Aims and background: Conventional mouthguards, due to their increased thickness, are uncomfortable for the players. To increase the acceptability of mouthguards among players, this led to the development of a mouthguard that is 4 mm thick anteriorly and 2 mm thick posteriorly. In order to recommend this modified mouthguard to players, we need to find out its stress distribution pattern. For this, finite element analysis can be done in vitro. To evaluate and compare the stress distribution pattern of the modified and conventional mouthguards when exposed to a standardized force of 614 N horizontally on the maxillary jaw using finite element analysis. Materials and methods: Modified and conventional mouthguard models were created after obtaining a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of a 14-year-old child. Standardized forces were applied to 4 points (nodes) of the maxillary jaw. Results: The modified mouthguard showed minimum stress distribution in the left premolar region (1.83 MPa), whereas maximum stress distribution was observed in the maxillary left lateral incisor region (24.04 MPa). The conventional and modified mouthguards showed a displacement of 0.00624 mm and 0.000441 mm in the left premolar region, respectively. Conclusion: The modified mouthguard not only showed lower stress distribution but also exhibited minimum displacement compared to the conventional mouthguard when exposed to a standardized force of 614 N. Clinical significance: By reducing the thickness of the mouthguard, we can increase the acceptability of mouthguards among skating athletes.

Background: Microhardness is one of the most imperative physical characteristics for comparative study of dental material. Under acidic conditions, restorative materials experience degradation over time, which can be envisaged by changes in the surface characteristics such as downturn in hardness. Thus, we aim to assess the effect of acidic drink on microhardness of zirconia-reinforced glass ionomer cement (GIC) and conventional GIC. Materials and methods: Zirconia-reinforced GIC and conventional GIC were chosen for this present study. A total of 60 study pellets were prepared and divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 30 pellets of zirconia-reinforced GIC and group B consisted of 30 pellets of conventional GIC. Baseline readings of microhardness were taken by Vickers hardness testing machine. The samples of groups A and B were further divided into three subgroups. Subgroup 1: immersed in distilled water for 1 day (control). Subgroup 2: immersed in Coca-Cola for 1 day. Subgroup 3: immersed in Coca-Cola for 7 days. Surface hardness values were recorded after 1 day for subgroups 1 and 2 and after 7 days for subgroup 3. Results: The surface microhardness of zirconia-reinforced GIC was significantly higher than conventional GIC when intergroup comparison was made. There was no statistically significant difference in microhardness of both conventional GIC and zirconia-reinforced GIC from baseline values after 1 day of immersion either in distilled water or Coca-Cola. Microhardness of both conventional GIC and zirconia-reinforced GIC showed a significant rise from baseline after immersion in Coca-Cola after 7 days. Conclusion: Both the materials tested resisted acidic challenge; however, zirconia-reinforced GIC showed greater microhardness and can be considered as an alternative material of choice for conventional GIC.

Background and aim: Furcal perforation is one of the main causes of failure in endodontic treatments, and these perforations have a poor prognosis. The best choice for sealing perforations is bioceramic materials. The aim of this study was to compare the sealability of four mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) materials. Materials and methods: In this in vitro experimental study, access cavities were prepared for 60 extracted primary teeth (ten in each group). Perforations were performed in the furcation area of all selected teeth in six groups, including negative control (without perforations), positive control (perforations left unrepaired), Angelus graphene modified mineral trioxide aggregate (AGM MTA), MTA Angelus, and cold ceramic groups. Dye extraction technique was used to compare the sealability of the four bioceramic materials. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Intergroup comparison was accomplished using the Mann–Whitney test with Bonferroni correction. Results: The highest dye absorbance was related to the positive control group (0.09 ± 0.002). Among bioceramic materials, the highest mean value was observed in the AGM group (0.06 ± 0.004), and the lowest was seen in the MTA Angelus group (0.02 ± 0.004). There was a significant difference in dye absorbance between these groups (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Sealability of MTA Angelus was greater than that of other bioceramic materials. The lowest sealability was seen in AGM MTA. Thus, AGM MTA is not probably a good alternative in sealing furcation perforations.

