Asian Journal of Dental and Health Sciences

Comparative Evaluation of Hemostatic Gel vs Gelatin Sponge on Bleeding and Pain After Primary Teeth Extraction: An In-vivo Comparative Study

2025-01-24T00:51:15-05:00

Background- In pediatric dental practice, extraction is one of the common procedures whether it’s a case of over-retained deciduous teeth or carious and traumatic teeth with poor prognosis. In pre-cooperative patients or patients with special health care needs, post extraction bleeding must be managed very effectively and quickly too, as such patients are unable to follow the post-extraction pack instructions properly. Hence, aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of hemostatic gel and gelatin sponge on post-extraction bleeding and pain following extraction of primary teeth and whether the root length of the primary teeth draws any impact over the post-extraction bleeding time and flow.

Materials & Methodology- It was a prospective, randomised clinical trial of sample size 20 teeth in each group. Inclusion criteria were ASA class-I patients in the age group 6-12 years, patients with at least 1 primary tooth to be extracted under LA local infiltration. After extraction, a pressure pack of normal saline soaked gauge was given for 2 minutes and then hemostatic agent was applied as per the groups allocated either hemostatic gel or gelatin sponge to the extraction socket.

Results- Gelatin sponge performed better in controlling the bleeding from extraction socket at 5 minutes and 10 minutes interval as the mean data of bleeding code was statistically significant but it was not significant at 15 minutes interval means both the material performed equally better at the end of 15 minutes in controlling bleeding.

Conclusion- Placing Gelatin sponge pack post primary teeth extraction significantly reduces the bleeding time at 5 minutes and 10 minutes interval and hastens the blood clot in comparison with hemostatic gel.

Keywords- Post-Extraction Bleeding, Gelatin Sponge, Hemostatic Gel

Oral Health Literacy Level and Biofilm Maturation as Risk Indicators for Dental Caries and Gingivitis: A Cross-Sectional Study

2024-12-26T03:11:03-05:00

Background. In Indonesia, dental and oral disorders are prevalent, with dental caries and gingivitis being the most common types of tooth decay in elementary school children. Gingivitis affects 90% of the world's population, with 80% of those affected being children under 12. Oral health literacy, which includes reading, writing, arithmetic, speaking, listening, and making sound decisions, is crucial for preventing oral diseases.

Methods. A study involving 82 primary school students. The study used a modified OHL-AQ questionnaire and the GC triPlaque ID Gel™ (TPID) technique to assess biofilm maturation

Results. The results showed a significant link between oral health literacy and biofilm maturation, suggesting that inadequate oral health literacy increases the risk of dental caries. Conclusions. Inadequate oral health literacy increases biofilm maturation and the risk of dental caries.

Keywords: Health literacy, Biofilm, Dental Caries, Gingivitis, Cross-Sectional Study

Using Mentzer Index to Improve Anemia Management in Pregnancy: A Narrative Review

2024-12-12T09:18:17-05:00

Anemia during pregnancy is a significant public health challenge, affecting maternal well-being and fetal development. Among the most common causes are iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia trait (TT), conditions requiring distinct management strategies. Accurate differentiation between these conditions is critical, as misdiagnosis can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes. The Mentzer Index, calculated by dividing the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) by the red blood cell (RBC) count, offers a simple and reliable tool for distinguishing between IDA and TT, especially in resource-limited settings. This review explores the utility of the Mentzer Index in improving anemia diagnosis and management in pregnancy. By analyzing routine complete blood count (CBC) results, the Mentzer Index allows for initial differentiation, facilitating timely and appropriate interventions. A Mentzer Index value of ≥13 indicates IDA, guiding clinicians toward iron supplementation, while a value <13 suggests TT, prompting further investigations and genetic counseling. This approach reduces unnecessary interventions, improves diagnostic accuracy, and ensures tailored management, mitigating complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal morbidity.

