The Efficacy of Triphala in the Management of Minor Aphthous Ulcers: A Case Report.

Aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores, are the most frequently encountered lesions in the oral cavity by clinicians and particularly by dentists. It might affect populations of all age groups, although common in the younger age group. Though multifactorial causes are known to be associated with the occurrence of aphthae, the most common etiologies are stress, inadequate sleep, and improper digestion. They can appear on the oral mucosa, palate, gingiva, labial mucosa, and tongue. They can be very uncomfortable during mastication, speech, and deglutition. Generally, the management relies on identifying the cause and prescribing medications such as the local application of anesthetic, steroid ointments specifically for refractory cases, and multivitamin tablets to relieve the symptoms. Ayurvedic preparations such as Triphala oral rinse can prove to be really effective in relieving pain and burning sensation and also cause the lesions to subside, although, like other allopathy medications, it is not known to reduce the frequency of episodes. In this article, we present a case of a male patient aged 21 years who came with a complaint of ulcers on the right lateral border of the tongue. He was prescribed Triphala oral rinse and Triphala ingestion for 15 days, and on the follow-up visit, the patient reported the complete resolution of ulcers.

A Rare Case of Peripheral Exophytic Osteoma of the Mandible Arising From an Extraction Site: Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Findings.

A benign osteogenic tumor made up of mature, well-differentiated bone tissue is called an osteoma. Jaw solitary peripheral osteomas are an uncommon occurrence. The mandible is affected more frequently than the maxilla, and the lingual side of the body, the angle, and the inferior border of the jaw are the sites of highest preference. Males are more likely than females to be impacted by osteomas, which can strike at any age. Patients with osteomas should be considered to have Gardner syndrome. This condition includes many embedded or supernumerary teeth, skeletal abnormalities such as osteoma and hyper calcification of the maxillary bones or skull, skin and soft tissue tumors, and gastroenteric polypus. Differential diagnosis is crucial since the development of gastroenteric polyps, which have a potentially malignant progression, occurs before oral and maxillofacial symptoms emerge. Mandibular osteomas are uncommon; even rarer is a massive osteoma with a prevalence of 0.01-0.04% of the population. That's the reason this is being discussed in this article. The primary differential diagnosis and pertinent clinical information from previously published literature are also included in this article.

Follicular Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor: A Case Report.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is an infrequent odontogenic tumor that typically occurs in adolescent females, usually in the anterior maxilla. There is a controversy about it being a tumor or a hamartoma. It presents clinically as a slowly progressive entity that shows a good prognosis with conservative surgical management. It shows three clinicopathological types: follicular, extrafollicular, and peripheral. This article describes a follicular variety of AOT. An 18-year-old female presented with diffuse intraoral swelling in the maxillary anterior region. An intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPA) revealed a single large pericoronal radiolucency related to the impacted right maxillary lateral incisor. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis, and the tumor was treated surgically by enucleation.

Unravelling the Complexities of Bite Force Determinants in Paediatric Patients: A Literature Review.

The amount of maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF) is determined by the combined action of the jaw elevator muscles, which are altered jaw biomechanics and reflex processes. Bite force (BF) measurements can yield valuable information on the activity and function of the jaw muscles. The accuracy of biting force measurements depends on several variables, including age, gender, malocclusion, dental caries, dental prostheses and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This information is essential for evaluating the development and function of the masticatory system, identifying potential abnormalities or impairments and guiding appropriate treatment interventions for paediatric patients. The aim of this article is to review the literature on the factors affecting bite force and the importance of these factors in assessing dental development and guiding interventions for paediatric patients with bite force-related issues. Additionally, establishing normative values for bite force in different age groups can aid in monitoring growth and detecting any deviations from expected patterns. Measuring bite force in paediatric patients is significant in comprehensive oral health assessment and management.

