Aim and background: Tobacco addiction poses a significant public health challenge globally, necessitating effective smoking cessation interventions. Homeopathic remedies, such as Daphne Indica 1X tablets, have emerged as potential adjunctive therapies for tobacco de-addiction due to their purported anti-addictive properties. However, evidence supporting their efficacy remains limited. Materials and methods: In this randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the efficacy of Daphne Indica 1X tablets in facilitating smoking cessation among adult smokers. Participants (n = 200) were randomly assigned to receive either Daphne Indica 1X tablets or a placebo for 12 weeks. Biochemically verified abstinence rates, self-reported smoking cravings, and changes in daily cigarette consumption were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Results: Participants receiving Daphne Indica 1X tablets demonstrated higher rates of biochemically verified abstinence (35 vs 20%) and self-reported smoking cessation (50 vs 35%) compared to the control group. Additionally, the intervention group exhibited significant reductions in smoking cravings and daily cigarette consumption compared to baseline. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Daphne Indica 1X tablets may be a promising adjunctive therapy for tobacco de-addiction. Further research is warranted to confirm these results and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action. Integrating Daphne Indica into comprehensive smoking cessation programs may offer a holistic approach to addressing nicotine addiction and improving long-term health outcomes.

Background: Oral mucosal lesions represent a significant burden in clinical practice, often requiring effective management strategies. Laser therapy has emerged as a promising modality for treating such lesions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of laser therapy in the management of oral mucosal lesions. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients presenting with various oral mucosal lesions who underwent laser therapy at a tertiary dental clinic over one year. Data regarding lesion characteristics, treatment parameters, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. Lesion size reduction, pain scores, and patient satisfaction were among the parameters assessed. Results: A total of 50 patients with oral mucosal lesions were included in the study. Laser therapy resulted in a mean reduction in lesion size of 60% ± 10% (mean ± standard deviation). Pain scores decreased significantly from an average of 7.5 ± 1.2 to 3.2 ± 0.8 posttreatment (p < 0.001). Additionally, 80% of patients reported high satisfaction with the outcomes of laser therapy. Conclusion: Laser therapy demonstrates effectiveness in the management of oral mucosal lesions, as evidenced by a significant reduction in lesion size, alleviation of pain, and high patient satisfaction rates. It represents a valuable therapeutic option for clinicians managing such lesions.

Background: Dental caries remain a prevalent childhood oral health issue globally, necessitating effective preventive measures. Probiotics have emerged as a promising avenue for modulating oral microbiota and preventing dental caries. This study investigates the role of probiotics in this context. Materials and methods: One hundred kids, ranging in age from six to twelve, participated in the study. Half of the kids were assigned to take a probiotic supplement every day, while the other half received a placebo. The experiment was a randomized controlled trial. Prior to and during the 6-month intervention, the composition of the oral microbiota was examined using high-throughput sequencing. Dental caries incidence and severity were assessed clinically. Results: Following the intervention, the probiotic group demonstrated a significant increase in beneficial bacterial strains such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the probiotic group exhibited a 30% reduction in dental caries incidence and a 20% decrease in caries severity compared with the control group. Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation effectively modulates oral microbiota composition, favoring a healthier balance and significantly reducing the incidence and severity of dental caries in children. Incorporating probiotics into oral health strategies may offer a novel approach for preventing dental caries and promoting oral health in pediatric populations.

Background: Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial for preventing dental plaque and gingivitis, both of which are common oral health issues. Toothpaste formulations play a significant role in controlling these conditions. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of various toothpaste formulations in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis. Materials and methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 100 participants with mild to moderate dental plaque and gingivitis. Participants were divided into five groups, each assigned to a different toothpaste formulation: fluoride-based, herbal, charcoal, baking soda, and natural. Plaque and gingivitis scores were assessed at baseline and after four weeks of regular toothbrushing with the assigned toothpaste. Plaque scores were measured using the Silness and Löe plaque index, while gingivitis scores were assessed using the Löe and Silness gingival index. Results: After four weeks, participants using fluoride-based toothpaste showed a significant reduction in plaque scores from a mean of 2.5 [standard deviation (SD) 0.8] to 1.2 (SD 0.5) (p < 0.001). Herbal toothpaste also demonstrated a reduction in plaque scores from 2.4 (SD 0.7) to 1.3 (SD 0.6) (p < 0.001). Charcoal, baking soda, and natural toothpaste showed reductions in plaque scores, but they were not statistically significant. Regarding gingivitis scores, fluoride-based toothpaste resulted in a significant decrease from 1.8 (SD 0.6) to 1.0 (SD 0.4) (p < 0.001). Other toothpaste formulations also showed reductions in gingivitis scores, but they were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Fluoride-based toothpaste demonstrated superior efficacy in controlling both dental plaque and gingivitis compared to other formulations. Herbal toothpaste also showed effectiveness in reducing plaque and gingivitis scores, albeit to a lesser extent. Charcoal, baking soda, and natural toothpaste formulations exhibited some reduction in plaque and gingivitis scores, but their effects were not statistically significant. Therefore, fluoride-based toothpaste remains the recommended choice for preventing dental plaque and gingivitis.

