Background: Simvastatin (SMV) is a specific competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Statins have recently been shown to promote bone formation. This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of SMV 1.2% in an indigenously prepared biodegradable controlled release gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of smokers with chronic periodontitis. Methods: Forty patients were categorized into two treatment groups: SRP plus SMV 1.2% and SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and at 3, 6 and 9 months; they included modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). At baseline, after 6 months and 9 months, radiologic assessment of intrabony defect (IBD) fill was done using computer-aided software. Results: Mean probing depth reduction and mean clinical attachment level gain was greater in the SMV group than the placebo group at all visits. Furthermore, significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in the SMV group (32.37 AE 10.23%) compared to the placebo (4.18 AE 5.39%). Conclusions: There was a greater decrease in mSBI and PD and more CAL gain with significant IBD fill at sites treated with SRP plus locally delivered SMV in smokers with chronic periodontitis.

Background: Dentinal hypersensitivity has been defined as a short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentine as a result of various stimuli such as heat, cold, chemical, or osmotic, that cannot be ascribed to any other pathology. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of three commercially available toothpastes in the reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity. Methods: A total of 149 subjects (72 males and 77 females; aged 20 to 60 years) were entered into the study and randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 -toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate; Group 2 -toothpaste containing 5% calcium sodium phosphosilicate with fused silica; Group 3 -toothpaste containing 3.85% amine fluoride; and Group 4 -a placebo toothpaste. After sensitivity scores for controlled air stimulus and cold water at baseline were recorded, subjects were given toothpastes and sensitivity scores were measured again at 2 weeks and 6 weeks. Results: All groups showed a reduction in sensitivity scores at 2 weeks and 6 weeks. The calcium sodium phosphosilicate group was found to be significantly better compared to the other groups at the end of 6 weeks. Conclusions: The calcium sodium phosphosilicate group showed a better reduction in the symptoms of dentinal hypersensitivity.

Background: Along with conventional periodontal surgical therapy, local delivery of antibiotics may provide more effective treatment in smokers by targeting tissue-invasive bacteria. The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled, doublemasked clinical trial was to evaluate the adjunctive effects of subgingivally delivered 0.5% azithromycin (AZM) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in smokers. Methods: Fifty-four patients were randomized and categorized into two treatment groups: Group 1 -26 subjects who received (SRP) plus placebo gel and Group 2 -28 subjects who received (SRP) plus 0.5% azithromycin. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months. They included Plaque Index (PI), modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (mSBI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Results: Azithromycin resulted in significant improvements. A single application of AZM resulted in attachment gain at 9 months of 2.44 ± 0.64 mm as compared to 0.18 ± 0.68 mm for the placebo. Similarly, pocket depth and PI were significantly reduced but no change in the mSBI was noted. Conclusions: When compared to the placebo, the adjunctive use of 0.5% AZM resulted in significant improvement in clinical outcome in the treatment of chronic periodontitis among smokers.

Background: Dentinal hypersensitivity is a common problem and there is a growing interest in herbal based formulations for the treatment of oral diseases. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of a commercially available novel herbal dentifrice in reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity. Methods: A total of 73 subjects (38 males and 35 females; aged 25-60 years) were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 -a placebo dentifrice (The Himalaya Drug Company Research and Development, Makali, Bangalore) and Group 2 -(test group), a commercially available herbal dentifrice (Hi Ora K, The Himalaya Drug Company Research and Development, Makali, Bangalore). Sensitivity scores for controlled air stimulus and cold water were recorded at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. Results: The test group was found to be significantly better compared to the placebo group at the end of 6 and 12 weeks in reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity. Conclusions: The novel herbal dentifrice can be recommended for treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity.

Background: There is a need for an anti-plaque agent that can be used on a daily basis without the side effects of antibacterial chemicals such as chlorhexidine. The present study was designed to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic effects of commercially available gel and powder containing Acacia arabica in subjects with gingivitis. Methods: One hundred and twenty subjects with chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 -placebo group; Group 2 -Acacia arabica gel group; Group 3 -Acacia arabica powder group; and Group 4 -1% chlorhexidine gel group. Microbial counts of plaque samples, the gingival index of Loe and Silness and the plaque index were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Microbial counts of plaque samples were evaluated at all visits. Results: Acacia arabica gel and powder showed significant clinical improvement in gingival and plaque index scores as compared to a placebo. This improvement was comparable to 1% chlorhexidine gel. The difference between gel and powder with regard to clinical and microbiological parameters was not found to be significant at any time interval. Conclusions: Both Acacia arabica gel and powder may be useful herbal formulations for chemical plaque control in subjects with gingivitis.