Background: The change in food consumption patterns with greater reliance on junk and processed foods is more often related to lifestyle disorders nowadays. Dental health status is a clear indicator of lifestyle choices as well as major changes in the lifestyle. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess the dental health status of individuals of Shimla (Himachal Pradesh, India) on the basis of their primary dental check-up and the interview-based data. Materials and Methods: A total of 301 individuals (152 males and 149 females) were examined for dental caries, dental plaque, and periodontal diseases among them followed by an interview session inquiring about their dietary intake and lifestyle patterns. The frequency distribution for each state was calculated for each tooth type, and statistical analyses were done. Results: The number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth of each subject resulted in the calculation of average decayed-missing-filled teeth index as 1.5182. The calculated significant caries index and plaque index were found as 3.06 and 1.2872, respectively. The maxillary teeth (59.2% and 43.62% in males and females, respectively) were more affected than the mandibular teeth (37.5% and 47.5% in males and females, respectively). The survey showed that the most affected teeth by caries were first premolars and first molars (22.36% of males and 30.87% of females showed caries in their first premolars; 25% of males and 15.43% of females showed caries in their first molars). Conclusion: The overall dental health status revealed that females had more deteriorated dental health conditions than males, though the difference in the frequencies was not statistically significant. Dietary survey has revealed that their diet includes a high amount of sugar content along with carbonated drinks and junk food.

Background: Dental fear and anxiety remains the most common emotions experienced by the child who visit the pediatric dentist. The success of pedodontics is determined by the odontologist's capability to gain the confidence and maintain the cooperation of the child. Objective/Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the behavior and anxiety levels of school-going children in a dental setting using a Miniature Pediatric Dental Office Model during the first dental visit of the child. Study Design: This cross-sectional research was carried out in a dental institute in the department of pediatrics and preventive dentistry. The study protocol was explained to the parents of 3–9-year-old children. Demographics were elicited from the parents and their correlation with the placement of the doll in the pediatric dental office model and a modified Frankl's behavior rating scale was used to assess the child's behavior. Results: Of 84 participants, 47 children were under the age of 6 years and 37 children were ≥6 years of age. In the doll placement test, the majority (36.9%) of the children preferred pattern 2 (the child is on the chair, the dentist is inside the operatory, the mother is inside the operatory, and the father is outside the operatory) in the doll placement test, and the least (8.3%) preferred pattern 1 (the child is on the chair, the dentist is inside the operatory, the father is inside the operatory, the mother is outside the operatory). Thirty-four percent children up to the age of 6 years exhibited a mix of negative-positive behavior, and 43.2% of children aged 6 years showed a positive behavior according to the modified Frankl's rating scale. Conclusion: The doll placement test using a miniature pediatric office aided us in determining the child's anxiety level during their first dental visit. To achieve emotional support and avoid the impact of traumatic separation, especially in younger children, our study showed that mothers should be present in the dental office to remove behavior-related problems.

Background: Ban on smoking in public places reduced the number of smokers considerably. According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2, tobacco use is decreased by 3% in Karnataka. However, the loose sale of tobacco products encourages the practice as tobacco users continue to use tobacco by purchasing loose tobacco products. Hence, the present study was carried out to assess the compliance of loose tobacco ban in Bidar city of Karnataka. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the compliance on loose tobacco ban in Bidar City. Methods: The exploratory research design was used. The study was cross-sectional and community based in nature. Sample Size: 98; 50 vendors and 48 consumers were randomly selected using the time-cluster sampling. Data were collected from 22 different locations using the observation and interview method within 2 km radius of Bidar City. Two separate pretested and predesigned semi-structured interview schedules were administered to tobacco users and vendors. The study was carried out in November 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Statistical analysis was done using the percentages and frequency tables. Results: Majority (96%) of the tobacco users were unaware of loose tobacco ban in Karnataka and prefer to buy cigarettes in loose. Four percent of tobacco users were aware that loose tobacco is banned. Majority of (76%) tobacco users think buying a full pack of cigarettes would increase smoking. There is absolutely no compliance on loose tobacco ban by tobacco vendors.

