Background: Fluorosis is an endemic disease prevalent in 22 states in India affecting 70 million individuals. The process of removal of fluoride ions from water is known as defluoridation. Even though several defluondation techniques have been developed and implemented in India, most of these techniques have many disadvantages. Development of a newer defluoridation technique starts With laboratory experimentation of materials. Objectives: To identify recent advances in laboratory studies in India with regard to the materials used for defluoridation (published from 2010-2017). Methodology: The review was carned out according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (J81) critical appraisal guideline. A three-step search strategy was utilized which yielded twenty articles after the final step. These articles were evaluated to describe, compare and contrast the materials (Chemical, indigenous and herbal) in terms of effectiveness of fluonde removal, critical pH, cost and other factors. Results: Fluoride removal capacity varied around to 100% and optimum pH between 2 to 10 in different studies. Indigenous and herbal materials are cost effective compared to chemicals. But chemicals have better defluoridation capacity. The defluondating properties can be enhanced using certain combinations or pretreatment of these materials (eg-Heat activation). Conclusions: Indigenous and herbal products are suitable for Indian conditions because of the ease of availability and cost-effectiveness. The future research should focus on enhancing the defluoridating properties of locally available materials and field studies regarding the feasibility in real life scenarios.

Context: Ultrasonic scaling is a routinely performed procedure in dental practice. During ultrasonic scaling, sensitivity of teeth is a common occurrence. The sensitivity of teeth causes discomfort and pain to many patients. The potassium nitrate is an antihypersensitivity agent used effectively in dentifrices. Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of 5% potassium nitrate gel application on the reduction of sensitivity during ultrasonic scaling. Settings and Design: This study is a randomized controlled trial with a split-mouth design. A total of 100 patients were recruited in the study after informed consent. Subjects and Methods: Mandibular anterior teeth were selected as the area for study. About 5% potassium nitrate gel was applied to the left or right side of the teeth. After 5 min, ultrasonic scaling was performed for both test and control sides. Visual analog scale (VAS) and patient satisfaction were recorded for both the groups. Statistical Analysis Used: An unpaired t-test was used to analyze the mean VAS scores with the area treated with or without application of 5% potassium gel during ultrasonic scaling. Chi-square test was used to analyze the satisfaction level with the test and control group. Results: The mean VAS scores and patient satisfaction for the test group were (P < 0.001) statistically significant as compared to the control group. Conclusions: Potassium nitrate gel can be effectively used before ultrasonic scaling to reduce sensitivity.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of chemomechanical method using Carie-Care (Eco Works Pvt. Ltd.) and conventional method (airotor and hand instruments) during excavation of caries in young permanent molar teeth. Methodology: Twelve children in the age group of 6–9 years having moderate occlusal caries in any two first permanent molars according to the ICDAS-3 or 4 category were selected. Caries excavation in Group I was carried out by the conventional method using airotor and hand instruments. In Group II, it was carried out using Carie-Care gel. The findings recorded in the study included pain response during caries excavation using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale (WBFPS), time taken for caries excavation using a stopwatch (Taksun TS-1809), and the need felt for administration of local anesthesia in children for both the methods. Results: Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Intergroup comparison for WBFPS scores and time needed for caries excavation was done using unpaired t-test and the results obtained were statistically highly significant (P < 0.01). Conclusion: It was concluded from the present study that the use of Carie-Care resulted in reduced pain response from the children during caries excavation. Thus, it can be used as an alternative to the conventional method in children with dental phobia to achieve better cooperation and maintain a positive dental attitude for future treatment.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the social trait rating of halitosis sufferers by others who are Nigerian undergraduates. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted among main (Ugbowo) campus residential undergraduates of University of Benin, Nigeria. The questionnaire that assessed health status, quality of life, intelligence, caring, trustworthiness, attractiveness, sexiness, aggressiveness, happiness, pleasantry, motivation, spirituality, satisfaction with life, and social life activity of halitosis sufferers was the data collection tool. Results: A total of 245 individuals aged between 17 and 35 years comprising 100 males and 145 females were studied. The worst affected traits were attractiveness and sexiness followed by pleasantry, motivation, satisfaction with life, social life activity, and happiness. The least affected traits were intelligent and trustworthiness. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the low rating of halitosis sufferers on pleasantry, motivation, satisfaction with life, and happiness made them less attractive and sexy and cumulated in diminished social life.

Osteomas are benign bone tumors which are rarely seen in the maxillofacial region. This is a technical note of modified access osteotomy for a rare pterygoid plate osteoma with good cosmetic and functional results.

Radicular cyst is believed to be derived from the epithelial cell rests of Malassez. The associated tooth is nonvital, usually asymptomatic, and may result in swelling, tenderness, tooth mobility, or other problems with rare possibility of neoplastic transformation of its epithelial lining. The treatment options include endodontic procedure, extraction of offending tooth, enucleation with primary closure, and marsupialization. The present report describes the case of a radicular cyst of anterior maxillary region in a 31-year-old male patient, with a detailed description of clinical, radiographic, histopathologic features, pathogenesis, and its surgical management.