Dental Treatment Research Articles

Effectiveness of oral health care intervention for stroke patients following the introduction of Oral Health Assessment Tool.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of oral health assessment tools in facilitating oral health care interventions by dental care providers for acute stroke patients within 48 h of admission, following a reform of the nursing system. Data were gathered from a retrospective cohort study conducted at a stroke center, comparing 10 months before and after the implementation of the reformed system, with a 2-month interval. Parameters assessed included stroke type, severity measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, stroke history, stroke-related factors, number of teeth, hospitalization cost and duration, occurrence of fever and pneumonia, stroke treatment, days from admission to dental intervention, and intervention frequency. Implementation of the new system significantly reduced the time before dental intervention (P < 0.001), increased the frequency of interventions (P < 0.001), and allowed for the management of more severe cases (P = 0.007). However, there was a slight increase in the occurrence of fevers and the days of fever (P = 0.039 and P = 0.015, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that fever days were positively correlated with stroke severity and the number of days from admission to dental intervention (P < 0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively). Even after propensity score matching adjusting for stroke severity, these associations persisted. Additional multiple regression analysis was performed after this, but fever days were positively correlated with stroke severity and sex (P < 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively), as well as with the presence of other factors affecting the occurrence of fever. Although the frequency and duration of fevers increased slightly, this approach, incorporating oral health assessment tools, made it possible to provide early dental intervention, particularly for patients with severe strokes. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

VIVÊNCIA DAS ESTUDANTES DE ODONTOLOGIA DA FACULDADE DO AMAZONAS – IAES NO PROJETO DE EXTENSÃO REFERENTE ÀS PRÁTICAS MULTIDISCIPLINARES EM ODONTOLOGIA HOSPITALAR – UM RELATO DE EXPERIÊNCIA

Introduction: The role of the university is to train critical, reflective and ethical professionals. In this context, as an educational strategy, aligning theoretical teaching with practice, this experience took place at the Hospital and Emergency Room 28 de Agosto. The study was carried out by undergraduate students of the Dentistry course, in their sixth semester, with the practice taking place on two days a week, monthly, with a total duration of eight hours. The activities included lectures to patients, such as oral hygiene care and intraoral examinations, under the supervision of Prof. MSc. Guilherme Ferreira. Hospital Dentistry is a consolidated specialty in the care of hospitalized patients, encompassing a multidisciplinary approach and dental interventions. The care structure at the hospital was organized, ensuring safety and comfort for patients. In the Intensive Care Unit, there was one intubated patient, receiving continuous monitoring, and the other patients demonstrated good health. This experience report aims to share the experience acquired in the practice of Hospital Dentistry, highlighting the multidisciplinary work, the application of the relevant legislation and the challenges faced. Methodology: Descriptive in nature, providing an insight into the dental practices applied in the hospital environment – ​​description of the care provided, the clinical conditions of the patients, the multidisciplinary approaches and the difficulties faced by the professionals. Results and Discussion: Dental care provided to patients with various clinical conditions was observed, allowing an immersion in hospital dentistry. There was an opportunity to learn about hospital protocols and how they align with the hospital's standards and procedures, in relation to infection control and patient safety. The experience highlighted the complexity of dental care and highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration. Conclusion: The experience was an essential act for future professional practice, providing theoretical and practical learning, the opportunity to observe in a real clinical environment, to verify the complexity of hospital dental care and to adapt to the challenges of the environment.

Oral Pathogens’ Substantial Burden on Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, and Other Systemic Diseases: A Public Health Crisis—A Comprehensive Review

This review synthesizes the findings from 252 studies to explore the relationship between the oral pathogens associated with periodontitis, dental caries, and systemic diseases. Individuals with oral diseases, such as periodontitis, are between 1.7 and 7.5 times (average 3.3 times) more likely to develop systemic diseases or suffer adverse pregnancy outcomes, underscoring the critical connection between dental and overall health. Oral conditions such as periodontitis and dental caries represent a significant health burden, affecting 26–47% of Americans. The most important oral pathogens, ranked by publication frequency, include the herpes virus, C. albicans, S. mutans, P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum, A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. intermedia, T. denticola, and T. forsythia. The systemic diseases and disorders linked to oral infections, ranked similarly, include cancer, respiratory, liver, bowel, fever, kidney, complications in pregnancy, cardiovascular bacteremia, diabetes, arthritis, autoimmune, bladder, dementia, lupus, and Alzheimer’s diseases. Evidence supports the efficacy of dental and periodontal treatments in eliminating oral infections and reducing the severity of systemic diseases. The substantial burden that oral pathogens have on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and other systemic diseases poses a significant public health crisis.

