PGCEE MDS 2022: Microabrasion is a procedure in clinical orthodontics performed to:

 # Microabrasion is a procedure in clinical orthodontics performed to:

a) Clean the bracket base

b) Clean the arch wire

c) Polishing the bracket

d) Removal of white spot lesions.

The correct answer is D. Removal of white spot lesions.

Microabrasion is a method used to remove surface stains or defects. Enamel microabrasion is a minimally invasive technique for improving the appearance of teeth with superficial enamel irregularities and discoloration defects.  Tooth enamel defects amenable to microabrasion are brown or white stains or spots associated with conditions such as enamel fluorosis, hypomineralisation, decalcified areas around orthodontic brackets, or other intrinsic factors that do not respond to bleaching alone. In fact, microabrasion may be used either prior to and/or after dental bleaching to achieve uniform tooth color for these types of difficult-to-treat teeth.

PGCEE MDS 2022: Best route of heparin administration when IV line cannot be established is:

 # Best route of heparin administration when IV line cannot be established is:

A. Oral

B. Subcutaneous

C. Intramuscular

D. Sublingual

The correct answer is B. Subcutaneous.

Dosage: Heparin is conventionally given i.v. in a bolus dose of 5,000–10,000 U (children 50–100 U/kg), followed by continuous infusion of 750–1000 U/hr. Intermittent i.v. bolus doses of UFH are no longer recommended. The rate of infusion is controlled by aPTT measurement which is kept at 50–80 sec. or 1.5–2.5 times the patient’s pretreatment value. If this test is not available, whole blood clotting time should be measured and kept at ~2 times the normal value.

Deep s.c. injection of 10,000–20,000 U every 8–12 hrs can be given if i.v. infusion is not possible. The needle used should be fine and trauma should be minimum to avoid hematoma formation. Hematomas are more common with i.m. injection—this route should not be used.

Low dose (s.c.) regimen 5000 U is injected s.c. every 8–12 hours, started before surgery and continued for 7–10 days or till the patient starts moving about. This regimen has been found to prevent postoperative deep vein thrombosis without increasing surgical bleeding. It also does not prolong aPTT or clotting time. However, it should not be used in the case of neurosurgery or when spinal anesthesia is to be given. The patients should not be receiving aspirin or oral anticoagulants. It is ineffective in high-risk situations, e.g. hip joint or pelvic surgery.

PGCEE MDS 2022: When using a supplemental fluoride, which is the most important factor to be taken into consideration:

 # When using supplemental fluoride, which is the most important factor to be taken into consideration:

a) Mean climatic temperature

b) Number of topical fluoride treatments to be given

c) Amount of supplemental fluoride given by the physician

and the dentist

d) Age of the child and level of fluoride in drinking water

The correct answer is D. Age of the child and level of fluoride in drinking water.

How to remove tonsil stones or tonsilloliths?

 Tonsil stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are small, white or yellowish formations that can form on or in the tonsils. They are caused by debris, including bacteria and food particles, getting trapped in the tonsils' crevices and hardening over time.

There are several ways to remove tonsil stones, and the best method for you will depend on the size and location of the stones, as well as your overall health and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.

Here are a few methods to remove tonsil stones:

• Gently cough: This method is effective for small tonsil stones that are located near the surface of the tonsils. Try to gently cough up the stones using a deep, hacking cough.
• Use a water pick or oral irrigator: A water pick or oral irrigator can be used to gently flush out tonsil stones. The water pressure can help to loosen the stones and wash them out of the tonsils.
• Use a cotton swab: Gently press a clean cotton swab against the tonsil stone to push it out of the tonsil crevice.
• Use a toothbrush: You can use a toothbrush to gently brush the surface of the tonsil and dislodge the tonsil stones.
• Surgery: If your tonsil stones are recurring or large, a procedure called tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils) can be done.

It's important to note that, home remedies are effective when the tonsil stones are small and accessible. If the stones are large, recurrent or cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, it's best to seek professional medical help. A doctor or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist can help diagnose and remove the tonsil stones and also check for any underlying condition that may be causing them.

What is Ludwig's angina?

 Ludwig's angina is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that affects the tissues of the floor of the mouth. It is a type of cellulitis, which is a spreading infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. The condition is named after Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig, a German physician who described the condition in 1836.

The infection usually starts with inflammation and infection of the submandibular salivary glands, which are located just below the jawbone but can quickly spread to the surrounding tissues, including the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and the neck.

