Associate Professor Manikandan Ekambaram

Contact Details

Phone: +64 3 479 7128
Email: mani.ekambaram@otago.ac.nz

University Links

Position

Associate Professor and Head of Discipline for Paediatric Dentistry

Department

Department of Oral Sciences

Qualifications

BDS(India) MDS PhD(HK) FDSRCSEd MPaedDent RCSEd MRACDS(Paed)

Research summary

Enamel remineralisation and adhesion, dentine adhesion, MIH, paediatric oral health

Teaching

Paediatric Dentistry at undergraduate and postgraduate levels

Memberships

International Association of Paediatric Dentistry
Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry
International Association of Dental Research

Research

Associate Professor Mani's research expertise is in remineralisation of early enamel caries lesions, enamel and dentine adhesion, molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH), and paediatric oral health.

Through his research, he has established a niche in experimental strategies for enhancing dentine bond durability, enhancing bonding to developmentally hypomineralised enamel, studying the remineralisation potential of various contemporary remineralisation agents on early enamel carious lesions. Additionally, his ongoing research projects are aiming at other novel experimental strategies to remineralise such lesions.

Associate Professor Mani's research interest also includes prevention, management of early childhood caries and qualitative studies in paediatric oral health.

Publications

Chen, K., Li, K. C., Ekambaram, M., Zhang, Y., Fu, Y., & Mei, M. L. (2024). Combined effect of a bioinspired self-assembling peptide and fluoride varnish on remineralisation of artificial early enamel caries lesion: An in vitro study. Caries Research. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1159/000537986 Journal - Research Article

Aziz, S., Loch, C., Li, K. C., Anthonappa, R., Meldrum, A., & Ekambaram, M. (2024). Remineralization potential of dentifrices with calcium sodium phosphosilicate and functionalized tri‐calcium phosphate in the deeper incipient carious lesions: An in vitro study. Clinical & Experimental Dental Research, 10, e876. doi: 10.1002/cre2.876 Journal - Research Article

Nath, S. J. C., Fu, Y., Li, K. C., Loho, T., Loch, C., & Ekambaram, M. (2023). A comparison of the enamel remineralisation potential of self-assembling peptides. International Dental Journal. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.identj.2023.07.003 Journal - Research Article

Sardana, D., Galland, B., Wheeler, B. J., Yiu, C. K. Y., & Ekambaram, M. (2023). Effect of sleep on development of early childhood caries: A systematic review. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry, 24, 1-14. doi: 10.1007/s40368-022-00753-3 Journal - Research Other

Imran, E., Cooper, P. R., Ratnayake, J., Ekambaram, M., & Mei, M. L. (2023). Potential beneficial effects of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on caries lesions in vitro: A review of the literature. Dentistry Journal, 11, 40. doi: 10.3390/dj11020040 Journal - Research Other

2024

Journal - Research Article

2023

Journal - Research Article

Mar, K., Ekambaram, M., Li, K. C., Zwirner, J., & Mei, M. L. (2023). The influence of saliva and blood contamination on bonding between resin-modified glass ionomer cements and resin composite. Operative Dentistry. Advance online publication. doi: 10.2341/21-173-l

Wong, P. Y. W., Lim, S. L., Loi, S. T. Y., Mei, M. L., Li, K. C., Aziz, S., & Ekambaram, M. (2023). A comparative study of two chemical models for creating subsurface caries lesions on aprismatic and prismatic enamel. Journal of Oral Science, 65(1), 20-23. doi: 10.2334/josnusd.22-0311

Sardana, D., Ekambaram, M., Yang, Y., McGrath, C. P., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2023). Caries-preventive effectiveness of two different fluoride varnishes: A randomised clinical trial in patients with multi-bracketed fixed orthodontic appliances. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 33, 50-62. doi: 10.1111/ipd.13013

Journal - Research Other

2022

Journal - Research Article

Lam, P. P. Y., Chua, H., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2022). Does early childhood caries increase caries development among school children and adolescents? A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health, 19, 13459. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192013459

Lam, P. P. Y., Chua, H., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2022). Risk predictors of Early Childhood Caries increment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice, 22(3), 101732. doi: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2022.101732

Sardana, D., Li, K. Y., Ekambaram, M., Yang, Y., McGrath, C. P., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2022). Validation of clinical photography and a laser fluorescence device for assessment of enamel demineralization during multi-bracketed fixed orthodontic treatment. Photodiagnosis & Photodynamic Therapy, 38, 102828. doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.102828

Lee, Y.-L., Li, K. C., Yiu, C. K. Y., Boyd, D. H., & Ekambaram, M. (2022). Evaluation of developmentally hypomineralised enamel after surface pretreatment with Papacarie Duo gel and different etching modes: An in vitro SEM and AFM study. European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry, 23, 117-131. doi: 10.1007/s40368-021-00671-w