A Pre-Adoption Assessment of a Collaborative Care Approach to Dental-Fear Treatment

Background: With an estimated global prevalence rate of over 30%, dental fear is a ubiquitous public health phenomenon. Dental fear’s adverse effects on patient oral health and quality of life are well established; the stresses and financial repercussions it can pose to providers are increasingly recognized. Although dental fear is highly treatable, a disseminable intervention that satisfies the needs of patients and dental care providers has yet to be realized. Objectives: We sought to understand allied dental professionals’ experiences treating patients with dental fear and their impressions of, and receptivity to, a stepped-care approach, including perceived barriers and facilitators to its adoption. Methods: Thirteen semi-structured focus groups comprising students in (a) current dental hygiene programs and (b) other dental programs, who had prior experience working as licensed dental hygienists or allied professionals (i.e., dental assistants, dental therapists, dental treatment coordinators; N = 49) were conducted. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Results: Participant responses supported the need for innovation in managing dental fear in practices, and supported hygienists as likely facilitators of any new behavioral approach. Overall, participants were receptive to the idea of a stepped-care treatment approach but identified several factors (e.g., accessibility, costs, treatment credibility) that would need to be addressed for its adoption by patients and dental professionals. Conclusion: A stepped-care approach to dental fear treatment has promise to meet the needs of patients and dental professionals. Potential barriers and facilitators to adoption provide a roadmap for future intervention refinement and efficacy testing.

Overdiagnosis of dental caries in South Korea: a pseudo-patient study

BackgroundTo evaluates the tendency of South Korean dentists to over-diagnose clinically healthy teeth in pseudo-patients.MethodsWe conducted a pseudo-patient, cross-sectional study in 196 private dental clinics with 58 pseudo-patients in South Korea between August and December 2018. Trained pseudo-patients with no previous oral diseases, including dental caries, diagnosed by two experienced dentists, were sent to each dental clinic. Before visiting each private dental clinic, participants were instructed to state, “I have no symptoms, but I would like to have a dental caries examination”. The oral examination was performed using visual and tactile inspection methods only. The interactions between the dental clinic staff and the pseudo-patient were documented on a data collection form shortly after each visit.ResultsIn 33.2% (65/196) of these interactions, the pseudo-patients were diagnosed as having no dental caries. 11.7% (23/196), 12.8% (25/196), 10.7% (21/196), and 10.7% (21/196) of the sample were diagnosed with dental caries in one, two, three, and four teeth, respectively. Dentists diagnosed five or more dental caries in 20.9% (41/196) of the sample. 196 dental clinics diagnosed a total of 503 dental caries. Of these, 392 were in molars. Small solo practice dentists diagnosed 3.54 dental caries and large group practice dentists 1.57, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.07). The recommendation rate for dental caries treatment was highest among 43 (55.1%) large solo practices, and lowest in 7 (33.3%) large group practices. However, small solo practices had the lowest rate of preventive care recommendations at 12 (30.8%) and 10 (47.6%) in large group practices. The data shows that preventive care recommendations increased as the practice size increased.ConclusionThe study findings indicate that Korean dentists tend to over-diagnose dental caries, which could pose a threat to public health both in Korea and worldwide. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider strategies to improve the correct diagnosis and standard of care for dental caries by private dentists.

Comprehensive Review of Advanced Techniques in Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

Aesthetic and reconstructive dental treatment has changed not only within the last two decades due to improvements in materials, technologies, and methods. Within this review, the author discusses the major contemporary developments in aesthetic and reconstructive treatments and techniques: New materials, minimally invasive approaches, digital technologies, and patient-centered treatment planning. The review also examines how these advancements enhance patient satisfaction, health, and survival. Also, problem areas and prospects of cosmetic and restorative dentistry are considered, particularly cost and accessibility barriers and customer demand changes.

