No abstract

Forensic odontology has developed as one of the admired and significant branches of forensic sciences. Therefore, the main intention of the study is to scrutinize the perception of forensic odontology and its practice among the dental practitioners. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 subjects including interns, BDS staff and MDS staff through a questionnaire proforma. The proforma consisting of 16 questions was prepared on the topic of forensic odontology. The student's t-test and ANOVA test were used as tests of significance for data assessment and the statistical significance was set at p<0.05. In this study, 85% of dental practitioners maintain dental records and the most frequently used method among all is to record patient details (25.50%) which is followed by dental history (21.20%). Dental hard tissue (48.5%) and DNA (41.4%) examination were considered the ideal method of identification in case of mass disasters. Overall understanding of the theme seemed to be superior in senior faculty. This study shows that although there is an adequate knowledge and good attitude among dental practitioners regarding forensic odontology, yet they need more exposure from practical point of view.

The term "probiotic" was first used in 1965, by Lilly and Stillwell, to describe substances secreted by one organism which stimulate the growth of another. The number of products containing probiotics, viable bacteria with proven health benefits, entering the market is increasing. The use of antibiotics, immunosuppressive therapy and irradiation, amongst other means of treatment, may cause alterations in the composition and have an effect on the GIT flora. Therefore, the introduction of beneficial bacterial species to GI tract may be a very attractive option to re-establish the microbial equilibrium and prevent disease. Traditionally, probiotics have been associated with gut health, and most clinical interest has been focused on their use for prevention or treatment of gastrointestinal infections and diseases; however, during the last decade several investigators have also suggested the use of probiotics for oral health purposes.

Periodontal disease results in destruction of the attachment apparatus causing uneven distribution of occlusal forces resulting in additional damage to the alveolar bone. Occlusal adjustment, periodontal and restorative dentistry may alter occlusal relationship and redirect forces thereby reducing traumatism. This may result in teeth becoming firmer. Increasing the support of the tooth may also increase their firmness; the device used for such treatment is the Splint. Splinting teeth to each other allows weakened teeth to gain support from neighbouring ones. When used to connect periodontally compromised teeth, splinting can increase patient comfort during chewing