Aims: The aim of this study was to estimate the count of Streptococcus mutans in saliva of caries free children using Dentocult SM strip mutans and to evaluate the effect of fluoride varnish on the Streptococcus mutans count in saliva of these caries free children. Methods and material: Thirty caries free children were selected for the study based on the information obtained from a questionnaire prepared. They were randomly assigned into the control group and the study group consisting of ten and twenty children respectively. Samples of saliva were collected using the saliva strips from the Dentocult SM kit and after incubation the presence of the Streptococcus mutans was evaluated using the manufacturers' chart. The study group was subjected to Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application after 24 hours following which the samples were collected again. Results: The average Streptococcus mutans count in primary dentition of caries free children was in the range of 10⁴ to 10⁵ colony forming units/ml. The average Streptococcus mutans count in primary dentition of caries free children after Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application was below 10⁴ colony forming units/ml. Conclusion: Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application showed a statistically significant reduction in the Streptococcus mutans count in saliva of the caries free children in the study group.

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of malocclusion among school children of Bangalore city, India during their mixed dentition period. The sample consisted of 745 children (388 males and 357 females) in the age group of 8-12 years randomly selected from twelve different schools in Bangalore city. The subjects were randomly selected, and none had received previous orthodontic treatment. Occlusal anteroposterior relationships were assessed based on the Angle classification. Also various malocclusion features associated with class I malocclusion according to Dewey's modification of Angle's classification were assessed. The results showed that about 71% of the subjects had malocclusion. Class I malocclusion constituted the major proportion of malocclusion which was found in 62% of the studied population. No significant difference was found between boys and girls neither in the overall prevalence of malocclusion nor in various forms of malocclusion. Crowded incisors was found to be most common finding in subjects with class I malocclusion. A number of studies have been conducted to determine the prevalence of malocclusion among Indian children and it has been reported that the results range from a value as low as 19.6% (Miglani DC, Chennai 1961) to as high as 90% (Sidhu SS, Delhi). This varied range emphasizes the need to standardize criteria for assessing malocclusion.

The lure of convenience in addition to good taste gets people to junk food addiction. With the advent of television even in the remotest areas people have become more aware of the fast food items available. Children watch television where fast food continues to dominate the food advertisements viewed by children. The easily available fast food in and around school campus and with little knowledge of the far reaching effects of these food items consumed, children fall an easy prey to junk food. Children are unaware of the food they eat and the effects it has on their growth and development. This survey reflects the large percentageof children who surrender to the temptation junk food consumption with little knowledge of its far sighted effects on their health.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine clinical success rate of single visit verses multiple visit root canal treatment in cariously exposed vital primary molars. Material & methods: 40 children in age group of 4 to 7 years were divided equally into two treatment groups and recall visits were carried out after one week, one month and three months and six months. Results: Statistically no significant difference was found. Conclusion: Multiple visit and single visit root canal treatment demonstrated almost equal success but most important aspect for success in pulpectomy cases is the indication of each case and then its subsequent treatment, be it multiple or single visit root canal treatment.

Amelogenesis Imperfecta is a hereditary anomaly that affects the enamel of human teeth and is not associated with any systemic disorder of affected patients. The affected teeth are disturbed in coloration, thickness and resistance. The rehabilitation of amelogenesis imperfecta in a child must take into account the development of the child's teeth, the health of the periodontal tissues and the maxillary and mandibular growth. This article reports the endodontic and occlusal rehabilitation of a 14-year-old girl affected with autosomal recessive hypocalcified type of amelogenesis imperfecta with multiple periapical cysts.

Functional, esthetic and endodontic restoration of a pulpally involved permanent incisor with root dilaceration often presents a daunting clinical challenge. The outcome of conventional treatment modalities like surgical removal of the tooth followed by orthodontic closure of the space is time consuming and esthetically compromising. Even the prosthetic and implantalogical rehabilitation after extraction is not possible until the patient reaches certain age; while the compliance is a problem with the use of removable partial denture in young children. Autoalloplastic anterior tooth transplantation can lead to physical and psychological trauma in a young individual. Thus endo-esthetic management of such teeth helps in maintaining both morphology and esthetics in a growing child until the permanent long lasting prosthetic solution is sought after the complete development of the dentition and jaws. This treatment option for a pulpally involved permanent incisor with root dilaceration involves completing the endodontic treatment in a partially calcified and aberrantly located root canal followed by the use of light transmitting fiber post and core build up using composite resin.

Other than in patients suffering from epilepsy, tongue lacerations are rare. Most commonly, these injuries occur when the tongue is between the teeth and a fall or blow occurs. They cause parents to panic and the child to cry uncontrollably with blood, tooth and soft tissue debris in the mouth. The presenting characteristics of the patient and injury as well as the treatment rendered and its outcomes are described.

Early childhood caries (ECC) affects more than one out of seven preschoolers and is more prevalent in lowincome families, who generally have limited access to dental services. The seriousness and societal costs of ECC continue to be a significant health issue for children from racial/ethnic minorities and from developing countries. Hence, a biological restoration seems to be a successful cost-effective alternative approach for treating such cases.