Introduction:Prevention of dental caries is one of the main strategies in contemporary pediatric dental practice. Mouth rinses are widely used as an adjunct to maintain oral hygiene. It is important for these products to be effective and safe for regular use in children.Objective:The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of a newly introduced xylitol, sodium fluoride and triclosan containing mouth rinse in reducing levels of plaque Streptococcus mutans and to compare it with that of a 0.12% chlorhexidine mouth rinse.Materials and Methods:Thirty children were randomly divided into two groups of 15 children each. Group I (study group) was given a mouth rinse containing xylitol (5%), sodium fluoride (0.05%) and triclosan (0.03%) and Group II (control group) was given a chlorhexidine (0.12%) mouth rinse. Both mouth rinses were alcohol free. Mouth rinsing was carried out twice daily, half an hour after breakfast and half an hour following dinner, for a period of 21 days under the supervision of the investigator.Results:In both groups, there was a significant reduction in the mean S. mutans count at the end of 21 days (P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between the two mouth rinses.Conclusion:The use of a low fluoride–xylitol based mouth rinse appears to be a suitable choice for regular use in children.

Pediatric liquid medicaments (PLM) are popular and are easily accepted by both parents and children. They are widely prescribed and easily available. However the sugar content and properties of these preparations determines their cariogenic potential. Aims and Objectives: This study assessed the pH and viscosity of pediatric liquid medicaments, type and concentration of sugars present in them and their effect on the growth of Streptococcus mutans. Methodology: PLM included two each of the most commonly prescribed analgesics, antibiotics, nutritional supplements, antitussive and antiepileptic preparations. The endogenous pH was measured using a digital pH meter and the viscosity was measured using a digital Brookefield viscometer. Analysis of sugars (sucrose, glucose and sorbitol) was performed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The effect of PLM on Streptococcus mutans was done by ditch plate method. Results: The pH of PLM ranged from 3.70 to 7.04 and viscosity varied from 307.33cP to 2408.33cP. Fifty percent of the PLM contained sucrose, glucose and sorbitol, and sucrose was present in nine of the PLM. The antibiotic preparations showed zones of inhibition against growth of streptococcus mutans. Conclusions: The physical properties of Pediatric Liquid Medicaments as well as the type and concentration of sugars present in them can be indicative of their cariogenic potential.

Propolis is a natural product derived from plant resins collected by honey bees. It is used by bees as glue, a general-purpose sealer and as draught-extruder for bee hives. Propolis has been used in folk medicine for centuries. The main chemical classes present in propolis are flavonoids, phenolics and other various aromatic compounds. Flavonoids are well known plant compounds that have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory proprieties. Propolis has been used in dentistry for various purposes and has a promising role in future medicine as well as in dentistry. Its natural resinous substance shows dental application based on its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating effects. Propolis is used in dentistry as active ingredient as mouth rinse for plaque control, treatment of various oral lesions, intracanal medicaments, storage media for avulsed teeth, wound healing. This paper gives an overview of propolis, its ingredients, properties and various therapeutic and dental applications.

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for oral health and detoxification. It involves the use of pure oils as agents to cleanse out harmful bacteria, as well as reduce fungal overgrowth. Oil pulling may also increase saponification in the mouth, creating a soapy environment that cleanses the mouth as vegetable fat is an emulsifier by nature. Most interesting is perhaps the ability of oil to help in cellular restructuring, and are related to the proper functioning of the lymph nodes and other internal organs. Apart from the various available scientific advancements in the medical field, there are age old traditional practices in Ayurvedic medicine which have to be encouraged. Oil pulling, which only requires one to swish oil in the mouth is known to cure many oral and systemic ailments. Though oil pulling is effective, none of the studies considered it as a replacement for the tooth brushing, but can definitely be a supplemental oral hygiene aid. This paper aims at throwing light on the various health benefits of this bygone practice.