Keywords: Mentzer Index, pregnancy, anemia, iron deficiency, thalassemia

The Mentzer Index and Pregnancy: Differentiating Between Iron Deficiency and Thalassemia

2024-12-12T09:19:12-05:00

Anemia during pregnancy is a common condition with significant risks for both maternal and fetal health. The two primary causes of anemia in pregnancy—iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia trait (TT)—require distinct treatment strategies. The Mentzer Index, a simple and cost-effective diagnostic tool, helps differentiate between these two types of anemia by calculating the ratio of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) to red blood cell (RBC) count. This review explores the role of the Mentzer Index in improving anemia diagnosis and management in pregnancy, highlighting its benefits and limitations. The Mentzer Index is calculated by dividing the MCV by the RBC count, with values greater than 13 typically indicating IDA and values less than 13 suggesting TT. The index offers a quick and accessible method for distinguishing between these two conditions, enabling healthcare providers to administer appropriate treatments, such as iron supplementation for IDA or genetic counseling for TT. Early and accurate diagnosis through the Mentzer Index can reduce the risk of complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight, while ensuring appropriate anemia management for pregnant women.

Keywords: Mentzer Index, Pregnancy, Iron Deficiency, Thalassemia, Anemia Diagnosis

Diagnostic Challenges in Maternal Anemia: Mentzer Index in Clinical Practice

2024-12-14T22:35:55-05:00

Maternal anemia is a significant health concern during pregnancy, as it poses risks for both maternal and fetal well-being. Two common causes of microcytic anemia in pregnant women are iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia trait (TT). Distinguishing between these conditions is crucial, as their management differs substantially. The Mentzer Index (MI), a simple diagnostic tool, is commonly used to differentiate between IDA and TT based on the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red blood cell (RBC) count. However, while the MI is widely used due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, its accuracy can be influenced by various factors, including the presence of mixed anemia, laboratory errors, and coexisting conditions. This review explores the diagnostic challenges of maternal anemia and evaluates the role of the Mentzer Index in clinical practice. We discuss how the MI can be helpful in initial screening, particularly in resource-limited settings, but highlight its limitations in cases of complex anemia, such as when thalassemia trait coexists with iron deficiency. We also examine the role of complementary diagnostic methods, such as serum ferritin, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and genetic testing, which can improve diagnostic accuracy and guide treatment decisions.

Keywords: Maternal anemia, Mentzer Index, diagnostic challenges, iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia trait

Mentzer Index in High-Risk Pregnancies: Anemia Screening and Management

2024-12-28T12:10:08-05:00

Anemia remains a common and critical health issue in high-risk pregnancies, leading to adverse outcomes for both the mother and fetus, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal fatigue. Differentiating between the two most common causes of microcytic anemia—iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia trait (TT)—is essential for appropriate management. The Mentzer Index, calculated by dividing the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) by the red blood cell (RBC) count, has been proposed as a simple and effective tool to distinguish between these two conditions. This review explores the role of the Mentzer Index in anemia screening and management, particularly in high-risk pregnancies, where timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for improving health outcomes. The application of the Mentzer Index in high-risk pregnancies offers a quick and cost-effective method for clinicians to identify whether the anemia is likely due to IDA or TT. A Mentzer Index score below 13 typically suggests thalassemia trait, while scores above 13 generally point toward iron deficiency anemia. While useful, the Mentzer Index is not definitive on its own and should be complemented by other diagnostic tests, such as hemoglobin electrophoresis, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation, to confirm the underlying cause of anemia. By integrating these methods, healthcare providers can better tailor treatment plans, ensuring that women with IDA receive appropriate iron supplementation while avoiding iron overload in those with thalassemia trait.

Keywords: Mentzer Index, high-risk pregnancies, anemia screening, iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia trait

Assessing Anemia in Pregnant Women: The Usefulness of the Mentzer Index

2025-01-15T03:13:34-05:00

Anemia during pregnancy is a prevalent concern, with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia trait (TT) being two common causes. Differentiating between these conditions is crucial for effective management, as IDA requires iron supplementation, while TT does not. The Mentzer Index (MI) is a simple, cost-effective tool used to distinguish between IDA and TT by analyzing the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red blood cell (RBC) count. This review explores the usefulness of the Mentzer Index in assessing anemia in pregnant women, its clinical applications, benefits, and limitations in practice. The Mentzer Index provides a quick and efficient means of diagnosing anemia types by calculating the ratio of MCV to RBC. A value below 13 typically suggests thalassemia trait, while a higher value points to iron deficiency anemia. In pregnancy, where anemia is common due to increased iron demands, the Mentzer Index serves as an essential tool to guide treatment decisions. By helping clinicians avoid unnecessary iron supplementation in women with thalassemia, it reduces the risk of complications such as iron overload, thereby improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: Anemia, Pregnant Women, Mentzer Index, Iron Deficiency, Thalassemia

