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Background: Over the years, certain primary teeth have been shown to be highly sensitive to dental caries, while others have remained caries-free. It has been hypothesized that this may be attributed to differences in the permeability of the enamel surface. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the hypothesized differences in the permeability of primary tooth enamel in children with and those without Severe Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC) using scanning electron microscopy. Materials and Methods: Sixteen children between 3 and 6 years of age were randomly selected and divided into two groups: Group 1, children without S-ECC (n = 8), and Group 2, children with S-ECC (n = 8). In each child, 4 teeth (the maxillary right and left central and lateral incisors) were subjected to evaluation. An impression was made with polyvinylsiloxane impression material, and scanning electron microscopy was used to inspect the negative replicas for droplets. Results: The results indicated higher significance when individual regions (cervical, middle, and incisal thirds) in the two groups were evaluated and compared. Similarly, the overall results showed high statistical significance between S-ECC and non-S-ECC teeth. Conclusion: There could be a positive relationship between the permeability of tooth enamel and the development of caries, which needs further research.

Background: Dental caries causes mineral loss and organic damage to teeth. Understanding caries and dentin pulp reactions is crucial for effective caries management strategies. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the microscopic and ultramicroscopic changes that occur during caries destruction and reactive changes. This study used polarizing and scanning electron microscopy to compare deciduous and permanent coronal caries. Materials and Methods: The study included 30 teeth, comprising 15 primary and permanent teeth, all with coronal caries. They were also compared with 10 (5 each) noncarious primary and permanent teeth. The teeth were examined using polarizing and scanning electron microscopy to study enamel and dentin destruction, reactive dentin formation, peritubular dentin destruction, and bacterial colonization. Results: Deciduous teeth had more enamel and dentin destruction for coronal caries than permanent teeth in our study. The permanent teeth had more reactive dentin formation than primary teeth. Peritubular dentine alteration was increased in deciduous teeth, and bacterial presence on dentin was higher in permanent teeth under scanning electron microscope. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that caries destruction is more prevalent in deciduous teeth, and reactive response is more effective in permanent teeth affected by caries. These findings reflect the structural durability of the mineralized tissues and prompt reactive response of the dentin pulp complex of permanent teeth compared to deciduous teeth. Our research highlights the importance of identifying and treating decay in primary teeth at an early stage.

The characterization and quantification of human dental enamel microstructure, in both permanent and deciduous teeth, allows us to document crucial growth parameters and to identify stressful events, thus contributing to the reconstruction of the past life history of an individual. Most studies to date have focused on the more accessible post-natal portion of the deciduous dental enamel, even though the analysis of prenatal enamel is pivotal in understanding fetal growth, and reveals information about the mother's health status during pregnancy. This contribution reports new data describing the prenatal enamel development of 18 central deciduous incisors from the Imperial Roman necropolis of Velia (I-II century CE, Salerno, Italy). Histomorphometrical analysis was performed to collect data on prenatal crown formation times, daily secretion rates and enamel extension rates. Results for the Velia sample allowed us to derive a new regression formula, using a robust statistical approach, that describes the average rates of deciduous enamel formation. This can now be used as a reference for pre-industrial populations. The same regression formula, even when daily incremental markings are difficult to visualize, may provide a clue to predicting the proportion of infants born full term and pre-term in an archaeological series.

AIM: To assess the efficiency of different polyacrylic acid concentrations on the removal of the smear layer after caries removal with hand and rotary instruments in affected dentine of primary teeth. STUDY DESIGN : In vitro study. METHODS : Six exfoliated primary molars with carious lesions were divided into two groups for caries removal: (1) hand instrument or (2) low speed bur. Each tooth was cut into four pieces. One piece assigned as control surface and the other three surfaces were actively treated with either 40% Fuji IXGP Liquid (GC America), or 40% Fuji IXGP Liquid diluted with water, and 25% Ketac MolarTM Conditioner (3M-ESPE). Surfaces were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). All images were submitted to an analysis by an experienced SEM professional, regarding presence or absence of smear layer and dentinal demineralization pattern. Chi-squared test was carried out (5% significance). RESULTS : There was no difference concerning the presence of a smear layer in relation to the method of caries removal, and 40% Fuji IXGP diluted with water causes a higher demineralization when compared with the control group of teeth (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Treatments with polyacrylic acid are indicated prior to glass ionomer cement application in primary teeth.