Role of Antioxidant Vitamins in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Narrative Review.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) has a high rate of malignant transformation and is an insidious chronic inflammatory disease. Though this disorder seems to be multifactorial in origin, betel quid chewing appears to be the main etiologic factor. Various treatment strategies have been attempted but none proven to cure the disorder because of its multimodal pathogenesis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) appear to have a role in cancer formation. As OSMF is an oral premalignant disorder and found to be associated with carcinogens like areca nut and tobacco, it is believed to have some relationship with ROS. Tissue damage due to ROS along with other mechanisms may result in the complex pathophysiology of OSMF. The antioxidant system in the body helps to prevent damage caused by highly reactive ROS and helps in the repair of tissues. To study the levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant vitamins in OSMF condition, the present review was done. We carried out a thorough literature search to identify original reports and studies determining the status of oxidative stress and antioxidant vitamins in OSMF condition using several databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Our review observed that the oxidative stress increased in the condition of OSMF as shown by an increase in malonaldehyde (MDA) and a decrease in antioxidant vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Also, after the intake of antioxidant vitamins, there was symptomatic improvement in OSMF patients. With the help of identifying oxidative stress and antioxidant status, we can assess the clinical stage of OSMF and can develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Management of a Partially Treated Case of Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Hard Palate and Maxillary Sinus.

Osteomyelitis affects bones, including both cortex and medulla. It influences the mandible more frequently than the maxilla. Probable etiologic factors include foci of infection or trauma; however, the hematogenous spread of infection from a distant site is also a causative factor. Staphylococcus is the common organism involved in the causation. Clinical symptoms include signs of inflammation, pus drainage, fistulous or sinus tracts, wound disintegration, erythema, and raised local temperatures. Laboratory diagnosis with the evaluation of white blood cell count, rate of erythrocyte sedimentation, and C-reactive protein proves vitally significant. Radiographic evaluation reveals sequestra and bone destruction in the affected region. Histopathology of the lesion is confirmatory for the final diagnosis, which helps in the formulation of an appropriate management strategy. The treatment regimen usually focuses on thorough debridement of the necrotic material and an antibiotic regimen. This case report describes a male patient aged 45 years presenting with a palatal ulcer, severe halitosis, and speech difficulty. He has suffered from type II diabetes mellitus for four years. A radiological examination was carried out. Treatment was performed with surgical debridement of necrotic maxillary bone and curettage of bilateral maxillary and ethmoid sinuses under general anesthesia. Results of histopathological evaluation of the curetted material from the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses revealed osteomyelitis of the maxilla.

Management of Herpes Zoster Infection Using a Combination of Allopathic and Herbal Medication: A Case Report.

Herpes zoster (HZ) also known as shingles is the reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox. It usually occurs in adults after remaining dormant in the dorsal root ganglia or ganglia of the cranial nerves for several years. It typically manifests as vesicle crops in a dermatomal or "zosteriform" pattern, which shows vesicle, ulcer, and scab distribution that is unilateral, clustered, and linear in a dermatome that is supplied by a single nerve. Patients usually experience prodromal symptoms of deep, severe aching or burning pain. Medicinal treatment frequently includes antiviral drugs to decrease the severity of the lesion and steroidal drugs to reduce symptoms of inflammation. It is also a known fact that steroid has several adverse effects on patients due to which therapeutic drugs with lesser side effects may be given to patients such as herbal medications. This case presentation reports a patient with HZ viral infection who was successfully treated with a meticulous combination of conventional allopathic drugs with ayurvedic medication with a significant positive response to the medication.

Oral Thrush: An Entity With a Diagnostic Dilemma.

Candida albicans is a commensal found in the oral cavity. It is the most frequently encountered infection in the oral cavity which can be predisposed by a number of factors including most commonly compromised immunity, certain drugs, poor oral hygiene, and ill-fitting dentures. Clinical presentation involves whitish patches or erythema over the buccal mucosa, tongue, and palate depending on the type and occurrence of the condition. Oral physicians have a key role in the diagnosis of such lesions as they are well acquainted with their appearance and features. Prompt treatment can be advised once the lesion is diagnosed. This case report presents a male patient aged 65 years who reported to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology with a complaint of a burning sensation in the oral cavity for 4-5 days. On careful examination and based on the patient's past history, the diagnosis was given as acute pseudomembranous candidiasis. Candid mouth paint was advised which resolved the lesion and burning sensation completely. The primary takeaway from this case is that though candidiasis is routinely encountered in day-to-day practice, its diagnosis is usually missed due to its similarity with various other white lesions. Hence, the clinician must be acquainted well with lesions having diagnostic dilemmas as their appropriate diagnosis is crucial. Oral physicians play a vital role in cases of oral thrush in their diagnosis and accurate and prompt intervention.

