Aim: An Anganwadi worker (AW) can be a vital link in the health care delivery system as she provides a package of services to mothers and children. Oral health knowledge among these workers is an integral component of preventing early childhood caries (ECC). The present study aimed to assess the existing knowledge of early childhood oral health-related factors among AWs. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among AWs in Davangere city, India. The study involved face-to-face interviews and recording the response to a pretested 12-item questionnaire. Of the 80 participants, 74 participants responded to the questionnaire. Results: Of the 74 respondents, 34.3% agreed that a mother's diet during pregnancy affects the development of the infant's teeth, while 47.6% disagreed. Sixty-four percent of the participants agreed that problem with babies' teeth affect the adult teeth, and 85% of the participants agreed that breastfeeding is important for the health of the child's teeth. Ninety-two percent of the participants agreed that untreated tooth decay affects the general health of the child, and 47.3% agreed that bacteria that cause decay can spread from mother to child. Conclusion: Our study concluded that AWs showed some degree of knowledge about certain aspects of ECC. The knowledge however appeared to be inconsistent. We recommend that AWs need to be educated by conducting periodic oral health education programs, which will increase their awareness about ECC.

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Background: The presence of mouth breathing (MB) in pediatric patients is a relatively common fact and may result in a series of changes characteristic of occlusal features. In the presence of unbalanced muscular activity, dental inter-arch relationship is the important parameter to understand the patient's occlusion. Therefore, it is important to assess the occurrence of occlusal disorders among MB children. Aim: The present study is undertaken to verify the dental occlusal characteristics with extent of MB and nasal breathing in a pediatric patient. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to assess the association of changed mode of respiration with occlusal variables from dental cast. Ninety-two subjects, of whom 40 were mouth breathers and 52 were nasal breathers, of 7-11 years of age were submitted to clinical examination and dental cast analysis. Results: Mouth breathers demonstrated considerable increase in palatal height and increased overjet, and statistically significant narrowing of the upper arch at the level of the molar. Conclusion: Changed mode of respiration during critical growth periods in children has a higher tendency for increased palatal height and overjet, reduced overbite and maxillary intermolar width.

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Human teeth may show variations and changes in morphological structures. Such changes may be found on the crown either in the form of anomalous cusps or in an increased number of roots, which in some instances is associated with an anomalous cusp. Accessory or supernumerary cusps are common variations of tooth morphology that are occasionally encountered clinically. The most commonly reported accessory cusps are cusp of Carabelli of the molars, talons cusps of the incisors and Leong's tubercle of premolar. Herewith, we present a case of maxillary third molar associated with six supernumerary cusps along with a dens evaginatus that is a rarely reported dental variation in the literature. The article also discusses the need for continuous dental surveillance of this rare anomaly with a review of the literature.

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Many types of localized reactive lesions may occur on the gingiva, including focal fibrous hyperplasia, pyogenic granuloma, peripheral giant cell granuloma and peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF). POF is a gingival growth, usually arising from interdental papilla. Other terms used to describe this lesion include peripheral cementifying fibroma, peripheral fibroma with cementogenesis, peripheral fibroma with osteogenesis, peripheral fibroma with calcification, calcified or ossified fibrous epulis and calcified fibroblastic granuloma. POF usually occurs at a mean age of 30 years and as the age advances incidence reduces. Here in this article, we present a case report of POF occurring in a 55-year-old female patient.

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"It is more important to preserve what already exists than to replace what is missing," as stated by M.M. Devan has never been challenged or disapproved. In situations with few remaining natural teeth, prosthodontists are posed with a dilemma for the treatment options. In such cases, overdenture therapy has been proven to be advantageous. Bearing in mind the philosophy of preventive prosthodontics, overdenture therapy has a long-term advantage by preserving the proprioception and thereby residual alveolar ridge. This clinical report describes the prosthodontic rehabilitation a patient with few remaining mandibular natural teeth by telescopic mandibular overdenture for added advantages like better retention, stability, support and psychological benefits of the patient.

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Iatrogenic perforation is usually an undesired complication that results in an artificial communication between the root canal system to the supporting tissues of the teeth or to the oral cavity. It can occur during preparation of endodontic access cavities and exploration of calcified canal orifices. Successful treatment depends on the proper diagnosis and immediate sealing of the perforation site to eliminate the risk of infection. On the basis of the physical and biologic properties, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has shown superior sealing ability and is suitable for closing the perforation site. The purpose of this case report is to describe the successful orthograde retreatment of iatrogenically perforated lower central incisor associated with dual sinuses. The perforation site was cleaned with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and 0.9% normal saline solution and sealed with MTA with an internal collagen matrix. Finally, the tooth was endodontically treated and coronally restored with composite resin. After 6 and 12 months of follow-up, the absence of periradicular radiolucent lesion, disappearance of dual sinus, pain and swelling indicated a successful outcome of non-surgical sealing of the perforation.

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The talon cusp, or dens evaginatus of anterior teeth, is a relatively rare dental developmental anomaly characterized by the presence of an accessory cusp-like structure projecting from the cingulum area or cementoenamel junction. This cusp resembles an eagle's talon and hence is named after it. It usually contains normal enamel, dentin and, sometimes, extending into the pulp. Most of the cases are unilateral and only one-fifth of the cases are bilateral. We are hereby highlighting a rare and distinctive presentation of talon cusp involving the bilateral maxillary incisors.

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Variations in the dental anatomy are found in all teeth. Knowledge of these variations, particularly concerning the location and treatment of all canals, is very important for the success of the endodontic therapy. The purpose of this case report is to present a clinical case of a maxillary second molar with three mesiobuccal canals. This report serves to remind clinicians that such anatomical variations should be taken into account during endodontic treatment of the maxillary molars.

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Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a relatively rare chronic vesiculobullous disease that affects the mucosal surfaces, including the conjunctiva, oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, upper respiratory tract and genitalia as well as the skin. Recurrent lesions result in permanent scarring that causes morbidity and mortality. Desquamative gingivitis is the most characteristic feature of MMP and may mark the onset of the disease. In this article, we report the clinical manifestations, histological features and treatment of a case of MMP.

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Labial and buccal gingival recession is a common finding in the adult population that occurs due to various etiologies. When present, it can lead to unaesthetic appearance and also cause hypersensitivity. However, very limited literature is available quoting the incidence of palatal gingival recessions and, sometimes, it can go unnoticed during routine clinical examinations. These too can cause sensitivity and also pose a technical challenge in surgical correction due to poor accessibility and visibility when present. Herein, we report a case of palatal gingival recession treated successfully by connective tissue graft.

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Oral piercing is a practice that was done even in the before Christ era, but the designs and purposes are changing with time. These days, it is mainly used as a style statement and for religious reasons. Although it aids in marking the identity of a person, but at the same time if not done with precision, then it can lead to various disastrous effects as well. This review highlights the various facets of oral piercing, including its history, designs, procedure, complications, precautions to be taken for a patient bearing oral piercing jewelry and the current status.

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