Objectives This work aimed to investigate the impact of folic acid or multivitamin containing folic acid supplementation during pregnancy on morphology and mineral content of enamel structure in deciduous teeth. Materials and methods 54 exfoliating deciduous upper central incisors were extracted from children between the ages of 6 and 8. Teeth were divided according to the maternal use of micronutrients into three groups ( n  = 18), group I: no use; group II: folic acid; and group III: multivitamin containing folic acid. Specimens’ ultrastructure was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Elemental analysis was done using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), then statistical evaluation was conducted. Results SEM analysis revealed a uniform enamel surface morphology, indicating a level of resistance to normal physiological enamel wear in groups II and III in contrast to group I. These findings were affirmed by EDX assessment where enamel surface revealed statistically significant higher values for calcium, and phosphorus in groups II and III relative to group I. Additionally, carbon content revealed statistically significant higher values in group I than those of groups II and III, suggesting more susceptibility of hydroxyapatite crystals to dissolution in group Ι. Conclusion Maternal micronutrients supplementation was linked with the preservation of enamel structure in primary teeth. This indicates enhanced enamel resistance to mineral loss during normal physiological dental wear. The findings of this preliminary study highlighted the importance of prenatal multivitamin supplementation as a strategy in preventive dentistry.

Background In the clinical setting, it would be useful to predict which children are at the highest risk of caries to take effective preventive measures. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between finger dermatoglyphics and ameloglyphics and to predict caries susceptibility of primary teeth in association with finger dermatoglyphics. Methods Finger dermatoglyphics and ameloglyphics were recorded using the stamp ink pad and cellophane tape techniques, respectively. The association between finger dermatoglyphics and ameloglyphics was analyzed. The hypocalcified areas, micromorphological patterns and the microchemical weight contents of the enamel were investigated using a light microscope, a scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results There was a significant association between the fingerprint dermatoglyphics and ameloglyphics (Fisher’s exact test = 29.503, P  = 0.000) and, this association was a moderate one (Cramér’s V = 0.385). The hypocalcified areas of enamel in the form of lamellae, tufts, and spindles were predominated in the teeth related to the arch fingerprint and less predominated in the teeth related to the loop fingerprint patterns. Micromorphological investigation showed enamel rods of irregular and uneven thickness in the teeth related to the arch fingerprint pattern. Whereas, enamel rods were of regular and even thickness in the teeth related to the loop fingerprint patterns. Microchemical analysis for the weight content (kα) of Ca, P, C, and, O elements in the enamel of the teeth related to the arch, loop and whorl fingerprints patterns revealed that the mean values and standard deviations were 23.53 ± 0.15, 25.72 ± 0.02 and 24.77 ± 0.02 for Ca; 12.20 ± 0.05, 13.02 ± 0.01 and 12.17 ± 0.01 for P; 29.47 ± 0.02, 28.77 ± 0.02 and 29.24 ± 0.02 for C; and 34.51 ± 0.01, 32.36 ± 0.02 and 33.68 ± 0.02 for O, respectively. One-way ANOVA statistical test revealed significant differences for the Ca, P, C and O weight content (kα) between three groups ( P value = 0.000). Conclusion There is a moderate association between finger dermatoglyphics and ameloglyphics, and finger dermatoglyphics could be used as a handy tool for predicting carious lesions in primary teeth.

