Comparative Assessment of the Periodontal Findings in Child Subjects With a Normal Body Mass Index and in Obese Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Obesity in children is a concerning issue affecting a large population globally. Obesity and overweight are risk factors for various medical conditions, including periodontal diseases, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, and/or diabetes. AIM: The study aimed to comparatively assess the periodontal findings in child subjects with a normal BMI and in obese subjects. METHODS: The present observational study aimed to comparatively assess 216 school-going child subjects that were divided into two groups: non-obese (BMI<25) and obese, with BMI≥25 having equal gender distribution. In both groups, clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed along with a questionnaire on oral hygiene and dietary habits. The data gathered were statistically analysed. RESULTS: The study results showed that in obese subjects, significantly higher values were seen for probing depth, bleeding on probing, and plaque index compared to non-obese subjects with p<0.05. However, no significant difference was noted in the CAL of obese and non-obese subjects (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The periodontal status is compromised in obese subjects with higher values of probing depth, bleeding on probing, and plaque index compared to child subjects with normal weight. The level of CAL does not differ significantly between obese and non-obese child subjects.

Effectiveness of a Structured Instructional Module Regarding the Prevention of Oral Cancer among Adolescents in Urban Colleges.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is a preventable disease that can be controlled by tobacco cessation and health education. For development of a healthy nation, a healthy society is desirable that is dependent on physically and mentally strong adolescents and adults. OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to assess the effectiveness and utilization of a structured instructional module on knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the prevention of oral cancer among adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 500 preuniversity urban college students, divided into two groups: experimental and control groups (n = 250 each). A structured instructional module was developed and knowledge, attitude, and practice of students were analyzed. Pre and post values for all parameters were taken and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software version 20.0. RESULTS: The data were collected and compared for sociodemographic variables and knowledge, attitude, and practice of students for prevention of oral cancers. A statistically significant correlation was observed between all the parameters for both the groups. In the experimental group, a significant correlation (P ≤ 0.05) was observed between pre- and posttest values for knowledge, attitude, and practices for prevention of oral cancers. CONCLUSION: It has been observed that there are several implications of the structured instructional module in the field of education, practice, administration, and research.

Assessment of salivary thiocyanate levels and pH in the saliva of smokers and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis - A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: It has been speculated that the pathogenesis of diseases prompted by cigarette smoking includes oxidative damage by free radicals. Though, definitive evidence that smoking may cause the oxidative modification of target molecules in vivo is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to estimate and compare the levels of salivary Thiocyanate (SCN) and power of hydrogen (pH) in the saliva of smokers and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis (ChP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study population consisted of 60 male systemically healthy subjects in the age group of 20-65 years that was further divided into three groups: Group 1: 20 Healthy nonsmokers, who never smoked. Group 2: 20 nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis. Group 3: 20 smokers with chronic periodontitis. Unstimulated saliva was collected for at least 5 mins and clinical parameters; salivary pH and SCN thiocyanate levels were assessed using the spectrophotometric method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Inc 21.0, Chicago, II, United States of America. RESULTS: Data showed that the mean salivary SCN level, periodontal parameters were higher in smokers with chronic periodontitis as compared to nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis and healthy subjects (P < 0.05.) Post Hoc tests multiple comparisons Tukey Honest Significant Difference (HSD) among three groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Salivary thiocyanate levels remain increased by smoking in addition to the impact of periodontitis, and these results also indicated a significant change in the pH depending on the severity of the periodontal condition in smokers. Thus, the measurement of salivary thiocyanate may prove to be useful in the early detection of periodontal disease. The salivary pH shows significant changes and, consequently, relevant to the severity of the periodontal disease. Salivary pH may thus be used as a quick chairside diagnostic biomarker.

Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia Revisited: A Retrospective Clinicopathological Study.

(1) Objective: To review the criteria proposed by Cerero-Lapiedra et al. and to retrospectively identify the under-diagnosed disease in patients diagnosed with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. (2) Materials and methods: In this study, we included patients who were diagnosed with leukoplakia (histological label consistent with the clinical diagnosis, n = 95), and cases with a final diagnosis within the spectrum of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (n = 110) as defined by Batsakis et al. We applied the criteria proposed by Cerero-Lepiedra et al. to screen for the possible cases of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. (3) Results: Although many of our patients satisfied specific isolated criteria, only 11 cases satisfied specific combinations of the guidelines to satisfy a diagnosis of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. However, due to the lack of follow-up data, the disease is not confirmed in these 11 cases. (4) Conclusion: A limited number of cases of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia were diagnosed using the criteria given by Cerero-Lapiedra et al. The true natural history of the disease could not be studied due to the lack of follow-up data. (5) Clinical relevance: Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia presenting as hyperkeratosis or mild epithelial dysplasia are often not followed up, and they subsequently transform into carcinoma. Thus, clinicians must be vigilant whenever they encounter leukoplakia, especially with multifocal presentations. In such cases, the follow-up data are the key to understanding the true nature of the disease entity.