Child’s friendly dental attire, a game changer for anxiety and pain management in dental environment, a randomized clinical trial

Dental anxiety usually stands in the way of obtaining adequate dental treatment, and the dental setting and team are considered factors that may affect dental anxiety. Many cross-sectional studies have indicated that dentally anxious children prefer their dentist to wear friendly attire rather than a conventional white coat, but no clinical trial has detected the effect of wearing a child’s friendly attire on anxiety levels among young patients. A total of 120 children were enrolled in this study and divided into four groups in which the dentists wore either friendly attire or white coat in the reception and treatment areas. Anxiety and pain were assessed while the patients received a dental injection. A statistically significant decrease in anxiety levels was observed in the 1st group compared with the other three groups after dental infiltration into the maxilla. The pain scores were significantly lower in the 1st group, whereas the control group patients scored the highest scores. A child’s friendly attire can help dentists build positive relationships with young patients and help reduce their anxiety.

Critical Analysis of Dental Care and Treatment Modalities

Oral health is an important part of the human body's organizational health and may have physical and psychological effects. In the past decades, dental health care and its practices have somehow developed and improved the overall health of dental treatments. Nevertheless, some changes have borne the following challenges: accessibility, affordability, and incorporating new technologies. This paper aims to describe, analyses and analyze the most common dental care practices and appraise the different types of dental therapies applied in contemporary dentistry. It looks at how dental treatments have been practiced over the years, enhanced technology found in dentistry, and the current issues permeating this field of health study. Based on a review of the literature and an analysis of results and findings, the paper provides new perspectives on how dental care should be further developed for the continuously expanding demand for diverse population groups. Finally, suggestions for increasing receipt of adequate dental care and fine-tuning approaches to therapy in the future are given.

Contamination of Dental Surgical Masks by Aerosols Generated During Different Dental Treatments.

The COVID-19 pandemic raised the question about the extent of microbial exposure encountered by dentists during dental therapy. The purpose of this study was to quantify microbial counts on surgical masks related to duration and type of dental therapy, as well as patient oral health variables. Sterile filter papers were fixed on surgical masks used during routine daily dental therapy. Thereafter, the filter papers were pressed onto blood agar plates for 1 min, before the agar plates were incubated with 10% CO2. After 48 h, the colony forming units (CFU) were counted and microorganisms were identified. The dependence of the CFU counts on treatment and patient-related variables was analysed using linear regression. Filter papers obtained from 322 dental treatments (429 masks) were included in the final analysis. On average, 5.41 ± 9.94 CFUs were counted. While mostly oral bacteria were detected, Staphylococcus aureus was also identified on 16 masks. Linear regression, incorporating patient-related and treatment characteristics through step-wise inclusion, revealed statistical significance (p 0.001) only with the variable 'assistance during therapy'. The type of dental treatment exhibited a trend, with fewer CFUs observed in caries treatment compared to periodontal or prosthodontic therapy. Furthermore, after analysing filter papers from masks used by dental assistants in 107 dental treatments, fewer CFUs were found on the masks compared to those used by dentists (p 0.001). The mean number of CFUs observed consistently remained low, highlighting the efficacy of the implemented hygiene measures. Consequently, it is clinically recommended to support dental treatment with precise suction of the generated aerosols.

Critical Analysis of Innovations in Dental Surgery and Technology

Advancements in dental surgery solutions and techniques have greatly changed the face of oral surgeries. Due to the constant development of technology in the dental field, minimally invasive surgical methods, and the addition of artificial intelligence, dental treatments are less time-consuming and more accurately performed for patients. Consequently, this paper aims to assess the extent to which the major technological advances in dental surgery have affected clinical practices and examine difficulties occasioned by these new developments. The paper also describes how these innovations can enhance the surgery, patients, and results. Finally, suggestions for improving the implementation of these innovations in clinical environments are presented.

From a nurse into a dental assistant

In medicine, a doctor, a specialist, performing any important manipulations regarding the life and health of a person, is faced with the fact that he needs additional hands. Nearby should be the one who is always at the ready - the doctor’s personal assistant. Is the assistant the same physician assistant, or a nurse practitioner? Turning to the etymology of the word «assistant,» it becomes obvious that he really should be there. From the above, it can be concluded that an assistant, namely a dental assistant, is not a nurse, but the same doctor’s assistant who helps the doctor do four-handed work to ensure high-quality and effective dental treatment. However, in the qualification directory of medical professions, such a position as «assistant dentist» is absent. Understanding the functionality of the dental assistant, it turns out that the assistant must know everything so that the doctor can fully focus on the treatment process and not be distracted by minor trifles. At first glance, it may seem that this is the usual business of a nurse, but the range of activities of a dental assistant during the reception of a patient is much wider. It is also worth noting the time savings: the minimum cumulative saving of the dentist’s working time when working with an assistant on the four-handed system at the therapeutic reception of one patient is 11.8 minutes. And do not forget about the importance of the human factor. When choosing a profession as an assistant dentist, you need to understand that it is necessary to act according to the clear instructions of the doctor with whom the assistant works in tandem. In the dentist’s office there are three main characters and each performs its own, individual, important function.