The Mentzer Index in Maternal Anemia: An Early Diagnostic Marker

2025-01-15T03:18:01-05:00

Maternal anemia is a prevalent condition that poses significant health risks to both mothers and their infants. Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective management, particularly in differentiating between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia trait (TT), two common causes of microcytic anemia during pregnancy. The Mentzer Index (MI), a simple and cost-effective diagnostic tool, is used to distinguish between these two conditions by calculating the ratio of mean corpuscular volume (MCV) to red blood cell (RBC) count. This review explores the utility of the Mentzer Index in maternal anemia diagnosis, highlighting its role in early detection and management. The Mentzer Index offers a rapid, straightforward approach to identifying the underlying cause of anemia in pregnant women, especially in resource-limited settings. A result of MI < 13 suggests thalassemia trait, while MI > 13 is indicative of iron deficiency anemia. Early differentiation allows for targeted interventions, such as iron supplementation for IDA, and avoids unnecessary iron therapy in TT, thus optimizing patient outcomes. Despite its advantages, the MI has limitations, particularly in cases of mixed anemia or when other forms of anemia are present. In such instances, further diagnostic tests are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Keywords: Mentzer Index, Maternal Anemia, Iron Deficiency, Thalassemia, Early Diagnosis

Mentzer Index as an Indicator of Hematological Health in Pregnant Populations: A Review

2025-01-15T03:24:06-05:00

Hematological health in pregnancy is crucial for ensuring favorable maternal and fetal outcomes, as pregnancy often predisposes women to conditions like anemia. The Mentzer Index, a diagnostic ratio derived from routine complete blood count (CBC) parameters, has proven valuable in distinguishing between iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia traits, two prevalent yet distinct causes of anemia in pregnant populations. This tool's simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it especially useful in resource-limited settings, offering a practical approach to early diagnosis and tailored management strategies. This review highlights the role of the Mentzer Index in assessing maternal hematological health, with a focus on its application in differentiating anemia subtypes. By comparing mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red blood cell count (RBC), the index provides an accessible preliminary screening mechanism. While an index >13 often indicates IDA, values <13 suggest thalassemia traits, enabling clinicians to prioritize further diagnostic evaluations, such as serum ferritin levels or hemoglobin electrophoresis. This timely differentiation is essential for avoiding inappropriate treatments, such as unwarranted iron supplementation in thalassemia carriers, which may lead to complications like iron overload.

Keywords: Mentzer Index, Hematological Health, Pregnancy, Iron-Deficiency Anemia, Thalassemia Trait

Differential Diagnosis of Anemia in Pregnancy Using Mentzer Index: A Narrative Review

2025-01-15T03:26:22-05:00

Anemia in pregnancy remains a significant global health concern, contributing to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Among its most common etiologies are iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia traits, both requiring distinct management strategies. The Mentzer Index, calculated as the ratio of Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) to Red Blood Cell (RBC) count, has emerged as a practical, cost-effective tool for differentiating between these conditions. This simple calculation leverages routine complete blood count (CBC) parameters, offering a quick and accessible approach to initial anemia diagnosis in prenatal care. This review explores the utility of the Mentzer Index in diagnosing anemia in pregnancy, focusing on its advantages and limitations. By distinguishing IDA from thalassemia traits, the index supports tailored interventions, minimizing complications such as iron overload or untreated anemia. Its integration into routine antenatal care is particularly beneficial in resource-limited settings, where advanced diagnostic modalities are often unavailable.

