Comparative evaluation of alteration in taste perception among Gutkha chewers with and without OSMF and healthy subjects: A prospective case-control study.

Context and Aim: The major afflictions such as odynophagia (painful swallowing) and trismus that occur in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) are well documented, but the impairment of gustatory functions has not received much consideration in the past. The present study was planned with a similar intent to assess and compare the alteration in taste perception among gutkha chewers with and without OSMF and healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: The present study was designed as a prospective case-control study comprising 90 individuals within an age range of 15-50 years who were divided into three groups with Group A consisting of 30 patients who were gutkha chewers with OSMF, Group B consisting of 30 individuals who were gutkha chewers but without OSMF and Group C consisting of 30 healthy subjects who were included as normal controls. The taste intensity response scores for the four basic tastes were recorded and the results obtained were, then, subjected to statistical analysis. Statistical Analysis Used: The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Comparison of the said parameters was done using Chi-square test, analysis of variance and Tukey's post-hoc test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The findings of the present study suggested that all taste sensations were affected more in Group A patients than the Group B and Group C individuals. Conclusion: The results obtained in the present study were found to be encouraging as it was demonstrated that taste perception varied significantly among the patients with OSMF as against those having habit of betel nut/gutkha chewing but those who did not develop OSMF and the normal healthy controls and this data, though, initial, might be used on a scientific basis to improve the quality of life in the affected patients as well as to prevent the further progression of the disease process.

Accidental Pathological Findings in Asymptomatic Maxillary Sinuses in Patients Referred for Head and Neck Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Cross-sectional Study Analysis.

Background: The aim of the present study was to detect the prevalence of accidental pathological findings in asymptomatic maxillary sinuses in patients referred for head and neck cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination for varied reasons. Methods: The present cross-sectional study included a detailed analysis of CBCT scans of 150 patients aged between 18 and 70 years reporting for varied dental complaints for detecting accidental pathological findings in maxillary sinuses while the patients did not have any complaint pertaining to sinuses. Results: The findings of the present study revealed 58% patients to have pathological findings in maxillary sinuses while they were asymptomatic for sinuses. Furthermore, the prevalence of mucosal thickening was found in 29.3% of the patients while 36.7% patients presented with polypoidal mucosal thickening. Conclusion: Higher prevalence of pathologies in asymptomatic maxillary sinuses found in the present study emphasized significance of a thorough examination of routine dental patients by dento-maxillofacial radiologists with necessary investigations to be advised in the form of higher imaging modalities like CBCT, if necessary.

Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Salivary Flow Rates in Normal Healthy Adults According to Gender and Age Groups.

INTRODUCTION: Salivary gland hypofunction might be associated with various local and systemic conditions and is managed with a plethora of therapeutic options with associated side effects. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is one such option with no known systemic side effects for dealing with this crippling condition. The present study was planned with a similar intent of assessing impact of TENS on salivary flow rates in normal healthy adults according to gender and age groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional study on 130 healthy adults wherein unstimulated and stimulated saliva was collected for 5 min in graduated test tubes fitted with a funnel while mean salivary flow rates were calculated. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: In the present study, differences between mean unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates with TENS were found to be statistically significant for both genders (P < 0.001). Furthermore, in relation to age groups included, maximum increase in salivary flow rate was seen in 20-29 years of age group, though significant results were seen in all three age groups included namely 20-29 years, 30-39 years, and 40-49 years (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on results from the present study, it could be concluded that TENS comes out to be a safer, nonpharmacological therapeutic option for treating patients with xerostomia.