ADVANCEMENTS IN DENTAL IMPLANT PLANNING THROUGH COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

The planning of dental implants plays a crucial role in determining the success of dental treatments. Recent advancements in technologies, particularly computed tomography (CT), have significantly transformed this practice by allowing precise three-dimensional evaluations of oral anatomy and bone quality. This enhanced capability provides detailed insights that facilitate the optimal positioning of implants while minimizing surgical risks. Studies highlight the effectiveness of using customized surgical guides based on CT data, which not only improve the accuracy of dental interventions but also enhance patient experiences by promoting quicker recovery and ensuring implant stability. The shift towards digital techniques in surgical planning underscores the importance of tailoring approaches to the individual characteristics of each patient, thereby improving overall outcomes. Research supports the use of three-dimensional model-based surgical guides in conjunction with CT imaging, which leads to less invasive procedures and more predictable results. As a result, these technologies represent a significant advancement in dental implant procedures, elevating the quality of care and expanding clinical possibilities. The integration of imaging technologies and meticulous preoperative planning is essential in modern dentistry, and ongoing technological advancements promise to further enhance these methods. By continuing to incorporate these innovations into clinical routines, dental professionals can achieve superior results for their patients, marking a progressive shift in dental implantology.

Migration Prevention of Carbonate Apatite Granules Through Crystal Interlocking Driven by Bassanite-to-Gypsum Transformation on Granule Surface

Granular bone substitutes are commonly used in dental treatments owing to their adaptability to irregular bone defects. However, granule migration during and after implantation poses a significant challenge, impairing bone regeneration. This study addresses this issue by setting carbonate apatite (CAp) granules using crystal interlocking owing to the bassanite (calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH))-to-gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD)) transformation on the granule surface. CAp granules were mixed with CSH slurry (water/CSH ratio of 0.4) at varying CSH/CAp ratios of 0.33, 0.43, 0.54, 0.67, and 0.82. At all of these mixing ratios, needle-shaped CSD crystals formed on the CAp granule surface, and the CSD crystals interlocked with each other; consequently, CAp granules were set. As the CSH/CAp ratio increased from 0.33 to 0.82, the CSD crystal length increased from 6.58 to 6.79 μm, while the setting time decreased from 30.3 to 15.5 min. Although the porosity of the set CAp granules decreased with an increase in the CSH/CAp ratio, the set granules maintained intergranular spaces of 77.3 μm at a CSH/CAp ratio of 0.82 conducive to cellular infiltration. After immersion in saline for six days, the set CAp granules at a CSH/CAp ratio of 0.82 maintained their original shape, demonstrating enhanced stability compared to lower CSH/CAp ratios where partial or complete collapse occurred. The porosity and specific surface area increased to 59.9% and 3.66 m2/g, respectively, and the intergranular spaces increased to 176.4 μm. Therefore, mixing the CAp granules with CSH at a ratio of 0.82 may prevent granule migration during and after implantation. Moreover, the CSD component of the granules is likely to resorb more rapidly than the CAp component in vivo, promoting porosity in the set granules and facilitating efficient bone replacement.

Successful dental treatment using case for carpule as a distraction technique during local anesthesia: a case report

Dental anxiety is described as a feeling of apprehension followed by some fear that something might happen during dental treatment, and most of the time it is also accompanied by fear. During pediatric dental care, dental anxiety is common and can be controlled through behavioral management of the child, using traditional techniques such as “tell-show-do”, cards, videos, music, imitation, voice control and distraction. Objective: To report a clinical case of a child with Down’s Syndrome and a negative history of previous dental treatment, in which behavioral management was successfuly carried out with the distraction technique, using a case in the carpule syringe. Case report: The guardian of a child 7-year[1]old male patient with Down’s Syndrome and a negative history of previous dental treatment sought for dental treatmant. During the interview, the guardian reported the child’s negative experience due to the drastic use of restraint measures. The clinical examination revealed the presence of biofilm, active caries and an indication for extractions. As the child was resistant to treatment, behavioral management sessions were carried out. Due to the various needs for more invasive procedures, preparation for anesthesia was carried out. For this stage, an alligator-type visual distraction device was used, which acts as a cover for the carpule syringe. After correct management, the child was more receptive to treatment, which was carried out without the need for drastic physical restraint measures. Conclusion: The use of the case to camouflage the carpule proved to be effective as a behavioral management technique in improving the child’s behavior, reducing fear and decreasing anxiety.

