative children, patients with exaggerated gag reflex, those demanding special health care needs and also in children exposed to head and neck radiation [3].Recent studies have shown the use of fluoride varnishes to be effective in the prevention of early childhood caries and reduce caries by 25%-45% [4,5].According to American Dental Association council on scientific affairs concluded that fluoride varnish should be applied every six months as it is effective in reducing caries prevalence in high risk populations and also prevents caries in primary as well as permanent dentitions of children and adolescents [6]. Fluoride levels in saliva after application of fluoride varnish are influenced by different parameters like initial fluoride concentration applied, time since exposure, fluoride retention, delivery method and fluoride clearance from the oral cavity [1]. The greatest release of fluoride occurs in the first three weeks and then tapers [7][8][9].Newly marketed fluoride varnishes are supposed to release fluoride slowly and for extended periods of time. The present study intends to determine the fluoride release from three different fluoride varnishes (representing new generation and conventional varnishes) over a period of time throu...

Background and Objective:The objective of the study was to monitor Streptococcus mutans (SM) counts in saliva of children aged 5-7 years old over a period of 6 months with the subsequent use of Fuji IX, glass ionomer cement in atraumatic restorative technique (ART).Materials and Methods:One hundred children were selected to receive ART using Fuji IX glass ionomer cement. Caries status was recorded using DMFT index (WHO 1997) and revaluated after 6 months using DMFS index (WHO 1979). Saliva was collected for microbiological assessment of SM count on four occasions, baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after ART approach. The results of the microbiological tests were statistically analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney rank test.Results:The results showed a significant reduction of SM levels in saliva immediately 1 week following the ART approach with mean SM counts of 1.5763 (106 CFU/ml) and 1.1286 (105 CFU/ml) pre- and 1 week post–ART, respectively. Reduction in the SM count was seen in 89.47% of children after 1 week of ART treatment. The mean SM count after 1 month and 6 months post-ART was 1.4814 (106 CFU/ml) and 1.4722(106 CFU/ml), respectively.Conclusion:It was concluded from the results that the ART technique was successful in reducing the SM counts in saliva significantly for a period of 1 week post treatment. Although the mean SM counts remained less than the baseline after 6 month evaluation, a trend toward re-establishment of SM to the baseline count was noticed.

Lentulo-spiral hand held is the best obturating technique among the 5 groups evaluated as the canals of this group showed maximum percentage of filled material. However, a further study with large sample size is highly essential.