Keywords: Mentzer Index, anemia in pregnancy, iron-deficiency anemia, thalassemia traits, differential diagnosis

Clinical Utility of Mentzer Index in Pregnancy Anemia Screening Programs: A Narrative Review

2025-01-15T03:29:28-05:00

Anemia in pregnancy is a prevalent condition that can lead to severe complications for both mothers and their fetuses. Differentiating between the causes of anemia, particularly iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and thalassemia traits, is crucial for appropriate treatment. The Mentzer Index (MI) is a simple, cost-effective tool used to distinguish between these two common causes of microcytic anemia by comparing the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) to the red blood cell (RBC) count. This review explores the clinical utility of the MI in pregnancy anemia screening programs, highlighting its advantages, limitations, and potential role in improving diagnosis and management. The Mentzer Index has proven to be an effective first-line diagnostic tool, especially in resource-limited settings where advanced testing may not be readily available. By providing a straightforward method to differentiate IDA from thalassemia traits, the MI helps prevent the inappropriate use of iron supplements, which can exacerbate complications in individuals with thalassemia. Additionally, its simplicity allows for its incorporation into routine prenatal care, improving the efficiency of anemia screening programs and facilitating early intervention. Despite its benefits, the MI has limitations, including its reduced accuracy in pregnancy due to physiological changes and mixed anemia.

Keywords: Mentzer Index, pregnancy anemia, anemia screening, clinical utility, iron deficiency anemia

Empowering Girls and Women: Reducing HIV Risk through Education

2025-01-15T03:32:09-05:00

Education is very important to women and girls who are at the greatest risk of contracting the HIV virus. However, more emphasis is needed to look at the information on how education improves the transmission of HIV among girls and women and also reduces the inequalities of gender roles which are able to increase infection rates. There is a growing evidence that a significant proportion of girls are able to postpone first intercourse, protect themselves against HIV and AIDS through safer sex practices and advocate condom use in combination with regular HIV testing through an effective sexuality education curriculum. Additionally, as women who have greater control over their sexual and reproductive health are less likely to engage in activities that expose them to HIV, education promotes gender equality, which is crucial in lowering HIV risk. Education provides a complete response to the epidemic by tackling the underlying factors that contribute to HIV susceptibility, including as poverty, gender-based violence, and early marriage. Girls and women who receive education are more capable of fending against forceful and exploitative circumstances that may expose them to HIV.

Keywords: HIV prevention, gender equality, women’s education, adolescent health, empowerment

Melatonin as Antianxiety drug in dentistry: A Review

2024-12-28T00:45:13-05:00

Background: Anxiety is a barrier to dental care for many people. According to preliminary research, melatonin has sedative and anxiolytic effects. In dentistry, anxiety is a prevalent issue that may compromise the effectiveness of appropriate therapy. Many people with anxiety require oral premedication. Many people require heavy sedation or even general anesthesia to undergo dental care because they are so extremely nervous that oral sedation is ineffective. Even inserting an intravenous catheter can be challenging for these people because of their high levels of anxiety. The most often prescribed anxiolytic in these situations has been benzodiazepines, although several of these may cause paradoxical side effects. Since melatonin promotes natural drowsiness and enhances sedation, it has a strong chance of replacing benzodiazepines in this industry. This article aims to provide an overview of the use of melatonin as a dental premedication for patients who are uncooperative and apprehensive.

Keywords: Anesthesia, Dental Anxiety, Melatonin, Premedication

Cracked Tooth Syndrome: An Endodontic Triumph

2025-01-22T10:32:48-05:00

A cracked tooth is one where a partial or complete fracture exists within the stress plane. Such fractures are more prevalent in patients over 40 years of age, with an incidence rate of 9.7% for cracks or incomplete tooth fractures with vital pulps. The average biting force in humans ranges from 45.7 kg/mm² in males to 36.4 kg/mm² in females, with the force ratio between molars, premolars, and incisors being 4:2:1, respectively. Occlusal forces commonly impose stress on a tooth, potentially causing higher energy instances within the stress plane during the mastication cycle. The functional prognosis and periodontal treatment requirements for a cracked or incompletely fractured tooth depend on the location and the extent of tooth structure intersected, along with its involvement in the stress plane. This case report highlights the diagnosis and management of a cracked maxillary first molar and identifies prognostic indicators, which largely depend on the extent of the fracture within the tooth structure.

Keywords: Crack tooth, Orthodontic banding, CBCT, Longitudinal fractures, Endodontic treatment