Non-Habit-Related Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Review.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can have a profound impact on an individual's health and well-being. Its etiology is commonly known to be habit induced, such as tobacco consumption, smoking, or alcohol abuse. Apart from these etiologies, certain factors that lead to OSCC are also present but are less frequently encountered in hospitals and clinics. However, these non-habitual factors, with their pathogenesis, can lead to OSCC, which may be confusing to certain medical practitioners. This article discusses the various non-habitual causes that can lead to OSCC, as well as their pathophysiology, molecular expression, and related indicators and prognostic factors.

Chronic Inflammatory Gingival Enlargement: A Case Report.

Gingival enlargement can be referred to as an increased size of the gingival tissues. It might have originated because of inflammation, induced by certain drugs, linked to generalized illness, malignant, or pseudo enlargement, based on its etiology and pathogenesis. Enlargements may be widespread, papillary, or marginal, depending on the location. It affects the patient's masticatory, functional, aesthetic, and psychological health. Diagnosing the condition and its underlying cause through a detailed history is the mainstay for management. Diagnosis is based on a careful clinical examination in relation to the consistency, texture, and color of enlarged gingival tissues. Once diagnosed, the intervention relies on treating the causative factor involved in the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment with the elimination of the etiologic factor along with strict oral hygiene instructions and regular follow-up results in the restoration of aesthetics and function. This article presents a case report of a female patient aged 31 years who presented to the Oral Medicine and Radiology Department with chief complaints of swollen gums, bleeding gums while brushing for one month, and pain and loosening of teeth in the upper left back region of the jaw since 15 days. On thorough clinical examination, oral hygiene instructions were given along with antimicrobials and analgesic medications, and extensive scaling and sub-gingival curettage were done. On the follow-up visit after seven days, there was reduced inflammation due to the removal of local irritants like plaque and calculus and reduced gingival enlargement. The takeaway message from this case is that clinicians should be thoroughly acquainted with the normal and pathologic alterations of the gingival tissues and possible etiologic factors for it. Careful examination, prompt diagnosis, and treatment form the mainstay of management.

Teledentistry: A Comprehensive Review and Its Application in Pediatric Dental Care.

In recent years, dental technology has experienced remarkable advancements, mirroring the evolution of communication and information technologies. The advent of information technology has paved the way for a new frontier in healthcare known as teledentistry. This innovative approach has revolutionized the delivery of dental care across geographical distances, enhancing accessibility and communication in the realm of oral health. This article aims to highlight the various methodologies of teledentistry, discuss its benefits for both patients and dentists, and emphasize its potential to overcome geographical barriers, enhance access to dental care, and promote oral health equity, especially among children. There are three primary teledentistry methods: real-time consultation, the store-and-forward method, and the remote monitoring method. Real-time consultation facilitates immediate interaction between dentists and patients through video conferencing, enabling the sharing of data and medical history. The store-and-forward method involves the collection and transmission of essential diagnostic materials, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Remote monitoring allows continuous patient evaluation from a distance, improving healthcare delivery and patient safety. Teledentistry's impact on pediatric and preventive dentistry is substantial. It offers remote counseling, diagnosis, and monitoring for children, especially in areas with limited access to dental care. Additionally, mobile gaming apps play a role in behavioral management and reducing dental anxiety among children. Both patients and dentists benefit from teledentistry. Patients gain access to timely consultations, reducing the need for immediate in-person visits. Dentists can efficiently evaluate and monitor patients, collaborate with specialists, and provide expert advice, leading to improved healthcare delivery. Teledentistry is transforming dental care by overcoming geographical barriers, improving access, and enhancing communication. While facing challenges, its potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and promote oral health equity is undeniable. With ongoing advancements and strategic measures, teledentistry is poised for a promising future in healthcare.

Reactionary Bone Changes in Long-Standing Pyogenic Granuloma: A Case Report.

