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BackgroundAmong the 1.21 billion population of India, 26.8 million individuals have disabilities, and around five million are visually impaired. These children encounter problems related to oral health maintenance, thus further leading to dental problems. Even though Pediatric dentists treat visually impaired children for their oral problems, they emphasize mainly on the prevention of dental caries. Dental caries has a multifactorial etiology, and dentists are unable to find a complete solution for its prevention. However, reducing Streptococcus mutans has been seen to reduce the caries rate in the past. The use of the herbal product Emblica officinalis to reduce Streptococcus mutans levels has been documented. An affordable delivery system is required to use Emblica officinalis for its anticaries action. Thus, a unique delivery system of herbal sugar-free lollipops containing Emblica officinalis extract was made and can effectively deliver antimicrobial action in visually impaired children. AimTo evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Emblica officinalis lollipop on Streptococcus mutans counts and pH levels in institutionalized visually impaired children. MethodA total of 60 institutionalized visually impaired children (age: 4 to 14 years) were selected. The study consisted of two groups (experimental "Emblica officinalis lollipop" and control "placebo lollipop"), and the children were divided equally into both groups. Children from the study and control groups were subjected to the respective lollipops twice daily for seven days. Streptococcus mutans count and pH count were evaluated at baseline and after seven days post-intervention of the respective lollipop. ResultsThe results showed that in both groups, Streptococcus mutans count was reduced post-intervention. However, the efficacy of the study group (Emblica officinalis lollipop) in inhibiting the Streptococcus mutans count was better than the control group (placebo lollipop). An increase in the pH level was seen postintervention for both the study and control groups. And on the intergroup comparison, no statistical significance was found. ConclusionThe use of Emblica officinalis lollipop is effective in inhibiting the Streptococcus mutans count when compared with the placebo lollipop. While marginal pH change was seen in both groups. Thus, the herbal modality most acceptable without any pharmaceutical concerns should be chosen. Emblica officinalis lollipops can be used in institutionalized visually impaired children to reduce the oral Streptococcus mutans count and maintain a healthy oral cavity.

Background Dental anxiety has been a major concern for dentists while operating children. For a smooth, uneventful treatment, operators must incorporate various behavior management techniques in their practice. The incorporation of magic tricks as behavior management techniques has been used earlier by physicians and nurses to reduce pre-operative anxiety in hospitals. This study aimed to compare the impacts of magic tricks on reducing dental anxiety in children. Material and methods Patients aged four to 11 years were eligible for inclusion. The study comprised two groups of 15 children each. During the first visit, children weren’t subjected to any behavior management. Behavior management aids (magic tricks and audiovisuals) were used during the second visit. Hemodynamic parameters along with an anxiety scale were used to assess anxiety in children before, during, and after treatment procedures. Venham’s picture test and modified visual analog scale were also used to assess the anxiety. Results A reduction in anxiety was seen in both groups after behavior management was used. The hemodynamic parameters like blood pressure and pulse rate were seen to decrease during the second visit, while the oxygen saturation was seen to increase. Conclusion The study demonstrates that magic trick along with audiovisual aids was effective in controlling dental anxiety. Thus, magic tricks can be used in dental practice as a behavior management aid for children to facilitate cooperative behavior. Reducing a child's dental anxiety through various different magic trick aids could be a potential behavior management modality that needs further research.

To evaluate antibacterial efficacy of Triphala toothwipes on oral Streptococcus mutans counts in intellectually disabled (ID) children. Methods: Twenty-seven children with a mild ID were randomly divided into two groups: A -Triphala and B -placebo group. Toothwipes were given to caregivers of children belonging to the respective groups, and were instructed to use them 1 h after their meals, twice a day for 7 days. Simplified Plaque index was recorded and plaque samples were collected for microbiological examination at baseline, 48 h, and 7 days. The obtained data were tabulated and analyzed.Results: Triphala group showed a statistically significant reduction of S. mutans after 48 h and 7 days. Both Triphala and placebo groups showed a statistically significant reduction in dental plaque after 48 h and 7 days. Conclusion:Triphala toothwipes are effective against the oral S. mutans compared with placebo toothwipes, while both the toothwipes are equally effective in reducing dental plaque. Thus, Triphala toothwipes can be used as an adjunct aid along with routine oral hygiene practices in individuals who lack psychomotor skills or are dependent on others to maintain oral hygiene, including infants, preschoolers, geriatric population, and children with special health care needs.