Background: The utility of ultrasound (US) for therapeutic purposes is still in its infancy. Therapeutic US (TUS) has been used widely in medical field for urological application, surgical intervention, bone healing, and osteointegration in cancer and healing of full thickness excised skin lesions, and within dentistry as a prediagnostic, diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. The purpose of the paper is to review and determine the efficacy of US as one of the treatment modalities for its role in maxillofacial region to reduce pain and promote soft tissue healing. Materials and Methods: A Medline search included of the international literature published between 1976 and 2011 and was restricted to English language articles, published work of past researchers including in vitro and in vivo studies, recent additions of textbooks on surgical and therapeutic applications of US and, current articles in conference papers and reports accessed from the internet using Google search engine on therapeutic ultrasound. Results: Very few article regarding effect of therapeutic of US for its use of insonation for treatment of patient with pain and soft tissue injury are available. This review article mainly emphasizes the therapeutic utility of US in dentistry for its effectiveness to decrease joint stiffness, reduce pain and muscle spasms and improve muscle mobility. In vivo studies have shown very little clinical effects. Conclusions: Further research is warranted in this clinically important area to make the development of noninvasive, multifunctional ultrasound devices for repair, regeneration and other therapeutic utility a success.

Background: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help smokers to quit smoking. Nicotine chewing gum has attracted the attention from pharmaceutical industries to offer it to consumers as an easily accessible NRT product. However, the bitter taste of such gums may compromise their acceptability by patients. This study was, therefore, designed to develop 2 and 4 mg nicotine chewing gums of pleasant taste, which satisfy the consumers the most. Materials and Methods: Nicotine, sugar, liquid glucose, glycerin, different sweetening and taste-masking agents, and a flavoring agent were added to the gum bases at appropriate temperature. The medicated gums were cut into pieces of suitable size and coated by acacia aqueous solution (2% w/v), sugar dusting, followed by acacia-sugar-calcium carbonate until a smooth surface was produced. The gums' weight variation and content uniformity were determined. The release of nicotine was studied in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer using a mastication device which simulated the mastication of chewing gum in human. The Latin Square design was used for the evaluation of organoleptic characteristics of the formulations at different stages of development. Results: Most formulations released 79-83% of their nicotine content within 20 min. Nicotine-containing sugar-coated gums in which aspartame as sweetener and cherry and eucalyptus as flavoring agents were incorporated (i.e. formulations F _19-SC and F _20-SC , respectively) had optimal chewing hardness, adhering to teeth, and plumpness characteristics, as well as the most pleasant taste and highest acceptability to smokers. Conclusion: Taste enhancement of nicotine gums was achieved where formulations comprised aspartame as the sweetener and cherry and eucalyptus as the flavoring agents. Nicotine gums of pleasant taste may, therefore, be used as NRT to assist smokers quit smoking.

Background: Periodontitis is inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth caused by specific microorganisms. Intra-periodontal pocket, mucoadhesive drug delivery systems have been shown to be clinically effective in the treatment of periodontitis. The aim of this study was to formulate a mucoadhesive gel from the seed hull of Quercus brantii and fruits of Coriandrum sativum for the treatment of periodontitis. Materials and Methods: The semisolid concentrated extracts were incorporated in gel base. Mucoadhesive gels were prepared using carbopol 940‚ sodium carboxymethylcellulose (sodium CMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose K4M (HPMC) as bioadhesive polymers. Physicochemical tests‚ mucoadhesive strength measurement and in vitro drug release study were carried out on two formulations containing carbopol 940 and sodium CMC polymers (Formulations F ₄ and F ₅ ). We investigated the antibacterial activity of formulation F ₅ against Porphyromonas gingivalis using the disk diffusion method on supplemented Brucella agar. Results: Eight gel formulations were prepared. Physical appearance, homogeneity and consistency of F ₄ and F ₅ were good. Mucoadhesion and viscosity of F ₅ (1% carbopol 940 and 3% sodium CMC) was more than F ₄ (0.5% carbopol 940 and 3% sodium CMC). Drug release from F ₅ was slower. Both of formulations were syringeable through 21 G needle. In the disk diffusion method, F ₅ produced significant growth inhibition zones against P. gingivalis. Conclusion: The ideal formulation for the treatment of periodontitis should exhibit high value of mucoadhesion, show controlled release of drug and be easily delivered into the periodontal pocket preferably using a syringe. Based on in vitro release and mucoadhesion studies‚ F ₅ was selected as the best formulation.

To study the effect of pomegranate juice on dental plaque microorganisms. A clinical trial was conducted on thirty healthy volunteers aged 25-30 years who visited Out Patient Department (OPD) of Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere during the month of October 2006. Before conducting the study, thorough oral prophylaxis was done and the subjects were asked to refrain from the oral hygiene procedures for 24 hrs. Dental plaque was collected from each subject, before and after rinsing 30ml of pomegranate juice without sugar. Plaque samples were cultured using Mitis Salivarius Agar and Rogosa SL Agar media. Wilcoxon's signed rank test was used for statistical analysis. Results showed that pomegranate rinse was effective against dental plaque microorganisms. There was a significant reduction in the number of colony forming units of streptococci (23%) and lactobacilli (46%). The ruby red seeds may be a possible alternative for the treatment of dental plaque bacteria.

