Aim: The current study aimed to evaluate the reliability and factor analysis of the Gujarati version of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule–Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) and to examine responses of children. Materials and methods: The sample comprises 300 children in the 8–14-year age-group, examined irrespective of gender, socioeconomic status, and race. The questionnaire was translated into Gujarati, and content validation was conducted by a Gujarati subject expert. The Gujarati version of the questionnaire (CFSS-DS) was administered to participants after obtaining consent from their parents to evaluate fear. Participants received training to independently complete the questionnaires. Results: Comparison between the two groups shows that fear of opening the mouth is higher in males, while fear of a stranger touching, somebody looking, choking, and people in white uniforms is higher in the female group and is statistically significant. Comparison between the two age-groups shows that fear of dentists, doctors, the sight of a drill, the noise of a drill, inserting instruments inside the oral cavity, choking, and people in white uniforms is higher in the ≤11 age-group and is statistically significant. Conclusion: The Gujarati versions of the CFSS-DS are both reliable and valid instruments for assessing dental fear in young children. The CFSS-DS exhibited strong internal consistency among Gujarati children, with a Cronbach's α of 0.83.

Aim: An exponential increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been observed in India in recent years, which is a huge source of concern in terms of treatment planning and patient management. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the awareness and perception of Indian pediatric dentists and postgraduates regarding the diagnosis and management of patients with ASD. Study design: The questionnaire-based study was completed by 602 pediatric dentists and postgraduates in order to gauge their level of awareness and perception of the diagnosis and treatment of patients with ASD. The study's analysis of the data made use of inferential statistics. Results: The majority of the participants demonstrated a fair knowledge of the characteristic features of ASD, yet only 37.3% of the participants were aware of its prevalence in India. About 83% of pediatric dentists and 93% of postgraduates would prefer to take continuing education programs for the diagnosis and management of ASD patients. Conclusion: The results indicate an alarming dearth of knowledge and awareness regarding the diagnosis and management of ASD in postgraduates in comparison to pediatric dentists. ASD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD). Hence, it is extremely important to improve our diagnostic skills and provide a customized treatment plan that caters to their individual needs through additional educational programs at the postgraduate level.

Aim: This study aims to assess the tribiomechanical properties of atraumatic restorative therapy (ART) glass ionomer cement (GIC) infused with fluorinated graphene (FG). Design: Fluorinated graphene was synthesized via a hydrothermal process. Experimentally modified ART GICs were formulated by incorporating 4% by weight of FG into glass ionomer powder using a mechanical blending method. Microhardness, compressive and flexural strength (FS), wear resistance, fluoride ion release, and solubility were evaluated for two groups: group I (ART GIC) and group II (ART GIC + 4% by weight FG) using a Vickers microhardness (VMH) testing machine, universal testing machine, surface roughness measurement tool, and fluoride ion selective electrode linked to an expandable ion analyzer, respectively. Results: Statistical analysis employing an independent t-test revealed that all tested properties exhibited superior outcomes for FG-infused ART GIC in comparison to ART GIC alone. Conclusion: ART GIC reinforced with FG demonstrated enhanced mechanical and biological properties, showcasing its potential for dental applications. The findings of this study lay the groundwork for future research in minimal intervention dentistry (MID).

Background: Conventional caries removal procedures often remove healthy tooth structure, and children find them challenging due to the vibrations and noise involved. Therefore, BRIX3000 and Smart Burs (SB) were introduced to preserve healthy tooth structure and reduce discomfort during caries removal. Aim: To evaluate the time consumption, efficacy, and patient satisfaction among 5–9-year-old children during caries removal with BRIX3000, SB, and conventional diamond burs (CDB). Materials and methods: About 54 children diagnosed with class I cavitated carious lesions were included in the study and randomized into three groups: BRIX3000, SB, and CDB. The study evaluated efficiency (working time), efficacy (presence of residual caries confirmed with caries detector dye), and patient satisfaction using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical software. Results: For optimal performance, CDB demonstrated the highest efficiency and efficacy, followed by BRIX3000, with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Conversely, SB showed the lowest efficiency and efficacy, which was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Regarding patient satisfaction, BRIX3000 was perceived as the most satisfactory, followed by SB, whereas CDB was rated the least satisfactory (p < 0.05). Conclusion: All three treatment modalities removed infected caries effectively; however, BRIX3000 proved to be potentially effective in minimally invasive caries excavation and was more comfortable for children compared to SB and CDB.

Background: An increased risk of malocclusion exists with mixed dentition. Many indices have been provided in order to evaluate malocclusion and intercept it. The Index for Preventive and Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment Need (IPION) is an assessment that identifies a patient's need for preventive and interceptive orthodontic care in mixed dentition. Aim: This study aims at assessing early orthodontic intervention using the IPION. Materials and methods: A total of 60 children were selected from the outpatient department. A series of clinical examinations were conducted to record the scores according to the IPION. Results: The study comprised a greater number of females compared to males, with 33 females (55%) and 27 males (45%). The median IPION index score was 3.0, with an interquartile range of 3.0–4.0. It was observed that 80% of the children did not require orthodontic treatment, while the remaining 20% were identified as needing moderate orthodontic intervention. Conclusion: Dental caries is a predominant factor observed within the population. To improve the precision of the IPION in evaluating the necessity for preventive and interceptive treatments, modifications may be required. This is especially relevant in addressing issues related to the spacing of anterior teeth in both primary and permanent dentition. Clinical significance: This study aims to identify factors responsible for malocclusion.

