The antioxidant capacity of saliva was estimated by an adaptation of ABTS [2, 2′-Azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulphonate)] assay. Results.  The mean TAC level in the saliva

of the children in study group was found to be significantly increased (P < 0.001), and a significantly linear regression was seen between the TAC and dmft score (P < 0.001) whereas it was insignificant between see more the TAC and age (P = 0.078). Conclusion.  The results indicated that TAC of saliva increased significantly in children with S-ECC and increasing prevalence of dental caries predisposes to the increase in TAC of saliva. “
“International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 21: 232–239 Background.  The design of the bristles of a toothbrush can affect the overall efficacy of toothbrushing. Aim.  To evaluate and compare a number HM781-36B in vivo of selected features associated with the bristle (length, number and end-rounding quality) of manual child and adult toothbrushes. Design.  The bristle lengths of 11 child and 29 adult toothbrushes were measured on digital micrographs using open source image analysis software. Bristles of tufts from five regions were counted and classified

as acceptable or non-acceptable on stereomicroscopic images according to the end-rounding morphology. The data was evaluated statistically. Results.  The number of bristles were similar in child and adult toothbrushes (P > 0.05). Despite significant differences in bristle end-rounding in some regions (P < 0.05), the overall quality of bristles were similar in child and adult toothbrushes (P > 0.05). Conclusions.  The variations observed in the number, length and end-rounding quality of the bristles indicate

inherent shortcomings of a majority of the tested toothbrushes in plaque removal efficacy, along with the potential for irritation on the gums. “
“International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2013; 23: 23–31 Background.  Home visits (HV) provide excellent opportunities Tolmetin for health promotion. Aim.  This longitudinal study compared the effects of HV and telephone contacts (TC) in preventing early childhood caries (ECC) and colonisation of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LB) from 0 to 24 months. Design.  A total of 325 children were recruited from community health centres at mean age of 42 days, and randomly assigned to receive either HV or TC. A total of 188 children completed three, 6 monthly HV, and another 58 had three, 6 monthly TC. An additional 40 age-matched children from childcare facilities served as reference controls (RC). At 24 months, all groups were examined at a community dental clinic. Results.  At 24 months, three HV children of 188 (1.5%) had caries, compared to four TC of 58 (6.8%) and nine RC of 40 (22.5%) (P < 0.001 for HV versus RC; P = 0.05 for HV versus TC and P = 0.03 for TC versus RC). There were also more children with MS in the TC (47%) and RC (35%) compared to HV (28%) group (P = 0.