High prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in elderly: Call for revolutionizing geriatric dental care strategies.

CONTEXT: World'spopulation is ageing and increase in geriatric population demands improved oral health care. Previous epidemiologic studies in general population of India and particularly in Kerala (state with maximum proportion of elderly) provided very little information about oral mucosal lesions in elderly. AIMS: To find out the prevalence, pattern and distribution of oral mucosal lesions in geriatric patients and to explore their association with different study variables. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A descriptive, hospital-based, cross sectional study was conducted for a period of 9 months in the out-patient clinic, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Government Dental College, Kozhikode (tertiary healthcare centre in Kerala, India). METHODS AND MATERIALS: Participants aged 60 and above were selected by consecutive sampling. Data were collected through clinical examination and by using a structured proforma. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive statistics with tests of significance of associations were done. RESULTS: The geriatric population (N=750, 66.89 ± 6.07, M: F=1.4:1), was recruited by screening 43,180, and 447 (67.29 ± 6.15, M: F=2:1) were identified having oral mucosal lesions withprevalence of 59.6% (95% CI=56.05-63.05). Most common lesion group was red and white (73.2%), followed by pigmented (15.5%). Oral mucosal lesions were significantly associated with age over 65, male gender, presence of habit and denture usage (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in geriatric people is high. Hence setting up of geriatric dental clinics, with appropriate preventive and palliative intervention strategies is mandatory.

Evaluation of Normal Morphology of Mandibular Condyle: A Radiographic Survey.

OBJECTIVES: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex, highly specialized joint. Along with the teeth, these joints are considered to be a "tri-joint complex." Mandibular condyle morphology is characterized by a rounded bone projection with an upper biconvex and oval surface in axial plane. Anatomical knowledge of the TMJ is one of the basic foundations of clinical practice, allowing the understanding of TMJ pathologies and fabrication of condylar prostheses. The cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken to evaluate normal variation in the condylar morphology on radiographs in persons without TMJ symptomatology and its relation to age, gender, dentition status, chewing habits, parafunctional habits, history of orthodontic treatment, and denture wearing was assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 350 subjects without TMJ symptomatology included in the study were further grouped by age, gender, dentition status, chewing habits, parafunctional habits, history of orthodontic treatment, and denture wearing history. Panoramic radiograph was taken for the assessment of condylar morphology. RESULTS: A significant association between dentition status and bilaterally similar condylar morphology was noticed. Bilaterally similar condyles were seen in 81.4% of subjects. Round-shaped condyles were seen in 176 (62%) persons. Loss of bilateral occlusion tends to alter the condylar morphology. Association between normal chewing habits and bilaterally similar condyle shapes was significant. CONCLUSION: The study describes the normal morphology of mandibular condyles in a population attending the tertiary dental care center, Kozhikode. The dentition status and chewing habits of individuals had a significant role in determining condylar morphology.

Plasma-Cell Gingivitis a Challenge to the Oral Physician.

Plasma-cell gingivitis (PCG) is an uncommon inflammatory condition of idiopathic etiology. PCG is a rare condition, appearing as erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) of the attached gingiva. The diagnosis of PCG is based on arrant history taking, clinical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests. Here, we are presenting a case of PCG in a 12-year-old boy, its management and treatment outcome after 3 years of regular follow-up in tertiary health-care center in North Kerala.

Cystadenocarcinoma of the mandible.

Papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the salivary gland is a rare malignant tumor and occurs in major and minor salivary glands. Papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the mandible is exceptionally rare. It is usually a low-grade destructive tumor with a papillary and cystic architecture. This case describes a unique presentation, location, and radiographic appearance of this lesion.