Aims and background: Managing dental pain in pediatric patients is crucial for successful treatment and reducing anxiety. Methods such as topical anesthetics, distraction techniques, and computerized systems such as the “WAND” help reduce discomfort during local anesthetic administration. However, cryotherapy for precooling injection sites is cost-effective and potentially more effective alternative to traditional topical medications. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of ice and benzocaine gel as topical agents for pain management during local anesthetic administration via a computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD) system. Materials and methods: A split-mouth, single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted involving healthy children aged between 5 and 10 years who required maxillary bilateral local anesthesia for dental procedures. The objective pain was measured using the Modified Behavioral Pain Scale during the administration of local anesthetic via CCLAD, with the application of topical agent, ice, and benzocaine gel. Moreover, subjective pain was evaluated using the Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. Results: The topical ice group showed a lower Wong–Baker Facial Pain Scale score compared to the group using benzocaine gel; however, the observed difference was not statistically significant. Topical ice application showed a lower modified pain scale score compared to the benzocaine gel group; however, the observed difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Topical ice shows better results when compared to benzocaine topical anesthetic gel. Topical ice application along with CCLAD is an almost zero-pain injection technique in pediatric dentistry. Clinical significance: Pain management during local anesthesia injection is a critical step in gaining initial trust during dental treatment. Precooling the injection site with cryotherapy is beneficial in reducing pain before local anesthesia injection in pediatric patients.

Aim and objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of breathing exercise with and without bubble breath play therapy (BBPT) on pain perception and anxiety levels during local anesthesia administration in children aged between 6 and 11 years. Materials and methods: Total 36 children were selected and randomly allocated between two experimental groups and a control group. Group A: BBPT, group B: diaphragmatic breathing exercises (DBE), and group C: conventional techniques. The effectiveness of breathing exercise, BBPT, and behavior management technique in reducing anxiety levels and pain perception was assessed before intervention, after intervention, during local anesthetic (LA) administration, and after treatment using the animated visual pain rating scale (VPRS), pulse rate, oxygen saturation, Frankl's scale, FLACC (face, legs, activity, cry, consolability) scale, and relaxation measurement scale (RMS). Results: There were no significant differences found between the two intervention groups (group A and group B). Both intervention groups significantly reduced dental pain and anxiety in children. Conclusion: BBPT is found to be a simple relaxation and distraction method, which can be considered fun and enhances rapport between doctor and children during treatment. The use of such a technique to relieve the pain and anxiety associated with even a brief painful procedure should be encouraged.

Aim and background: Managing dental anxiety in children is a challenging aspect of pediatric dentistry, often addressed using various pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods. Nonpharmacologic methods are preferred due to their noninvasiveness and minimal adverse effects. This study compares the efficacy of aromatherapy and bubble breath play therapy (BBPT) in reducing dental anxiety in pediatric patients. Materials and methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 64 healthy children aged 6–10 years with moderate-to-severe dental anxiety and attending their first dental visit were included. Participants were randomly assigned to either the aromatherapy group, where lavender essential oil was diffused, or the BBPT group, where children engaged in bubble blowing for 5 minutes. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Chhota Bheem–Chutki Scale (CBCS), pulse rate (PR), and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) levels at baseline, postintervention, and posttreatment. Results: Both interventions significantly reduced anxiety levels; BBPT showed a greater reduction (p < 0.001) than aromatherapy. PR significantly decreased post-BBPT (p < 0.05) but not with aromatherapy. SpO₂ levels improved significantly in the BBPT group (p < 0.05). Intergroup comparisons indicated BBPT had superior outcomes in reducing anxiety and PR and improving SpO₂ levels compared to aromatherapy. Conclusion: Both aromatherapy and BBPT effectively reduce dental anxiety in children, with BBPT offering additional benefits due to its interactive nature. Future research should explore long-term effectiveness and personalized approaches to optimize anxiety management strategies in pediatric dental settings. Clinical significance: The relatively novel nonpharmacological behavior management techniques of aromatherapy and BBPT can be incorporated into the routine clinical practice of pediatric dentists to effectively reduce the anxiety of the patients. This would improve their cooperation during the treatment procedures, reduce the chairside time, and also improve the treatment outcome and subsequently, the overall quality of health care.

Background: In the past 20 years, research into pulpotomy materials has transitioned into the “biological era,” marked by the emergence of innovative dental materials such as bioactive glass, which are bio-inductive and supportive of regeneration. This evolution represents significant advancements in dentistry. Aim: To evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and histological success rate of zinc (Zn) bioactive glass as a pulpotomy medicament for primary molars. Patients and methods: A total sample size of 40 primary molars was selected from 36 children aged 6–9 years. A regular conventional pulpotomy procedure was followed by the placement of Zn bioactive glass over the radicular orifice. The pulp chamber was filled with reinforced zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE). Patient recall was scheduled at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. Further evaluation was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The present study shows 100, 97.44, 94.74, and 94.74% clinical success at the end of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. The radiographic success was 100, 94.87, 92.11, and 92.11% at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. SEM analysis showed a well-defined dentinal bridge formation between Zn bioactive glass and the pulp chamber. Conclusion: Quite promising clinical, radiographic, and histological results of Zn bioactive glass in the present study show its potential as an additional pulpotomy medicament to the presently existing pulpotomy agents.

