RESUMEN
Background: The presence of melanin pigmentation of the gingiva has unfavorable effects on esthetics in children. Although there are several local and systemic factors that cause melanin pigmentation, they may also be induced by the stimulation of melanocytes by stimuli present in tobacco smoke. Aim: The aim of the study was to correlate the effect of parental smoking on the pigmentation of gingiva in children of Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. Materials and methods: The study was a cross-sectional observational study. The study sample was formed by all children between 8 and 14 years of age. Only medically compromised children were excluded from the study. The children were examined for the presence of gingival melanin pigmentation. The status was recorded as present or absent. Determination of the smoking status of family members was done by a self-formulated questionnaire. Results: The presence of pigmentation was seen in 114 (82%) children, whereas pigmentation was absent in 26 (18%) children. Out of the total sample of 140 children, 95 had one or more family members who were smoking. The Chi-squared test performed to form an association between pigmentation and the type of tobacco used revealed high significance (p = 0.00) for the father who smokes bidi. Conclusion: There is a correlation between parental smoking and melanin pigmentation in the gingiva of children, and the correlation is very high when the father is a smoker, especially when he smokes bidi. How to cite this article: Anand A, Raja T, Thakur V, et al. Evaluation of the Effect of Parental Smoking on Gingival Melanin Pigmentation in Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(2):173-175.
RESUMEN
Aim: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effect of nanosilver fluoride (NSF), chlorhexidine (CHX), and sodium fluoride (NaF) when used as a varnish on Streptococcus mutans levels in children with dental caries. Study design: A total of 120 children (age range 8-12 years) with incipient caries were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 30): group I-NSF varnish, group II-CHX varnish, group III-NaF varnish, and group IV-control. Varnish application at baseline was performed once. To assess the levels of S. mutans using the culture method [colony-forming units (CFUs)] and optical density (OD), plaque and samples were taken at baseline (T0), 1 month (T1), and 3 months (T3). Additionally, the oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) was noted for clinical assessment. Results: By the end of 3 months, a statistically significant reduction in plaque CFU and salivary CFU was found in group II. At the conclusion of the 3 months, group I had the greatest decrease in OHI-S. After 3 months, the plaque CFU score did not differ significantly across groups I, II, and III. However, a statistically significant difference in OD values (p-value of 0.00) was discovered between group I and all other groups. Conclusion: Children with early caries can effectively lower their S. mutans count by using NSF varnish. How to cite this article: Raja T, Agarwal N, Jabin Z, et al. A Comparative Evaluation of Nanosilver Fluoride, Chlorhexidine, and Sodium Fluoride When Used as a Varnish on Streptococcus mutans Levels in Children with Caries. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(4):410-416.