Background: Organic amine fluorides and nano-hydroxyapatite dentifrices have shown remineralization potential in various studies. However, there is a lack of direct comparison between amine fluoride and nano-hydroxyapatite with conventional inorganic fluorides as sodium monofluorophosphate. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate remineralizing efficacy of the three dentifrices on both primary and permanent enamel surfaces. Methods: Enamel sections were obtained from 40 sound molars - 20 primary and 20 permanent molars. Five enamel slabs were prepared from these extracted molars stored in artificial saliva, wherein one slab acted as control, second as demineralized (negative control), and other three slabs were brushed with sodium monofluorophosphate, amine fluoride, and nano-hydroxyapatite dentifrices, respectively, twice daily for 21 days. Scanning electron microscopy- Energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis for surface morphology and calcium and phosphorus content and Vickers surface microhardness (SMH) values were evaluated at baseline, after demineralization, and postapplication of the experimental agents. Results: Highly significant changes in calcium phosphorus ratio and SMH values were seen in enamel slabs treated with nano-hydroxyapatite and amine fluoride dentifrice as compared to sodium monofluorophosphate in both primary and permanent teeth. Surface morphology of enamel slabs treated with amine fluoride most closely resembled natural enamel morphology, while sodium monofluorophosphate-treated surfaces showed globular pattern of remineralization. Deposition of a separate highly mineralized layer over existing surface was seen in nano-hydroxyapatite-treated surfaces. Conclusions: Nano-hydroxyapatite exhibited highest remineralization potential in terms of mineral gain followed by amine fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate dentifrice.

Aim : The present SEM study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of root canal instrumentation using both manual and rotary files in the root canals of primary anterior teeth. Study design: Thirty freshly extracted primary maxillary incisors were divided into 3 groups of 10 teeth each. In Group I, root canals were instrumented with rotary NiTi files; in Group II, the root canals were instrumented using manual NiTi K files and; in Group III, manual instrumentation was done with stainless steel K files. Longitudinal sections were prepared and processed for observation under SEM at the coronal, middle and apical thirds. Scoring of smear layer was done according to Hulsmann and the data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Rotary files cleaned the coronal and middle thirds of root canals more effectively. Statistically there was no significant difference between the groups. Lowest score of 2.6 in the apical third of root canals was seen with hand NiTi files. Conclusion: Rotary instrumentation was as effective as manual instrumentation in removal of smear layer in the root canals of primary anterior teeth.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) addition in different proportions to glass ionomer cement (GIC) on microleakage and microhardness of GIC. Study design: The cement was divided into four groups: one using the original composition and three with 10%, 25%, and 50% EEP added to the liquid and then manipulated. For microleakage assessment, sixty primary molars were randomly divided into four groups (n=15). Standard Class II cavities were prepared and then filled with EEP in different proportions added to GICs. Microleakage test was performed using a dye penetration method. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Mann - Whitney U tests (α = 0.05). Disc shaped specimens were prepared from the tested GIC to determine Vickers hardness (VHN). The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test (α = 0.05). Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of microleakage (p > 0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the VHN values of groups (p < 0.05). Increasing addition of EEP to GIC statistically significantly increased VHN value of GIC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The addition of EEP to GIC increased the microhardness of the GIC and did not adversely affect the microleakage. Thus, it might be used during routine dental practice due to its antibacterial properties

Aim: Study the topographic features of dentin after caries removal with a chemomechanical agent (Papacarie) compared with the conventional drilling method. Study design: The sample included 7 exfoliated and extracted primary teeth with carious dentin lesions, not reaching the pulp. Each tooth was sectioned longitudinally through the center of the carious lesions into two halves. The teeth were then divided into two groups according to the method of caries removal. Following caries removal, dentin topography and the cut section were examined using the scanning electron microscope. Results: Papacarie produced an irregular, porous, rough and globular dentin appearance. The dentin surfaces were generally free of smear layer, visible bacteria and the dentinal tubules were opened. The dentin cut surfaces showed patent dentinal tubules with open orifices. The drilling method created a smooth and amorphous surface with a continuous smear layer occluding the dentinal tubules. Numerous bacteria were also observed. The cut dentin surfaces showed patent dentinal tubules with their orifices plugged with smear layer. Conclusions: Papacarie produced a rough and porous surface with partial or complete removal of the smear layer and opened dentinal tubules, while the drill produced a smooth surface with uniform smear layer occluding the dentinal tubules.