2021

Journal - Research Article

Lee, Y.-L., Li, K. C., Yiu, C. K. Y., Boyd, D. H., Waddell, J. N., & Ekambaram, M. (2021). Bonding universal dental adhesive to developmentally hypomineralised enamel. Journal of Adhesive Dentistry, 23(6), 513-525. doi: 10.3290/j.jad.b2288247

Lam, P. P. Y., Sardana, D., Luo, W., Ekambaram, M., Lee, G. H. M., Lo, E. C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2021). Glass ionomer sealant versus fluoride varnish application to prevent occlusal caries in primary second molars among preschool children: A randomized controlled trial. Caries Research, 55, 322-332. doi: 10.1159/000517390

Al-Kindi, F., Al-Harrasi, R., Coimbatore, H., Aziz, S., Thomson, W. M., & Ekambaram, M. (2021). The selection and clinical application of dental adhesives by general dental practitioners in New Zealand. New Zealand Dental Journal, 117(2), 74-79.

Cheng, M. S., Hsu, K.-H., Thomson, W. M., & Ekambaram, M. (2021). General dental practitioners’ opinions on universal publicly-funded dental care in New Zealand. New Zealand Dental Journal, 117(1), 35-39.

Bijle, M. N., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2021). Combined effect of arginine and fluoride on the growth of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Scientific Reports, 11, 973. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-79684-2

bin Haji Awang Masri, A. A., Khang, K. K. Y., Low Wei Shen, L., Ekambaram, M., & Loch, C. (2021). Knowledge of dental enamel defects among undergraduate dental students a cross sectional survey. European Journal of Dental Education, 25, 711-716. doi: 10.1111/eje.12650

Bijle, M. N., Abdalla, M. M., Ashraf, U., Ekambaram, M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2021). Enamel remineralization potential of arginine-fluoride varnish in a multi-species bacterial pH-cycling model. Journal of Dentistry, 104, 103528. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2020.103528

Journal - Research Other

Sardana, D., Manchanda, S., Ekambaram, M., Yang, Y., McGrath, C. P., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2021). Prevention of demineralization during multi-bracketed fixed orthodontic treatment: An overview of systematic reviews. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 32, 473-502. doi: 10.1111/ipd.12927

Chua, H., Sardana, D., Turner, R., Ting, G., & Ekambaram, M. (2021). Effectiveness of oral health education methods on oral hygiene in children and adolescents with visual impairment: A systematic review. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 31, 724-741. doi: 10.1111/ipd.12788

Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

Ekambaram, M. (2021, April-May). Arresting dentine caries in primary teeth using silver diamine fluoride. Verbal presentation at the New Zealand Dental Hygienist's Association (NZDHA) and the New Zealand Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association (NZDOHTA) Annual Conference: Past, Present and Future: Celebrating 100 Years of the New Zealand School Dental Service, Dunedin, New Zealand.

2020

Journal - Research Article

Bijle, M. N., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E., & Yiu, C. (2020). Physicochemical characteristics of arginine enriched naf varnish: An in vitro study. Polymers, 12, 2998. doi: 10.3390/polym12122998

Bijle, M. N., Tsoi, J., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., Carey, C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2020). Enhanced fluoride bioavailability with incorporation of arginine in child dentifrices. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 44(5), 332-341. doi: 10.17796/1053-4625-44.5.7

Bijle, M. N., Tsoi, J., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., Carey, C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2020). Inter-method reliability for determining total and soluble fluorides in child low-fluoride formula dentifrices. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 20880. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-77920-3

Bijle, M. N., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2020). Synbiotics in caries prevention: A scoping review. PLoS ONE, 15(8), e0237547. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237547

Bijle, M. N., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2020). The enamel remineralization potential of fluoride varnishes containing arginine. Journal of Dentistry, 99, 103411. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2020.103411

Bijle, M. N., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2020). Antibacterial and mechanical properties of arginine-containing glass ionomer cements. Dental Materials, 36, 1226-1240. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2020.05.012

Bijle, M. N., Neelakantan, P., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2020). Effect of a novel synbiotic on Streptococcus mutans. Scientific Reports, 10, 7951. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-64956-8

Lam, P. P. Y., Sardana, D., Ekambaram, M., Lee, G. H. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2020). Effectiveness of pit and fissure sealants for preventing and arresting occlusal caries in primary molars: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice, 20(2), 101404. doi: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2020.101404

Botelho, M. G., Ekambaram, M., Bhuyan, S. Y., Yeung, A. W. K., Tanaka, R., Bornstein, M. M., & Li, K. Y. (2020). A comparison of visual identification of dental radiographic and nonradiographic images using eye tracking technology. Clinical & Experimental Dental Research, 6, 59-68. doi: 10.1002/cre2.249