Symptoms of Ludwig's angina can include:

• severe pain and swelling in the jaw, tongue, and neck
• difficulty swallowing and speaking
• drooling
• fever and chills
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• difficulty breathing (due to the swelling in the neck)

Ludwig's angina is considered a medical emergency, and prompt treatment is essential to prevent potentially life-threatening complications, such as airway obstruction or sepsis. Treatment typically includes antibiotics to fight the infection, along with surgical drainage of any abscesses that may have formed.

Ludwig's angina typically starts as an infection in the submandibular salivary glands, which are located just below the jawbone. However, it can also be caused by an infection in the teeth, gums, or other oral structures that spreads to the floor of the mouth.

A common cause of Ludwig's angina is a dental abscess, which is a pocket of pus that forms at the tip of a tooth's root due to a bacterial infection. Dental abscesses can be caused by untreated tooth decay, a broken or cracked tooth, or gum disease. The bacteria can spread through the bone and soft tissues of the jaw and into the submandibular space, leading to Ludwig's angina.

Another oral infection that can cause Ludwig's angina is a peritonsillar abscess (quinsy) which is a collection of pus in the tonsils caused by a bacterial infection. This abscess may spread to the floor of the mouth and also cause Ludwig's angina.

In general, Ludwig's angina is considered a rare but serious condition, and if left untreated, it can be life-threatening due to the potential for airway obstruction and sepsis (systemic infection).

The mortality rate associated with Ludwig's angina varies depending on the studies, but it ranges between 2-15%. Early recognition and intervention are critical to improve the outcome. Early identification and appropriate intervention along with the necessary care, will lower the mortality rate.

It's essential to seek professional dental help if you suspect you have a tooth infection or an abscess, or if you experience any of the symptoms associated with Ludwig's angina, such as severe pain and swelling in the jaw, tongue, and neck, difficulty swallowing and speaking, fever, and difficulty breathing.

Signs and symptoms of Anemia and leukemia related to oral cavity

 Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen and carries it to the body's tissues. One of the common signs of anemia is fatigue and weakness, as the body's tissues are not getting enough oxygen. Other signs of anemia can include pale skin, shortness of breath, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

Oral symptoms associated with anemia can include dry mouth, sore tongue, and a burning or tingling sensation in the tongue and mouth. The gums may appear pale, and there may be small, shallow ulcers or sores on the tongue and inside of the cheeks. Anemia can also cause difficulty swallowing and a loss of taste.

In the case of leukemia, oral symptoms can include the following:

• Petechiae: Tiny red or purple spots on the gums, the roof of the mouth, and the buccal mucosa caused by bleeding under the surface of the skin.
• Gum hypertrophy: Enlarged or swollen gums
• Oral infections: Leukemia can impair the body's ability to fight infections, leading to frequent mouth sores, ulcers, and infections in the gums, tongue, and other parts of the mouth.
• Taste changes: Some people with leukemia may experience changes in their sense of taste.
• Excessive bleeding from the oral cavity
• Mouth pain
• Loose teeth

In addition to these symptoms, individuals with anemia or leukemia may also experience difficulty swallowing, sore mouth or tongue, and unexplained weight loss.

It is important to remember that these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions and to seek professional medical help to diagnose and treat them. A thorough examination of the oral cavity, together with laboratory and imaging tests, will be done by a dentist or oral surgeon to establish the diagnosis.

PGCEE MDS 2022: The dentin desensitizing agents that acts by precipitating proteins in the dentinal tubular fluid is:

 # The dentin desensitizing agent that acts by precipitating proteins in the dentinal tubular fluid is:

a) Strontium Chloride 

b) Potassium oxalate

c) Fluoride 

d) Hydroxyethyl methacrylate

The correct answer is A. Strontium chloride.

Dentin Desensitizers act by:

i) Desensitization of intradental nerves or inhibit or prevent transmission of the stimulus itself.

Eg: Potassium salts like nitrate, chloride and citrate.

ii) Occlusion of the dentinal tubules

a) Precipitation of proteins:

• Silver nitrate

• Zinc chloride

• Strontium chloride

b) Plugging of dentinal tubules

• Salts of fluorides and oxalates

• Bioglass

c) Dentin adhesive sealers

• Varnish

• GIC

• Composites

• Dentin bonding agents

iii) Lasers:

• Nd-YAG-act by occlusion of tubules

• GaAlA (Gallium Aluminium Arsenide laser act by affecting the neural transmission)