Streptococcus mutans is the primary initiator and most common organism associated with dental caries. Prediction of post-Streptococcus mutans favours in the selection of appropriate caries excavation method which eventually results in meliorate caries-free cavity preparation for restoration. The objective of this study is to predict the post-Streptococcus mutans prior to dental caries excavation based on pre- Streptococcus mutans using iOS App developed on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model. For the current research work, children with occlusal dentinal caries lesion were chosen, 45 primary molar teeth cases were studied. Caries excavation was done with carbide bur, polymer bur and spoon excavator. The colony forming units for pre and post-Streptococcus mutans were recorded, data emanating from clinical trials was employed to develop the ANN models. ANN models were trained, validated and tested with the registered clinical data using different ANN architectures. Feedforward backpropagation ANN model with an architecture of 4-5-1, predicts post-Streptococcus mutans with an efficiency of 0.99033, mean squared error and mean absolute percentage error for testing cases were 0.2341 and 4.967 respectively. Caries excavation methods and pre-Streptococcus mutans are feed as inputs, while post-Streptococcus mutans as targets to develop ANN model. Based on the developed ANN model, an ingenious iOS App was developed, the global clinician may utilize the App to meticulously predict post-Streptococcus mutans on iPhone based on pre-Streptococcus mutans, which in turn aids in decision making for the selection of caries excavation method. This study manifests the potential application of iOS App with built-in ANN model in efficiently predicting the post-Streptococcus mutans. Also, the study extends scope for applications of iOS App with built-in ANN models in clinical medicine.

The tribes of India have poor periodontal health status due to their isolation, awareness and less accessibility to dental resources. They follow traditional methods of oral hygiene practice, which are found to be inadequate and inaccurate to maintain their good oral health. This study aims to assess the oral hygiene practice, oral hygiene and periodontal status of two tribes residing in Bhadrachalam, Telangana, India. Based on accessibility the two tribes Koya and Lambada were included in the study. The total study population consisted of 1000 subjects, with 500 subjects in each group. Using a preformed proforma the oral hygiene practices were recorded for two groups and oral examination was done using Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) index and Community Periodontal Index (CPI). The OHI-S ranged between 2.5–3.0 in both the groups. The CPI index scores showed that sextants with calculus, shallow pockets, deep pockets and loss of attachment of 4-5 mm were significantly present in both groups. To conclude, though practice of poor oral hygiene and compromised periodontal status was seen among both groups. However, it was more prevalent in Koya. Under these circumstances, implementation of a basic awareness of oral health care programme for these tribes should be a high priority.

Dental caries had been studied by several studies in Saudi Arabia among different age groups and at various places. According to World Health Organization (WHO), assessment of caries at 15 years of age is more meaningful. The objective of this survey was to assess the prevalence of dental caries among 15-17-year teenage students in Abha, Saudi Arabia. Results of the present study can be used as baseline data for future oral health interventions for the population. A stratified cluster random sampling was followed in selecting the students. The clinical data was collected using dentition status component of WHO oral health assessment form 2013. Five investigators were trained and calibrated with 20 subjects for two successive days (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.91). Data was analyzed for descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U test was applied to compare the DMFT scores. Prevalence of dental caries among the study population was found to be 72.9%. The DMFT scores were found to be highest in the posteriors (90.7%). First permanent molar was the most common tooth affected by dental caries in all quadrants. The present study revealed that there is a high prevalence of dental caries among students aged 15-17 years in Abha, Saudi Arabia. Caries prevalence was highest in mandibular posterior segments, however, it was lowest in mandibular anterior segments. There is an urgent need for both preventive and curative dental health services in the region. It is recommended that a coordinated school dental program may be initiated in the area.

It has been observed that the general dentists and pedodontists differ in their treatment recommendations for pulp therapy in deciduous teeth. To determine the knowledge and practice of pulp therapy in deciduous teeth by general dental practitioners (GDP) in two cities of southern Saudi Arabia. Fifty GDP selected at random from government and private dental clinics were questioned about pulp therapy in deciduous teeth in Abha and Najran cities using a 10-item questionnaire. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software version 11.0 and descriptive statistics were obtained. All 50 participants responded to the survey. Pulpotomy was suggested as the first line of treatment for pulp-exposed primary tooth by 32 respondents with 44 using Buckley's formocresol and 32 applying it on the pulp for 5 minutes. 43 respondents squeeze dried the cotton pellet before application on the pulp. In pulpectomy procedure 44 respondents preferred zinc oxide eugenol as obturation material with 22 using handheld reamers and 15 using slow-speed lentilospirals for obturation. 12 respondents used obturation techniques which had no scientific relevance. In order of preference Glass ionomer cement (GIC), silver amalgam, and stainless steel crowns were the materials of choice for final restoration of endodontically treated deciduous teeth. All 50 answered in the affirmative when asked if they would like to have additional information about pulp therapy in deciduous teeth. The study concluded that general dentists were regularly performing pulp therapy in decidous teeth and therefore need to be frequently updated about these procedures.

Current evidence and understanding of bone science recognize the pivotal role of growth factors in all the aspects of bone grafting and regeneration. Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) is one of the richest sources of growth factors to enhance bone regeneration. The present article aims to highlight the basic mechanisms involved in the successful use of PRP and its clinical applications in Pediatric dentistry based on our case-reports citing its use for bone grafting in young children. With pertinence to its current advantages and recent applications, PRP could soon prove to be an invaluable tool for pediatric dental surgeons worldwide.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the oral health knowledge, behavior, and practices related to use of miswak (chewing stick) in population of Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: Of the 2023 participants, 1666 (83.3%) were females and 334 (16.7%) were males. The questionnaires having 10 online questions were used to assess the knowledge of oral hygiene methods, including frequency, reason, and methods for miswak use. Statistical Analysis Used: The survey data were collected and organized into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (Microsoft Inc., USA) and were statistically analyzed utilizing the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.0 software (IBM Inc., USA). The statistical test used here was the Chi-square test, and P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Results: Participants responded regarding the primary oral hygiene methods; 46.5% respondents used toothbrushes, 44.5% used both toothbrushing and miswak, and 8% used only miswak as their primary tooth cleaning method. 28.2% respondents cleaned their teeth with tooth brush or miswak at least once a day, 37.6% twice, 28.4% whenever required, and 5.9% infrequently. Majority of the participants, i.e. 70.2% were using miswak with taper and as a brush to clean all tooth surfaces. About 84.7% feel fresh, and teeth are whiter after the use of miswak. Nearly, 84.7% prefer to continue using miswak in combination with other teeth cleaning methods, which may have more benefits. Conclusions: In our study, most common type of oral hygiene method employed is toothbrush and in combination with miswak. Chewing stick use was common among participants with religious advice being the dominant reason for usage.