Background and objectives: Though dental caries has a multifactorial etiology, the specific factor that results in its high rate of transmissibility is the microbial component, that is, mutans streptococci (MS), and its association with protective factors, such as salivary immunoglobulin A (S-IgA). Hence, it is important to identify such risk and protective factors associated with early childhood caries (ECC) using isolation of the colonies based on the fundamental method of colony morphology, adjunct with an advanced fully automated platform, to minimize human errors. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was done on 40 children who were divided into two groups: group I (experimental) and group II (control). Plaque samples from the children were collected by scraping the material from four index teeth using a sterile toothpick. The samples were transported to the central research laboratory for estimation of viable MS colonies on selective media TYCSB (tryptone, yeast extract, cysteine w/ sucrose, w/ bacitracin) and the VITEK® 2 COMPACT automated microbial identification system. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: On comparison of viable MS between varying severities of dental caries and caries-free children in the age-group 3–6 years, it was found to be below the grand median of 33 colony-forming unit (CFU) × 10⁴ for subgroup IA and control group II. A significant positive statistical correlation (r = 0.960) was present between the viable MS and varying severities of ECC and the control group. Group IB had a significant relationship for both the variables (MS colony count and S-IgA) among all other subgroups and the control group as well. Interpretation and conclusion: Multiple comparison of mean difference in MS CFU and S-IgA levels between different severities of dental caries using Tukey's HSD range test was established.

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) holds immense promise in revolutionizing personalized approaches to disease prevention. Parental involvement plays an important role in shaping children's oral health behaviors. Aim: To assess and compare the effectiveness of parent-oriented educational mobile messages and conventional oral health education (OHE) in the caries risk profile among preschoolers using Cariogram. Materials and methods: A double-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 mother–child pairs from four preschools. The study recruited mothers with smartphones, while children who were ill and without dental caries were excluded. A computer-generated table of random numbers was employed to randomize participants to the mHealth group (n = 50) and conventional OHE group (n = 50). The intervention group received educational messages via WhatsApp every 2 weeks for 4 months, alongside conventional OHE, and the control group (n = 50) received only OHE. The outcome assessor remained blinded throughout the study period. Cariogram was assessed at baseline and after 4 months. Results: Among the 100 mother–child pairs who enrolled in the study, 84 completed it. The mHealth group showed a significant increase in the chance to avoid new cavities and a decrease in high-risk participants (p < 0.001). Additionally, the intervention group exhibited reduced Lactobacillus count, snack frequency, plaque amount, and increased fluoride exposure compared to baseline (p < 0.001). Intergroup comparisons revealed significant differences in most caries risk factors, except salivary flow rate, Streptococcus mutans count, decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) scores, and buffering capacity. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of parent-oriented mHealth education in reducing caries risk among preschoolers when compared to conventional OHE. Clinical significance: This study provides evidence that supports the creation of digital strategies for early childhood caries prevention programs. These strategies empower individuals to take charge of their dental care, particularly laypersons, enhancing self-management. CTRI number: CTRI/2023/03/050519.

Background: Dental fear and anxiety are common issues affecting pediatric dental care, leading to challenges in treatment delivery and patient compliance. Nonpharmacological techniques such as the tell-show-do (TSD) method and CARD™ system have emerged as effective strategies for managing child dental anxiety. Aim: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of the CARD™ system and TSD technique in managing the behavior of 6–10-year-old children during dental procedures. Methods: Forty children requiring invasive dental treatments were randomly assigned to either the TSD technique (group 1, n = 20) or CARD™ system (group 2, n = 20) groups. Physiological parameters (oxygen saturation and pulse rate) and behavioral responses (evaluated using the Facial Image Scale) were assessed before and after procedures. Data were analyzed using t-tests and Mann–Whitney U tests as appropriate. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the techniques regarding physiological parameters or behavioral responses. Both groups exhibited comparable oxygen saturation levels (CARD™: 98.00 ± 1.02; TSD: 98.00 ± 1.12) and pulse rates (CARD™: 87.45 ± 7.28 bpm; TSD: 90.30 ± 10.26 bpm) before procedures, with minimal changes observed postprocedure. Similarly, there were no significant differences in emotional responses assessed by the Facial Image Scale before (CARD™: 1.90 ± 0.85; TSD: 1.80 ± 0.76) or after procedures (CARD™: 2.80 ± 1.60; TSD: 2.95 ± 1.50). Conclusion: This study suggests that the CARD™ system and TSD technique are equally effective in managing child dental anxiety. Both methods offer viable options for reducing anxiety and enhancing cooperation during dental procedures.