Dental caries is progressive destruction of enamel, dentine and cementum, initiated by microbial activity at the tooth surface. It is one of the major problems in dentistry. On the basis of clinical features, it can be compared with Krimidanta which is one among the eight diseases of tooth. In the management of Krimidanta, Krimighna, Vataghna and Ushna Veerya dravyas are to be used which can relieve the toothache and discoloration. In this study, the trial drugs used were Jatipatradi Gutika for Pratisarana and Yavanadi Churna for oral administration. In this study, the patients of Krimidanta (dental caries) were selected from OPD of Shalakya Department and allotted randomly in different groups. In Group A, the patients were treated with Jatipatradi Gutika for Pratisarana for 30 days. In Group B, the patients were treated with Yavanadi Churna orally and Group C patients were treated with combined therapy for 30 days. The clinical study has shown that combined therapy gives better results than individual therapies.

Ayurveda had mentioned various procedures for maintaining oral hygiene. These include procedures like gandusha, kavala, dantadhavana, and jivha lekhana (cleaning tongue). Various plants have been mentioned in Ayurveda for dantakashta. Various Ayurvedic dental formulations are available in market in the form of powders, paste, etc. Present study was conducted for evaluating the effect of one of such Ayurvedic toothpowder named UDM, in controlling plaque and reducing gum inflammation in patients of moderate gingivitis. Scaling, root planning, and polishing were done for all the patients participating in the study. Oral hygiene instructions were given that included brushing twice/day with assigned tooth powder using BASS method for tooth brushing and also massage over gum tissue with finger. All the patients were recalled after 15 days. Scores of plaque index and gingival index was recorded on day 1 and day 15 of treatment. Total of 15 patients were recruited in each group. The mean reduction in gingival index was 1.15 (P<0.05) and 1.26 (P<0.05) in positive control and UDM treatment groups, respectively. However, the mean reduction in plaque indices were found to be 2.03 (P<0.05) and 2.16 (P<0.05) in positive control and UDM groups, respectively. No significant difference was seen in both the parameters between the two groups.

Biofilms and microbial aggregates are the common mechanisms for the survival of bacteria in nature. In other words, the ability to form biofilms has been regarded as a virulence factor. Microbial biofilms play an essential role in several infectious diseases such as pulp and periradicular pathosis. The aim of this article was to review the adaptation mechanisms of biofilms, their roles in pulpal and periapical pathosis, factors influencing biofilm formation, mechanisms of their antimicrobial resistance, models developed to create biofilms, observation techniques of endodontic biofilms, and the effects of root canal irrigants and medicaments as well as lasers on endodontic biofilms. The search was performed from 1982 to December 2010, and was limited to papers in English language. The keywords searched on Medline were "biofilms and endodontics," "biofilms and root canal irrigation," "biofilms and intra-canal medicament," and "biofilms and lasers." The reference section of each article was manually searched to find other suitable sources of information.

Introduction: Cross-contamination and cross-infection can occur by direct contact with micro-organisms, indirect contact with contaminated objects, droplet transmission, and inhalation of airborne pathogens. In dentistry, operatory surfaces can routinely become contaminated with patient saliva, blood, and other fluids during treatment. Aims and Objectives: This review is aimed to identify cross-contamination and spread of infection by various means and the appropriate preventive measures to be implemented. This review will also highlight the various aspects that are neglected in various dental schools/dental practice or any dental set up that potentiate cross-contamination ultimately affecting the dentist, dental team and the patients. Materials and Methods: A review of the dental literature concerning cross-contamination was performed. Material appearing in the literature before 1996 was reviewed as exhaustively as possible and materials after 1996 were reviewed electronically. In Medline, key words like cross-contamination, sterilization, asepsis, infection, infection control, prevention were used in various combinations to obtain a potential reference for review. A total of 2245 English Language titles were found, many were repeated due to recurring searches. The headings were shortlisted and reviewed for detailed examination. Results: A comprehensive review to evaluate the methods of preventing cross-contamination in dentistry involving various aspects and challenges encountered in a dental set up was constructed which was missing in the references of the review. Conclusions: Awareness and the necessary precautions play a pivotal role in preventing the occurrence of cross-contamination. It is the responsibility of the entire dental team to work in unison to prevent the menace of cross-contamination and spread of infection.

Halitosis is a widespread condition and believed to affect one-quarter of the population around the world; also, most people have this condition from time to time. Breath malodour may be an important factor in social communication, and therefore may be the origin of concern not only for a possible health condition but also for frequent psychological alterations, leading to social and personal isolation. The most conspicuous malodorous compounds are termed volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs), with hydrogen sulphide, methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulphide accounting for roughly 90% of the VSCs. A number of oral bacteria, especially Gram-negative anaerobic species found in the subgingival plaque, produce a diverse array of malodorous compounds as byproducts of their metabolism, including VSCs and short-chain organic acids. Assessment and management of halitosis is of paramount importance in enhancing the overall health; moreover, dentists play a significant role in combating halitosis by reducing the oral microbial stack. Thus, the aim of the present review was to describe the aetiological factors, assessment tools, and therapeutic approaches related to halitosis.