Comparative evaluation of pit & fissure sealant retention using cotton roll & rubber dam isolation techniques-a systematic review & meta-analysis.

Isolation with cotton rolls does not always provide as complete isolation as rubber dam, especially in procedures where absolute moisture control is critical. Therefore, this review aims to summarize and analyze previous studies evaluating the retention and marginal integrity of pit & fissure sealant using rubber dam and cotton roll isolation techniques during dental treatment in children. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, search yielded 1361 articles, with seven RCTs and one non-RCT design meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted on study design, sample size, sealant type, follow-up duration, retention rates, and caries incidence. The comparison of retention rate between rubber dam and cotton roll at six months difference was non-significant (OR:1.15; p = 0.64) while there was significant difference at 12 month (OR:2.23; p < 0.001). The difference for the marginal integrity was statistically significant at six months (OR:2.00; p = 0.03) while non-significant difference observed (OR:1.74; p = 0.10) at 12 months. The sealant placed using a rubber dam as an isolation technique showed higher retention than the cotton roll after 12 months. In terms of marginal integrity, the performance of the rubber dam and cotton roll was equivalent at the end of 12 months.

An assessment of the oral health status and dental care treatment needs of oncology patients receiving bone modifying agents

ObjectiveTo assess the oral health status and dental care treatment need of oncology patients receiving bone modifying agents (BMAs). Study DesignThis was a cross sectional study conducted in oncology patients. Their oral health status was assessed and dental care treatment needs were completed prior to commencing a BMA. Statistical analysis was conducted to identify certain characteristics which may highlight risk factors for dental disease and dental treatment needs. ResultsA total of 150 patients were assessed, with a mean age of 61.5 years (SD 11.75 years). Breast cancer was the most common cancer (n=96). Sixty five patients (43.3%) did not have a dentist. The mean Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth was 17.68 (SD 7.85) and 145 patients (97%) had periodontal disease. Eighty six restorations were placed and 188 teeth were extracted. 147 patients (98%) achieved dental fitness. Statistical analysis found a significant result for a periodontal extraction and increasing age, which increased by 21.2% every 10 years (p=0.0239). Patients who did not have a dentist required 67.5% more restorations and a current smoker was 3.4 times as likely to require an extraction due to periodontal disease (p<0.001). ConclusionOur study highlights the vulnerability of this cohort due to their dental treatment needs.

Peripherally induced movement disorders in the stomatognathic system after oral surgical or dental procedures.

Peripherally induced movement disorders (PIMD) are hyperkinetic movement disorders that can occur after injury to a part of the body. This study aimed to identify PIMD in the stomatognathic system following dental or oral surgical procedures. A total of 229 patients with PIMD (144 women and 85 men; mean age: 53.4 years) triggered by oral surgical or dental interventions were evaluated retrospectively. The average latency between the procedures and onset of PIMD was 14.3 days. Oral surgery (40.2%), including tooth extraction, trauma treatment, and other surgical procedures, was the most frequent trigger of PIMD. This was followed by general dental treatment, including periodontal, endodontic, and restorative procedures (36.7%), prosthetic treatment (19.7%), and orthodontic treatment (3.5%). PIMD consisted of oromandibular dystonia (73.8%), functional (psychogenic) movement disorders (11.4%), orolingual dyskinesia (7.9%), and hemimasticatory spasms (5.7%). These results suggest that even minor alterations in normal anatomy or physiology after dental procedures may result in PIMD in predisposing patients. Dental professionals should be aware that although infrequently, PIMD can develop after various dental treatments. If such symptoms precipitate, the attending physician should properly explain them to the patient and provide appropriate treatment or consultation with a movement disorder specialist.

Atraumatic restorative treatment induces transient changes in salivary total protein and redox biomarkers in children with caries: a non-randomized clinical study.