Aim and background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a significant oral health problem in India. Personalized care based on individual or group risk has become a key aspect of dental caries prevention and management. However, an appropriate tool for caries risk assessment (CRA), taking into consideration the protective and risk factors for ECC specific to the Indian population, does not exist. This study aimed to report on the development and refinement of an evidence-based CRA tool for Indian children <6 years of age through consultation and feedback by dental professionals. Materials and methods: Stakeholder consultation sessions were conducted with 65 participants, which included dental professionals and postgraduate residents. A survey questionnaire was also used to collect feedback on the initial draft of the newly developed Indian CRA tool. Predominant preferences and recommendations for improvement were taken into consideration, and the data were descriptively analyzed. Results: The consultation sessions were conducted separately with three groups. A total of 80% of participants also completed the survey questionnaire. Survey questionnaire results reveal that 82.7% considered the current proposed questions in the Indian CRA tool to be sufficient, while 86.5% indicated that the tool would be understandable by parents. Overall, the majority of respondents (96.2%) agreed on the importance of the drafted Indian CRA tool for tailoring anticipatory guidance and treatment for individual children. Conclusion: The newly developed CRA tool for Indian preschool children will be a useful resource for dental practitioners to assess young children's individual caries risk levels and assist with providing a personalized preventive service to children. The developed tool was refined based on dental professional feedback and was found to be a user-friendly, simple, practical, and evidence-based approach. Clinical significance: This study developed the first evidence-based CRA tool for preschoolers in India. Researchers drafted and then refined the tool through consultation with stakeholders. The final CRA tool is evidence- and algorithm-based, easy to use, and considers the risk factors specific to ECC of the Indian preschool population.

Context: Primary teeth often show bizarre root canal anatomy; this requires the clinician to gain a thorough knowledge of the primary root canal morphology. Complex primary root canal morphology often leads to missed canals, and hence, various strategies can be adapted to reduce this likelihood. Aim: To compare the detection rate and ease of locating root canal orifices in primary molars using magnifying loupes, methylene blue dye, and fluorescein sodium dye. Settings and design: Parallel-arm randomized clinical trial. Materials and methods: A total of 36 primary molars were divided into two groups: Group I: methylene blue; Group II: fluorescein sodium. Both groups utilized magnifying loupes (×2.5). The principal investigator used magnifying loupes, followed by the coinvestigator who used the assigned dye to detect the canal orifices. The principal investigator again examined the dyed canal orifices under magnification. The number of canals found and the ease of locating them with the three different aids were recorded on a five-point Likert scoring scale by both investigators. Statistical analysis: A comparison of the number of canal orifices and ease of location was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: There was a significant difference in ease of detection between loupes, methylene blue dye, and the loupes combination (p-value 0.047); also, between loupes, fluorescein sodium dye, and the loupes combination (p-value 0.040). However, no statistically significant difference was found in detection rate with the three different methods. Conclusion: The dye and loupes combination was proven more effective than using dye or loupes alone.

Aim and background: The retention of the band and loop space maintainer over the stainless steel crowns (SSCs) dictates the success of the space maintainer. Using two widely used luting agents, this study assesses the binding strength between SS bands and the most popular SSCs as well as the recently released Bioflx crowns. Materials and methods: This in vitro study consisted of 48 samples divided into four groups. Type I glass ionomer cement (GIC) and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) were used to cement stainless steel (SS) bands over SSCs and Bioflx crowns. The shear bond strength was tested using a universal testing apparatus. To determine the degree of significance, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), post-hoc Tukey's test, and a p-value maintained at ≤0.05 were utilized. Results: The shear bond strength between the SSC and RMGIC (0.908 ± 0.20 MPa) was statistically significant and higher than between the SSC and GIC (0.362 ± 0.21 MPa). Though not statistically significant, the binding strength between Bioflx crowns and GIC was stronger than between Bioflx crowns and RMGIC. Conclusion: The SS bands bonded well to the SSCs with RMGIC, and there was no significant difference between the SSCs and Bioflx crowns with GIC as the luting agent. Cohesive failures were common with GIC, and adhesive failures were common with RMGIC in both crowns. Clinical significance: The present study's findings can help clinicians make informed decisions when choosing crowns and luting agents for teeth with SSCs.