Introduction: Dermoid and epidermoid cysts commonly termed as “Dermoids” are known to be developmental benign swellings that possibly occur as a result of traumatic implantation of epithelium or entrapment of epithelial remnants during embryonic fusion. The occurrence is rare (about 7%) in the head-and-neck region and they represent <1.6% of all cysts of the oral cavity. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was done on 12 histopathologically proven cases of epidermoid and dermoid cysts of the maxillofacial region that were treated in Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India, from January 2013 to December 2019. The cases were evaluated for clinical presentation, demographic characteristics, and treatment performed. Results: Out of a total of 12 cases that were included in this study, 10 cases were diagnosed as epidermoid and 2 cases as true dermoid cysts. The mean age of occurrence was 31.66 ± 9.97 years. Male predominance was seen with a male-to-female ratio of 1.4:1. The floor of the mouth was the most commonly involved site in ten (83.34%) cases. Sublingual cysts were seen in five (41.67%) cases, combined sublingual–submandibular involvement in three (25%) cases, and midline floor of the mouth cyst in two (16.67%) cases. All the cases were treated by surgical enucleation, and no recurrence or malignant transformation was reported in any case at a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this retrospective study, it is suggested that these lesions are very rare in the maxillofacial region and pose a diagnostic challenge. However, fine-needle aspiration cytology, ultrasound imaging, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging techniques can be relied upon for precise treatment planning. Surgical enucleation of these lesions is the preferred treatment modality.

Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is a health concern which can lead to reduced overall quality of life. In most cases, due to the extent of rehabilitation required and difficulty in obtaining cooperation of the patient due to their age necessitates management under general anesthesia (GA). However, the COVID-19 pandemic limited dental treatment to emergency procedures only. The objective of this study was to report two cases of emergency management of S-ECC, under GA, emphasizing on the protocols and procedures required to be followed to safely deliver treatment in the background of the pandemic. Two children aged 3.5 years and a 5 years, respectively, were brought to the department by their parents due to severe pain, difficulty in chewing, and disturbed sleep. They were taken up as emergency cases for rehabilitation to alleviate pain and restore function. Protocols and procedures to prevent transmission of COVID-19 during treatment were followed stringently. In emergency management to rehabilitate patients suffering from S-ECC, care should be taken to follow all protocols instituted to prevent transmission of COVID-19 infection. This is highlighted in the oral cavity due to an increased chance of transmission during aerosol-generating procedures.

Amelogenesis imperfecta is a genetically determined inherited disorder characterized by abnormal formation of tooth enamel leading to esthetic, functional, and psychological impact on the patient. If teeth affected are not treated early; the existing condition will further deteriorate, leading to injury to the attachment apparatus complicating the proposed treatment plan and future prognosis. The definitive objectives of this rehabilitation were to eradicate tooth sensitivity while restoring masticatory function and enhancing esthetics. Treatment plan included root canal treatment of the decrepit teeth followed by porcelain fused to metal restoration. This case report highlight the prosthodontic management of a patient diagnosed with hypomaturation type amelogenesis imperfecta.

Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) is a rare but possible complication of dental treatment resulting from the usage of high-speed air-driven instruments and introduction of irrigating solutions like hydrogen peroxide into soft tissues. Two case reports are described here, namely (a) drying of root canals using a three-way syringe by “Venturi” technique and (b) accidental injection of hydrogen peroxide instead of local anesthesia in an infiltration technique. A review of the literature is done wherein a search for terms such as pneumomediastinum, mediastinitis, embolism, or extensive SE (ESC) from 1965 to 2020 using the PubMed search engine was done and the results were tabulated. Since the number of cases and complications reported are on the rise,data regarding diagnosis, investigations, and a management protocol with an emphasis on prevention have been elaborated. Methods such as reductive manipulation or “counter incision,” as incited from medical literature, have been suggested to reduce morbidity and mortality. In both of the case reports, subcutaneous cervicofacial emphysema resolved briefly due to the effectual reduction maneuver implemented promptly.

Periodontitis is a microbial disease of tooth-supporting tissues that results in progressive destruction of surrounding soft and hard tissues with eventual loss of tooth or tooth mobility. A comprehensive literature search was performed by using the keywords: periodontitis, periodontal disease, combined with the word genes, mutation, or polymorphism. Gene polymorphism studies with a reported genotype frequency in chronic periodontitis (CP) and aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients were searched and reviewed. There has been a growing evidence of polymorphisms in the interleukin (IL)-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha with CP and AgP in certain populations. However, carriage rates of the rare (R) allele of any polymorphism varied considerably among studies, and most of the studies appeared underpowered and did not correlate for other risk factors, hence furthermore researches are required including large sample size, different races, genotypes, and other risk factors which were found to be influential in expression and severity of CP and AgP to get a more comprehensive insight into the contribution of IL gene polymorphisms in CP and AgP.

The legendary Greek philosopher, Aristotle once said that “Man is by nature a social animal.” Biological transmission of any disease is linked to the social contact of human beings. Respiratory infections are the best example of it. Pandemics of respiratory viral illnesses in history have taught a lesson of simple measures to protect ourselves by using face masks. Since the last nine centuries, scientists have struggled to come up with the masks giving 95%–99% of protection against respiratory pathogens. Through this article, we aim to review the evolution of the mask through times, with the objective of finding its effectiveness in preventing infections and also its role as a source of infection. Various online databases were searched to find articles that provided description of evolution of the mask.