Journal - Research Other

Dissanayake, S. S. M., Ekambaram, M., Li, K. C., Harris, P. W. R., & Brimble, M. A. (2020). Identification of key functional motifs of native amelogenin protein for dental enamel remineralisation. Molecules, 25(18), 4214. doi: 10.3390/molecules25184214

Bijle, M. N., Ekambaram, M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2020). A scoping review on arginine in caries prevention. Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice, 20(3), 101470. doi: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2020.101470

2019

Journal - Research Article

Sardana, D., Manchanda, S., Ekambaram, M., Yang, Y., McGrath, C. P., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2019). Prevention of demineralization around orthodontic brackets using sealants: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatric Dentistry, 41(6), 430-531.

Bijle, M. N. A., Tung, L. P., Wong, J., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2019). Enhancing the remineralization potential of child formula dentifrices: An in vitro study. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 43(5), 337-344. doi: 10.17796/1053-4625-43.5.6

Uy, E., Ekambaram, M., Lee, G. H. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2019). Remineralization potential of calcium and phosphate-based agents and their effects on bonding of orthodontic brackets. Journal of Adhesive Dentistry, 21(3), 219-228. doi: 10.3290/j.jad.a42305

Bijle, M. N. A., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2019). The combined antimicrobial effect of arginine and fluoride toothpaste. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 8405. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-44612-6

Sardana, D., Manchanda, S., Ekambaram, M., Yang, Y., McGrath, C. P., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2019). Effectiveness of self-applied topical fluorides against enamel white spot lesions from multi-bracketed fixed orthodontic treatement: A systematic review. European Journal of Orthodontics, 41(6), 661-668. doi: 10.1093/ejo/cjz015

Tan, C., Ekambaram, M., Lee, G. H. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2019). Unerupted permanent incisors and associated dental anomalies. Journal of Investigative & Clinical Dentistry, 10, e12395. doi: 10.1111/jicd.12395

Sardana, D., Zhang, J., Ekambaram, M., Yang, Y., McGrath, C. P., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2019). Effectiveness of professional fluorides against enamel white spot lesions during fixed orthodontic treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Dentistry, 82, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2018.12.006

Bijle, M. N. A., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2019). A meta-epidemiological review of meta-analysis on anti-caries effect of arginine-containing formulations. Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice, 19(1), 28-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2018.06.008

Journal - Research Other

Gopalakrishnan, V., Anthonappa, R., Ekambaram, M., & King, N. M. (2019). Qualitative assessment of published studies on pulpotomy medicaments for primary molar teeth. Journal of Investigative & Clinical Dentistry, 10(2), e12389. doi: 10.1111/jicd.12389

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Bijle, N., Neelakantan, P., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E., & Yiu, C. (2019). Effect of arginine on growth of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Journal of Dental Research, 98(A), 3016. Retrieved from https://iadr.abstractarchives.com

Bijle, M. N., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E., & Yiu, C. (2019). A synergistic arginine-fluoride varnish targeted for cariogenic microenvironments. Journal of Dental Research, 98(A), 1226. Retrieved from https://iadr.abstractarchives.com

2018

Journal - Research Article

Gamboa, G. C. S., Lee, G. H. M., Ekambaram, M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2018). Knowledge, perceptions, and clinical experiences on molar incisor hypomineralization among dental care providers in Hong Kong. BMC Oral Health, 18(1), 217. doi: 10.1186/s12903-018-0678-0

Bijle, M. N. A., Ekambaram, M., Lo, E. C. M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2018). The combined enamel remineralization potential of arginine and fluoride toothpaste. Journal of Dentistry, 76, 75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2018.06.009

Bijle, M. N. A., Yiu, C. K. Y., & Ekambaram, M. (2018). Can oral ADS activity or arginine levels be a caries risk indicator? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Oral Investigations, 22(2), 583-596. doi: 10.1007/s00784-017-2322-9

Bijle, M. N. A., Yiu, C. K. Y., & Ekambaram, M. (2018). Calcium-based caries preventive agents: A meta-evaluation of systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice, 18(3), 203-217. doi: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2017.09.003

Journal - Research Other

Anthonappa, R. P., Ekambaram, M., Neboda, C. N. G., King, N. M., & Rabie, A.-B. M. (2018). Genetic basis of dentigerous cysts associated with supernumerary teeth: A narrative review. Journal of Investigative & Clinical Dentistry, 9(1), e122667. doi: 10.1111/jicd.12267

Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Bijle, M. N., Ekambaram, M., & Yiu, C. (2018). The combined remineralization potential of arginine and fluoride. Journal of Dental Research, 97(Spec. Iss. B), 3266. Retrieved from http://www.iadr.org