Pyogenic granuloma is a reactive lesion that is commonly seen in the skin and oral cavity. Though it is an unfortunate misnomer, being neither pyogenic nor a true granuloma, the name has been used for years. In the oral cavity, it presents as a growth mostly situated on the gingiva, but may also occur on the tongue, buccal and labial mucosa, and palate, and may even be seen in relation to dental implants. The lesion is usually bright or purple red in color, soft in consistency, relatively painless, and appears highly vascularized. Local etiologic factors are usually poor oral hygiene or chronic irritation. Histopathologically it is an inflammatory hyperplasia of the connective tissue with exuberant vascularity. Sometimes, this lesion may present with unusual histopathological patterns, which could lead to difficulty in diagnosis. Long-standing pyogenic granuloma may show histologic changes such as localized osteogenesis in the matrix of the lesion which could potentially lead to complications in the area of the lesion. This article reports a rare case with rare histopathological features in an 18-year-old female presenting with long-standing soft tissue gingival growth.

The Management of Oral Pemphigus Vulgaris in a Hypertensive Patient: A Case Report.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes painful blisters on the skin and mucosa along with erosions due to intra-epithelial acantholysis. This acantholysis is mainly due to an immune reaction against desmoglein (an adhesion glycoprotein molecule) by IgG autoantibodies, which causes loss of cell-to-cell adhesion. The treatment consists of systemic corticosteroids such as tablet prednisolone along with topical steroids such as 0.1% triamcinolone paste. But steroids are known for their side effects, one of which is hypertension. It is vital for a dentist to curate the management of this lesion particularly when the drug of choice can potentially lead to adverse effects including systemic complications. This is a case report of a 60-year-old female with PV with systemic hypertension, emphasizing the management of this condition so as to prevent any complications that may arise due to the drug that is administered.

Vitamin D and COVID-19: An Update on Evidence and Potential Therapeutic Implications.

The COVID-19 pandemic created havoc in the whole world since 2019. It is an explosively spreading infectious disease in which the infectious agent enters the body through sneezing coughing touching etc. The primary site of infection is the respiratory system, and the various common symptoms are dry cough, fever, dyspnea, sore throat, nasal congestion, and loss of taste sensation. A majority of the patients experience diarrhea, vomiting, severe headache, and muscle pain. Many research have been undertaken to study the therapeutic implications of different elements in coronavirus infection. One such element of interest is vitamin D. There is evidence in the literature regarding the usefulness of vitamin D in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and several respiratory diseases. As the site of infection in coronavirus infection is primarily the respiratory system, reviewing in detail the correlation of this vitamin with SARS-CoV-2 infection, is an area of keen interest. Thus, the aim of this article is to explore and describe in detail the relation between the two, with reference to levels of this vitamin in diagnosed subjects and a need for its supplementation in the management of coronavirus infection and also in the prevention of post-COVID-19 complications. The review concluded that Vitamin D has an immunomodulating function. Its deficiency may lead to severe respiratory illnesses including ARDS. Vitamin D levels affect the disease course in COVID-19 infection and proper blood concentration can reduce the severity of the symptoms as well as post-COVID-19 complications.

Chemical Composition of Areca Nut and Its Adverse Effects on Human Health.

Areca nut (AN) is one of the addictive substances consumed widely in the world. The composition of AN is very complex, and each component has variable properties. This study aims to review the composition of AN and its adverse effects on humans. For this review, the literature search was performed by an electronic search of the Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases using proper MESH headings and retrieved the articles published from 1997 to 2022. The eligibility criteria included human studies, a form of AN, the composition of AN, harmful effects of AN, the effect of AN on the oral cavity, the effect of AN on vital organs, and articles published in English. Data were extracted regarding the composition of AN, forms of AN, and harmful effects of AN on the oral cavity and on other systems. A total of 449 articles were identified from various databases, and 36 studies were selected that met the inclusion criteria. The active components of AN, which produce harmful effects, are primarily alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins, and certain trace elements. AN is consumed in different forms, and based on the form, its composition also varies. AN is known to cause deleterious effects on the oral cavity as well as various body organs. The most dangerous and widely reported impacts of AN on the oral cavity are the development of oral submucous fibrosis, a premalignant condition, and oral malignancy. However, during the chewing process, excretory products of AN are released and circulate in the body of "chronic habitual" and affect the other body parts. Thus, AN consumption may contribute to cardiac, liver, endocrinal, metabolic, respiratory, and reproductive system disorders also. AN composition is complex, and its consumption is harmful to human health. In regard to controlling the issue of the harmful effects of this habit, preventive measures should be established.