This study aimed to evaluate if dental atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) impacts salivary total protein and redox biomarkers in children with caries. The study included 30 children (aged 4 to 6 years) with caries on posterior deciduous teeth, classified by ICCMS, attending a basic education school. Participants were divided into enamel (n=15) and dentin (n=15) lesion groups. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected before (B), immediately after (A), and seven days after (A7) ART. Analyses included total protein concentration, lipid peroxidation (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and uric acid (UA). The results obtained at different time points (B, A, A7) were compared between children with caries and between those with enamel or dentin lesions using a paired repeated-measures ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post-hoc test (p < 0.05). ART caused significant decreases in total protein concentration (p = 0.0146), which rebounded by the 7th day. TBARS levels increased (p = 0.0215) immediately after ART and remained unchanged until the 7th day. TAC (p = 0.0032) and UA (p = 0.0006) levels decreased in the saliva of children 7 days after ART. These changes were significant only in children with dentin lesions, not enamel lesions. ART temporarily alters salivary protein levels and redox biomarkers in children with caries, returning to baseline after 7 days. These findings highlight the importance of complementing restorative treatments with dietary advice and oral hygiene to ensure comprehensive caries management.

Pattern and Clinical Reasons for Dental Extractions in Patients Visiting a Tertiary Health Care Centre in Southern District- Nuh of Haryana, India: A Retrospective Observational Study

Introduction: The causes of tooth extraction exhibit significant geographical and cultural variations between regions within a country and across different countries. To date, no study has been conducted on the pattern of tooth loss in a comparatively socially and economically disadvantaged population in Nuh, Haryana, India. Aim: To analyse the pattern and clinical reasons for tooth extraction in relation to factors such as age and gender among patients visiting the Dental Department of a tertiary care centre in India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Dentistry, Shaheed Hasan Khan Mewati (SHKM) Government Medical College Nalhar, Nuh, Haryana, India, from January 2017 to December 2019. Data were collected from the available records of patients across different age groups during the period from January 2017 to December 2019. Data on age, gender, reasons for extraction, jaw type and tooth number were recorded. The total number of extracted teeth was used for statistical analysis using Microsoft Excel software. Results: During the study period, 2643 patients underwent tooth extraction, with 1304 (49.33%) being males and 1339 (50.66%) females. A total of 3358 teeth were extracted, with 1382 in males and 1976 in females. The number of teeth extracted was higher in females (58.84%, n=1976) compared to males (41.15%, n=1382). The majority of extractions occurred in the 21-30 years age group, 750 (21.73%) followed by the 31-40 years age group, 663 (19.71%). The most common reason for extraction was dental caries and its sequelae, 2462 (73.34%). The most frequently extracted tooth was the first molar in the fourth quadrant (9.26%) followed by the first molar in the third quadrant (8.72%). Conclusion: Given the paramount importance of first permanent molars, it is concerning to see many young patients losing this tooth in the present study. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness among the general population about maintaining oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and treatment. The role of pit and fissure sealants in caries prevention for first permanent molars cannot be overstated.

Formulation and Development of Clove and Coriander Combination Herbal Dental Anticaries Gel and Evaluation of its Antimicrobial Activity

Background:: Dental caries is one of the Periodontal diseases that has been recognized as a major public health problem for decades throughout the world. It occurs in all groups, ethnicities, races, and genders at all socioeconomic levels. Natural remedies are more acceptable in the belief that they are safer with fewer side effects than synthetic ones. Clove and coriander oil are established herbal drugs for periodontal diseases. Objective:: This research work was intended to formulate a dental gel containing clove and Coriander as the major constituents and evaluate it for dental caries treatment. Both of the herbal oils have a vast range of antimicrobial activity against a great number of periodontal pathogens; therefore, they are used for periodontitis treatment. Methods:: The combination gel was prepared using carbopol 934 as a gelling agent, clove oil and coriander oil as therapeutic constituents, polyethylene glycol as a co-solvent, methyl paraben and propyl paraben as a preservative and a required quantity of distilled water as vehicle. Results:: The gel was analyzed for various properties like antimicrobial activity, pH, spreadability, extrudability, drug content etc., and it was shown that the combination gel is a satisfactory dosage form that is used in periodontitis treatment. The combination gel revealed the ZI (zone of inhibition) of about 22.05±0.04 mm. Conclusion:: The present study concluded that the combination gel preparations of clove oil and coriander oil reported satisfactory physicochemical properties along with good drug content compared to the single gel preparation.