2017

Journal - Research Article

Wong, S., Anthonappa, R. P., Ekambaram, M., McGrath, C., King, N. M., & Winters, J. C. (2017). Quality of life changes in children following emergency dental extractions under general anaesthesia. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 27(2), 80-86. doi: 10.1111/ipd.12241

Mohd Said, S. N. B., Ekambaram, M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2017). Effect of different fluoride varnishes on remineralization of artificial enamel carious lesions. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 27(3), 163-173. doi: 10.1111/ipd.12243

Ekambaram, M., Anthonappa, R. P., Govindool, S. R., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2017). Comparison of deproteinization agents on bonding to developmentally hypomineralized enamel. Journal of Dentistry, 67, 94-101. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2017.10.004

Journal - Research Other

Ekambaram, M., Mohd Said, S. N. B., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2017). A review of enamel remineralisation potential of calcium- and phosphate-based remineralisation systems. Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry, 15(5), 415-420. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.a38779

2016

Journal - Research Article

Yawary, R., Anthonappa, R. P., Ekambaram, M., McGrath, C., & King, N. M. (2016). Changes in the oral health-related quality of life in children following comprehensive oral rehabilitation under general anaesthesia. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 26(5), 322-329. doi: 10.1111/ipd.12200

Journal - Research Other

Ekambaram, M. (2016). Williams syndrome: Review of clinical features and its medical considerations in dental treatment. HSOA Journal of Dentistry, 1(1), 003. doi: 10.24966/DOHC-6783/100003

Ekambaram, M., & Yiu, C. K. Y. (2016). Bonding to hypomineralized enamel: A systematic review. International Journal of Adhesion & Adhesives, 69, 27-32. doi: 10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2016.03.016

2015

Journal - Research Article

Ekambaram, M., Yiu, C. K. Y., & Matinlinna, J. P. (2015). Bonding of adhesive resin to intraradicular dentine: A review of the literature. International Journal of Adhesion & Adhesives, 60, 92-103. doi: 10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2015.04.003

Ekambaram, M., Yiu, C. K. Y., & Matinlinna, J. P. (2015). An overview of solvents in resin-dentin bonding. International Journal of Adhesion & Adhesives, 57, 22-33. doi: 10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2014.09.007

Ekambaram, M., Epasinghe, D. J., Yiu, C. K. Y., & Matinlinna, J. P. (2015). Effect of solvents on inhibition of collagen-bound proteases by chlorhexidine. International Journal of Adhesion & Adhesives, 60, 83-87. doi: 10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2015.03.010

Ekambaram, M., Yiu, C. K. Y., & Matinlinna, J. P. (2015). Effect of solvents on dentin collagen cross-linking potential of carbodiimide. Journal of Adhesive Dentistry, 17(3), 219-226. doi: 10.3290/j.jad.a34137

Ekambaram, M., Yiu, C. K. Y., & Matinlinna, J. P. (2015). Bonding of resin adhesives to caries-affected dentin: A systematic review. International Journal of Adhesion & Adhesives, 61, 23-34. doi: 10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2015.04.011

Awarded Doctoral Degree

Ekambaram, M. (2015). Aspects of solvents in dentine bonding (PhD). University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10722/208591

2014

Journal - Research Article

Ekambaram, M., Yiu, C. K. Y., Matinlinna, J. P., Chang, J. W. W., Tay, F. R., & King, N. M. (2014). Effect of chlorhexidine and ethanol-wet bonding with a hydrophobic adhesive to intraradicular dentine. Journal of Dentistry, 42(7), 872-882. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2014.02.006

Ekambaram, M., Yiu, C. K. Y., Matinlinna, J. P., King, N. M., & Tay, F. R. (2014). Adjunctive application of chlorhexidine and ethanol-wet bonding on durability of bonds to sound and caries-affected dentine. Journal of Dentistry, 42(6), 709-719. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2014.04.001

2011

Journal - Research Article

Ekambaram, M., Itthagarun, A., & King, N. M. (2011). Comparison of the remineralizing potential of child formula dentifrices. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 21(2), 132-140. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-263X.2010.01101.x

Journal - Research Other

Ekambaram, M., Itthagarun, A., & King, N. M. (2011). Ingestion of fluoride from dentifrices by young children and fluorosis of the teeth-a literature review. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, 36(2), 111-122. doi: 10.17796/jcpd.36.2.3106602470287130

2008

Journal - Research Other

Ekambaram, M., Yiu, C. K. Y., & King, N. M. (2008). An unusual case of double teeth with facial and lingual talon cusps. Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology & Endodontology, 105(4), e63-e67. doi: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2007.11.033

2007

Awarded Masters Degree

Ekambaram, M. (2007). Comparison of the remineralizing potential of child formula dentifrices (MDS). University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10722/50965