Introduction: Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), Curcuma zedoaria, and Azadirachta indica are all known to be antimicrobial. Herbal products used in dentistry, such as EVOO, Curcuma (turmeric), and A. indica (neem), have grown in popularity due to their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics, which aid in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. The synergistic action of these oils has the potential to change dental care by efficiently targeting harmful microorganisms, such as Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of EVOO with C. zedoaria (OC), EVOO with A. indica (OA), and EVOO with A. indica and C. zedoaria (OAC) on S. mutans and C. albicans. Materials and methods: The oil preparation was done by combining 65–90% EVOO with 10–35% C. zedoaria, 70–95% EVOO with 5–30% A. indica, and 50% EVOO with 20% A. indica and 30% C. zedoaria vol/vol, respectively, by use of an insulin syringe. After the procuring of S. mutans and C. albicans, MIC was determined using the broth dilution method. Results: The combinations of 70% EVOO + 30% C. zedoaria (2.5 µg/mL), 65% EVOO + 35% C. zedoaria (4.5 µg/mL), 80% EVOO + 20% A. indica (3 µg/mL), 75% EVOO + 25% A. indica (3.5 µg/mL), and 70% EVOO + 30% A. indica (4.5 µg/mL) effectively inhibited the growth of S. mutans. Similarly, 75% EVOO + 25% C. zedoaria (3.5 µg/mL), 70% EVOO + 30% C. zedoaria (4 µg/mL), 65% EVOO + 35% C. zedoaria (4.5 µg/mL), 80% EVOO + 20% A. indica (4 µg/mL), 75% EVOO + 25% A. indica (4.5 µg/mL), and 70% EVOO + 30% A. indica (6 µg/mL) inhibited C. albicans. However, no growth inhibition for either S. mutans or C. albicans was observed with the OAC combination. Conclusion: The MIC for S. mutans in the OC group is 70% EVOO + 30% C. zedoaria, and for C. albicans is 75% EVOO + 25% C. zedoaria. The MIC for both S. mutans and C. albicans in the OA group is 80% EVOO + 20% A. indica. The synergistic effect of 65% EVOO with 35% C. zedoaria and 70% EVOO with 30% A. indica inhibited the highest microbial growth for both S. mutans and C. albicans.

Increased fluoride ion concentrations at the dental plaque reduce the rate of demineralization, but when ingested in large amounts, it can cause enamel fluorosis. Milk has been utilized as a nutritional supplement and is already a significant component of children's meals. Recently, plant-based milk, including oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk, has entered Indian café menus. Plant-based milk is popular among vegan populations and those with lactose intolerance. Since dental fluorosis arises from the overconsumption of fluoride during the creation of enamel, it is important to take into account all factors that contribute to the overall intake of fluoride when assessing the likelihood of developing dental fluorosis. Objective: To assess the concentration of fluoride present in animal-based milk (cow milk, buffalo milk, goat milk) and plant-based milk (oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk). Materials and methods: Three milks from the animal group and three milks from the plant group were tested. The fluoride content of these samples was analyzed using the calorimetric method (SPADNS spectrophotometer). Fluoride concentrations were compared among different groups. Results: Among plant-based milk, oat milk, almond milk, and soy milk contained 0, 1.16, and 0 mg/L of fluoride, respectively. Among animal-based milk, buffalo milk, goat milk, and cow milk contained 0.99, 0.57, and 1.39 mg/L fluoride, respectively. Conclusion: Of the examined commercially available milk (except oat and soy milk), all had fluoride content higher than normal. However, they are still unlikely to cause dental fluorosis on their own. When reconstituted with fluoridated water, and if the person consumes other fluoridated food, it may increase the risk of dental fluorosis.

Introduction: Diagnostic error of the cutaneous sinus tract is typically unusual. An individual with a cutaneous sinus seeks initial medical attention before coming to the dentist because its appearance resembles a variety of dermatological conditions. Any cutaneous sinus of odontogenic origin emerges when the harmful by-products of necrosed dental pulp migrate from the root apex to the facial skin, following the route of least resistance. The situation becomes more complex due to long-term systemic antibiotics, curettage of the lesion, or surgical excision unless the underlying dental issue is addressed. This occurs because the main cause is often misdiagnosed. Case description: This case series has extraoral sinuses that are misdiagnosed and did not receive attention in the oral cavity by general practitioners. These cases have been managed successfully by dental professionals through conservative endodontic therapy. Conclusion: Successful management of odontogenic extraoral sinus tracts depends on well-communicated collaboration between medical and dental professionals, proper diagnosis, and removal of etiology.

Dens invaginatus (DI) is an infrequent anomaly affecting teeth. This case report discusses the nonsurgical endodontic management of a case of DI in a 14-year-old female patient who reported to the clinic with a palatal intraoral swelling corresponding to the root of the permanent maxillary left lateral incisor region and associated pain. There was no appreciable carious lesion on the permanent maxillary left lateral incisor. The swelling had been present for the past 2 weeks. Tenderness on vertical percussion was negative, and the tooth was grade I mobile. The provisional diagnosis was periapical abscess of the permanent maxillary left lateral incisor. On further radiographic examination with intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPAR) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), it was found to be a case of DI. The treatment plan of mineral trioxide aggregate apexification, followed by thermoplasticized obturation, was planned and executed over a period of 3 months. Conservative management of anomalous teeth can be considered a viable treatment option rather than radical treatments such as extracting these teeth.