Management of a Large Palatal Ulcer: Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid.

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammatory changes and blistering of the subepithelial layer and is chronic and commonly related to the mucous membranes. It most commonly involves females in the fifth decade of life. In most of the cases, oral mucosa is involved. Dentists might be the first health professional to encounter and make a diagnosis of this rarely occurring disorder with mucocutaneous lesions. This article presents an MMP case report with clinical appearance, diagnosis, management, and follow-up.

3D comparative evaluation and correlation of condylar morphology in bruxers and non-bruxers.

Parafunctional habits like bruxism may have a deleterious effect on the temporomandibular joint. It can lead to the alteration of condylar morphology which can further lead to temporomandibular joint disorders. The early three-dimensional evaluation may help detect morphological changes in the condyle and reduce the risk of developing temporomandibular disorders. It will also help to make patients aware of the condition and encourage prompt treatment of parafunctional habits. To do a 3-Dimensional comparative evaluation and correlation of condylar morphology in bruxers and non-bruxers. 90 patients with parafunctional habits will be evaluated on cone beam computed tomography in two groups (control group, study group) of 45 each, for alteration in condylar morphology based on the suggested classification. Results will be formulated based on the classification of condylar morphology. Evaluation of condylar morphology will be done on cone beam computed Tomography based on the amount of variation in condylar morphology in bruxers as compared to non-bruxers. Thorough clinical examination and early evaluation of condylar morphology on cone beam computed tomography will help early detection of changes in the morphology of condyle and prompt treatment to reduce the risk of development of temporomandibular disorders.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistochemical analysis of mast cell related biochemicals in oral submucous fibrosis.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), a potentially malignant disorder, is developed by progressive fibrous tissue deposition in connective tissue along with atrophy of oral mucosa. Histological sections also show the mast cell infiltration in submucosa which may indicate their possible role in this entity. Abundant availability of biochemicals in mast cells like histamine and serine proteases like chymase may be released and play specific pathways in the disease pathophysiology. Possibly, if the histamine release has some part to play, diamine oxidase may also be found to have a relationship as it metabolizes histamine. The present study is proposed to identify the presence of chymase, histamine, and diamine oxidase in both, serum as well as tissue by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) respectively. This study may provide probable insight into the mast cell-related chemicals and their association with OSMF.

Applications of Silver Nanoparticles in Pediatric Dentistry: An Overview.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology are emerging fields involved in the synthesis and application of nanoscale materials and structures. Metallic nanoparticles and metallic oxide are being used extensively in dentistry as they interfere with bacterial metabolism and prevent biofilm formation. AgNPs are a class of zero-dimensional materials with distinctive morphologies. The metallic nanoparticles demonstrate the significant antimicrobial activity by ion release, oxidative stress induction, and non-oxidative mechanisms. Metallic silver has been known for its antimicrobial activity since ancient times. Through the years, silver-containing compounds have been used in various forms to treat several medical conditions. Incorporating silver nanoparticles into dental materials may enhance the mechanical features and antibacterial properties of dental materials. Therefore, an increasing number of dental materials with the inclusion of silver nanoparticles are being developed that improve the overall oral health status of patients. This paper aims to review the literature on specific characteristics of silver nanoparticles and their applications in pediatric dentistry.

Cervical lymphadenopathy in a dental patient: An eye opener case report.

Cervical lymphadenopathy, a condition with multifactorial etiology is one of the common presentations in patients reporting to dental clinic. It is thus imperative that oral physicians have to be well versed with the causes of cervical lymphadenopathy. The present article describes a case of 24-year-old male who reported to his dentist with complaint of painless swelling of 4 months duration on right side of neck. Oral examination revealed missing mandibular third molars on both sides, which was confirmed on radiograph. Considering reactive lymphadenitis secondary to inflamed impacted molar as a reason for neck swelling, the surgical removal of third molar of right side was performed under antibiotic coverage which was uneventful. As the neck swelling persisted even after removal of molar, patient had undergone fine needle aspiration cytology and then the swelling was diagnosed as tubercular lymphadenitis. He was treated by antitubercular therapy for 6 months regimen, after then he was perfectly alright. The present report aims to highlight contemplative role of oral physician in early diagnosis of neck swellings that can result in on-time management.