Background and aim: Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)-fabricated space maintainers offer a reliable alternative to traditionally fabricated stainless steel (SST) appliances, avoiding their commonly encountered drawbacks. The aim of this study is to evaluate the shear peel bond strength of the CAD/CAM polyetheretherketone (PEEK) space maintainer in comparison with an SST one. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 50 molars, divided into two groups: a customized PEEK band (study group) and a prefabricated SST orthodontic molar band (control group). The crowns of the study group were scanned using a lab scanner, the bands were designed using ExoCAD software, and the PEEK disks were milled. The inner surfaces of the PEEK bands were sandblasted, etched, rinsed, and dried. Both bands were cemented to the teeth using self-etch dual-cure resin cement. The sheer peel bond of the bands was tested twice, both before and after cementation, using an electromechanical tensile universal testing machine. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: Prior to cementation, the peel bond strength of the PEEK band (0.02 ± 0.01) was significantly higher than the SST band (0.01 ± 0.00) (p = 0.000). Additionally, the PEEK band's shear peel bond strength (0.58 ± 0.18) following cementation with self-etch dual-cure dental resin cement was considerably higher than the SST band's shear peel bond strength (0.49 ± 0.24) (p = 0.04). Conclusion: PEEK bands designed with CAD/CAM technology showed a better shear peel bond than SST bands, both before and following cementation, which imply that PEEK might provide a dependable alternative for traditional SST bands used in pediatric dentistry.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different oral health education aids in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Materials and methods: The present study included a total of 90 children with ASD aged 10–15 years. The children were assigned to three groups. Group A was provided oral health education using visual cards, group B with a mobile-based application (Brush Monster™), and group C with video modeling. All the children were screened to note the plaque and gingival index (GI) and were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks. Results: A significant difference in plaque scores (p = <0.001) and gingival scores (p = <0.001) was observed within the groups after 6 and 12 weeks postintervention. There was no statistically significant difference in dental plaque scores and gingival scores between the groups at all the timelines. Conclusion: In this study, visual cards, a mobile-based application (Brush Monster™), and video modeling significantly reduced dental plaque and gingival scores. Hence, all these modalities can be used as effective tools in educating children to improve their oral hygiene. Clinical significance: Poor oral hygiene can result in numerous complications for children with autism. Therefore, providing specialized education to raise awareness about oral hygiene offers significant benefits for these children in multiple aspects. CTRI registration number: CTRI/2023/08/056407.

Aim and background: The dental probe is a commonly used instrument for the visuotactile examination of teeth in the diagnosis of caries, periodontal conditions, etc., and also for the removal of debris. Due to its sharp end and invasive nature, its use is controversial in children. A study was conducted to assess the acceptance of dental college staff and students for a novel diagnostic tool to replace the dental probe. Materials and methods: A questionnaire was developed and validated to record the responses pertaining to several considerations for the replacement of the dental probe and acceptance of the novel tool from the staff and clinical students of two departments (Oral Medicine and Pediatric Dentistry) of a private dental college and hospital. Results: Both staff and clinical students of two departments indicated acceptance for the use of the novel diagnostic tool to replace the dental probe with reference to several parameters. In the interdepartmental comparison, the staff and students of pediatric dentistry preferred the novel tool compared to those of Oral Medicine, and in the interdesignational comparison, students preferred the novel tool to replace the dental probe more than the staff [assessed using the mean and standard deviation (SD) acceptance using t-test with significance <0.05]. Conclusion: In conclusion, the novel diagnostic tool to replace the dental probe has potential for acceptance and can be recommended for further use and more research. Clinical significance: The novel diagnostic tool to replace the dental probe can help dentistry present in a less invasive and more attractive manner.

