Objective:To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and compressive strength of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) containing chlorhexidine and antibiotics at varying concentrations.Materials and Methods:Chlorhexidine diacetate and antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and minocycline) were incorporated into GIC Fuji IX at 1.5% and 3% w/w ratio to form the experimental groups. The experimental GIC specimens were placed on brain heart infusion agar plates inoculated with Streptococcus mutans, and the area of inhibition was measured after 48 h. The 24-h compressive strength of the set specimens was evaluated using a Universal Testing Machine.Results:The control group demonstrated no zone of inhibition. All experimental groups showed inhibition against S. mutans (P < 0.05), with larger zones of inhibition found in the higher concentration groups. Compressive strength at the end of 24 h decreased in the experimental groups as compared to the control group (P < 0.05), but no difference was found between the experimental groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion:The present study demonstrated that experimental GICs containing chlorhexidine diacetate and antibiotics were effective in inhibiting S. mutans, and incorporation of 1.5% ABX was optimal to give the appropriate antibacterial and physical properties.

From this study, it can be evaluated that Melgaco's method gives better prediction of unerupted permanent canines and premolars, and the equation Y = 13.48 + 0.614X can be suggested for the present population.

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Background: Oral health is an integral part of general health and toothbrushes are the most commonly used oral hygiene aid. Unfortunately, proper care of toothbrush is often neglected and is kept in bathrooms which are a good place to harbor millions of microorganisms. Aim: To assess the bacterial contamination of toothbrushes for Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Lactobacillus when kept in different sanitary settings before and after the use of disinfectant. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 volunteers were randomly selected between the age of 6–16 years. Toothbrushes were grouped into two categories: Group 1: Outside the bathroom. Group 2: Within the bathroom with attached toilet. Group 2 was further divided into two subgroups: Group 2 (i): Kept individually in separate containers. Group 2 (ii) kept with that of family members and siblings within the same container. The present study was carried for 3 months in two phases with the same participants both before and after the use of disinfectant. Results: Microbial contamination was highest in Streptococcus and least in Lactobacillus before and after the use of disinfectant when toothbrushes were kept outside the bathroom and microbial contamination was similar in both Streptococcus and Lacctobacilus when kept inside the bathroom with attached toilet in separate container and same container both before and after the use of disinfectant. Conclusion: A high level of pathogenic microorganisms were seen in toothbrushes kept in the bathroom for 3 months which were reduced by dipping them in 0.12-% chlorhexidine gluconate.