Background: Critical variables impacting oral health outcomes and patient experiences in dental treatment include dental anxiety and oral health literacy (OHL). The purpose of this research is to examine the correlation between OHL levels and dental anxiety in the general population. Materials and methods: Three hundred people who often visit dentist offices participated in a cross-sectional survey. A validated questionnaire was used to examine OHL levels, and the dental anxiety scale (DAS) was used to quantify dental anxiety. The relationship between OHL levels and dental anxiety was investigated using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis. Results: With a mean age of 35 years (SD = 8.6), 52% of the 300 participants were male. While 27% had very high OHL levels, 63% had intermediate levels. The ratings for dental anxiety varied from 20 to 80, with a mean of 45 and a standard deviation of 12.3. Higher levels of OHL were linked to lower levels of dental anxiety, as shown by a strong negative correlation between the two variables (r = –0.32, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Anxiety about the dentist is significantly correlated with OHL levels, according to this research. One way to help people feel more comfortable going to the dentist and have a better experience overall might be to increase their oral health knowledge.

Background: A common health problem, periodontal disease, causes inflammation and harm to the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Vitamin D insufficiency and the severity of periodontal disease may be related, according to new research. The purpose of this research is to find out whether taking vitamin D supplements improves the results of periodontal therapy. Materials and methods: One hundred people with a history of chronic periodontitis participated in a randomized controlled experiment. Vitamin D supplementation (1000 IU/day) and standard periodontal therapy were given to participants at random, or conventional periodontal therapy alone was given to the control group. At both the beginning and end of the 6-month treatment period, researchers assessed periodontal markers such as probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Furthermore, vitamin D blood levels were measured both before and after the intervention. Results: A statistically significant difference was seen between the treatment group and the control group in terms of mean CAL (3.3 mm vs 4.8 mm) and PPD (5.2 mm vs 3.8 mm), respectively, at the conclusion of the trial. A considerable improvement in vitamin D serum levels (from 20 to 30 ng/mL) was seen in the treatment group, suggesting that supplementation was adhered to. When compared to the experimental group, the control group's blood vitamin D levels changed very little. Conclusion: It has been found that using vitamin D supplements in addition to traditional periodontal therapy can improve the effects of the treatment. Vitamin D may be useful as an adjuvant to periodontal therapy, as it significantly reduces PPD and CAL. In order to refine supplementation procedures and better understand the processes behind this association, more study is needed.

Background: Self-medication among dental students is a growing concern due to the potential risks of incorrect drug use and adverse health outcomes. Understanding the prevalence and factors influencing self-medication within this group can guide interventions to promote safer practices. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of self-medication and identify the factors associated with this practice among dental students in Bhopal city. Materials and methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students enrolled at various dental colleges in Bhopal. Using stratified random sampling, students from each year of study were included to ensure representation across different levels of academic exposure. The survey collected data on demographics, self-medication practices, types of drugs used, and reasons for self-medication. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to explore associations between study years and self-medication practices. Results: The survey included 200 dental students, with a balanced representation across academic years. The prevalence of self-medication was found to be 70%, with the most common reasons being minor illness management, availability of prior knowledge, and accessibility issues. Higher prevalence rates were observed among senior students, indicating a trend where self-medication practices increased with academic progression. A significant association was found between the year of study and self-medication practices [χ² (3, N = 200) = 10.24, p < 0.05]. Conclusion: Self-medication is highly prevalent among dental students in Bhopal, influenced by academic progression and accessibility to medication. The findings highlight the need for educational programs to address the risks associated with self-medication and promote safer drug use practices among students.

Background: Recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) are among the most common oral mucosal lesions in the general population. Dental students, exposed to unique stressors and demands, may exhibit a higher prevalence of these lesions, which could impact their well-being and academic performance. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of RAU among dental students in Central India and to explore associated factors such as stress, dietary habits, and lifestyle. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students from several colleges across Central India. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed the frequency and severity of RAU episodes, alongside questions about dietary habits, stress levels, and lifestyle behaviors. The sample included 400 students, stratified by year of study to ensure representativeness. Results: The prevalence of RAU in our study population was 40%. Students in their clinical years reported a higher incidence (47%) compared with those in pre-clinical years (33%), suggesting a potential link with increased academic and clinical stress. High levels of stress, reported by 60% of participants with RAU, were significantly associated with the occurrence of ulcers (p < 0.05). Additionally, students consuming spicy foods frequently were 1.5 times more likely to develop RAU compared with those who did not (p < 0.05). Interestingly, only 40% of affected students sought treatment for their ulcers. Conclusion: The findings indicate a high prevalence of RAU among dental students, particularly associated with higher levels of perceived stress and consumption of spicy foods. The study underscores the need for stress management programs and dietary modifications as potential interventions to reduce the incidence of RAU in this population.

Socioeconomic status (SES) is one of the influential factors that determines the health of an individual. Assessment of SES status relies on multiple factors such as income, education, occupation, and religion. BG Prasad's SES scale is the most widely used. It is based on per capita monthly income and is widely used in India. As the price of the Rupee keeps on changing, there is a need to update the BG Prasad's SES scale.

The rehabilitation of patients with severely worn and partially edentulous dentition, especially after restoring the vertical dimension, presents a complex challenge in prosthodontics. Assessment of the vertical dimension is crucial in these cases to ensure optimal functional and esthetic outcomes. Hobo's twin-stage techniques and Pankey Mann Schuyler's philosophy are well-established approaches for full mouth rehabilitation, extensively documented in the literature. This clinical report outlines the full mouth rehabilitation of a patient using Hobo's twin-stage occlusal philosophy. Following conditions 1 and 2 of Hobo's twin-stage procedure, monolithic zirconia restorations were milled to achieve an acceptably restored vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO). The primary treatment goal was to attain functional and reviving Smile harmony within the stomatognathic system. Through meticulous planning and execution, this case study demonstrates the effective application of Hobo's twin-stage technique in addressing the complexities associated with severe wear and compromised vertical dimensions. The restoration of form, function, and esthetics in such cases underscores the importance of comprehensive treatment approaches in prosthodontic rehabilitation.