Aim and background: Employment can affect a mother's role, as working mothers may have less time to oversee oral hygiene and diet, potentially leading to higher rates of dental caries. In contrast, non-working mothers often have more time for health routines and nutritious meal preparation, resulting in better dental outcomes. Materials and methods: This comparative cross-sectional study evaluates body mass index (BMI), dental caries, and sugar consumption among 3–5-year-old schoolchildren with working and non-working mothers in Mysuru city. The study included 75 children of working mothers and 75 children of non-working mothers. Data on oral hygiene and sugar consumption were collected using a validated questionnaire, and clinical examinations and BMI measurements were conducted by a trained dentist. Statistical tests like Student “t” test, ANOVA, and logistic regression analysis were used. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Results showed that children of working mothers had a slightly lower mean BMI (15.45 ± 2.15) than those of non-working mothers (15.65 ± 2.007). Children of working mothers had higher decayed, missing, and filled teeth/decayed, extracted, and filled teeth (dmft/deft) scores, indicating more dental caries. More children of working mothers were classified as normal weight or underweight (64 and 22.7%, respectively), while more children of non-working mothers were overweight (25.3%). Conclusion: Both groups had similar sugary snack and dairy intake rates, but children of working mothers had higher caries rates and lower BMIs, illustrating the complex impact of maternal employment on children's oral health. Clinical significance: This study explores how maternal employment impacts children's BMI and dental caries, highlighting connections between employment, income, nutrition, and health. Understanding these links helps develop public health interventions to improve children's health and family well-being.

Background: The prevalence of total dental caries (untreated and treated) in primary or permanent teeth increases with age, going from 21.4, 50.5, and 53.8% among ages 2–5, 6–11, and 12–19, respectively. Dental caries is a dynamic process of demineralization and remineralization, and the use of various topical and systemic fluoride- and nonfluoride-based remineralizing agents can help replenish lost ions, promoting remineralization and further decreasing the prevalence of caries. Objectives: The aim of this study is to formulate the grape seed extract-containing tooth mousse and to compare its physiochemical properties with the commercially available GC Tooth Mousse. Materials and methods: The methodology involves formulating a tooth mousse incorporating grape seed extract and conducting physicochemical evaluations to compare its properties with those of the commercially available GC Tooth Mousse. Results: Physicochemical parameters of grape seed extract-containing tooth mousse are similar to the gold standard GC Tooth Mousse. Along with that, the slight acidity of the grape seed mousse supports the remineralization process. Conclusion: The study highlights that the grape seed extract-containing mousse offers a promising alternative to the marketed GC Tooth Mousse.

Background: The procedural pain in dentistry has undesirable effect on child's psychology and future dental visits; therefore, means to decrease these is absolutely essential. Aim: To assess the effectiveness and comparison of virtual reality (VR) and clown dentists as anxiety management tools. Design: This prospective three-arm randomized controlled trial included children aged 3–13 years. They were divided randomly into three groups, a control group (group I) in whom no anxiety management was given and two test groups in whom intervention by VR (group II) or clown dentists/hospital clown (group III) was imparted. Heart rate and anxiety scores were measured by Chota Bheem–Chutki (CBC) pain scale before and after procedure. Results: Data was analyzed for 159 children. The mean anxiety pretreatment in group I was 2.09, in group II it was 3.03, and in group III it was 3.15. Posttreatment, the anxiety level spiked in group I to 3.20, whereas it dipped in group II and III, the mean level being 1.81 and 1.84, respectively, the difference being statistically significant. Conclusion: The anxiety and hemodynamic parameter were lower in both intervention groups (VR and dental clown) than those of the control group.

Aim: This is a case report of a 4-year-old patient with complete anodontia due to ectodermal dysplasia (ED) using digital planning and printing of a complete denture. Background: ED is a hereditary disorder characterized by the abnormal development of ectodermal tissues, often resulting in anodontia. Traditional treatment methods for anodontia in pediatric patients are challenging and often less effective. Recent advancements in digital technologies offer promising alternatives, providing better outcomes for patients with ED. Case description: A 4-year-old patient diagnosed with complete anodontia due to ED underwent treatment using a three-dimensional (3D) printed complete denture. Advanced digital technologies, including the intraoral scanner and the 3D printer, were utilized in the treatment process. The application of these technologies led to significant improvements in the patient's oral functions, psychological well-being, and overall health. Conclusion: The use of a 3D printed complete denture for a pediatric patient with ED resulted in notable enhancements in oral functionality and quality of life. This case signifies the utility of digital planning and scanning in the fabrication of a denture for pediatric patients with ED. Clinical significance: This case underscores the benefits of 3D printing technology over conventional methods in the treatment of anodontia in pediatric patients with ED. The successful application of these advanced digital technologies demonstrates their potential to revolutionize dental care, providing improved outcomes and enhancing the overall well-being of affected individuals.