Alteration of Oral and Perioral Soft Tissue in Mice following Incisor Tooth Extraction.

Oral and perioral soft tissues cooperate with other oral and pharyngeal organs to facilitate mastication and swallowing. It is essential for these tissues to maintain their morphology for efficient function. Recently, it was reported that the morphology of oral and perioral soft tissue can be altered by aging or orthodontic treatment. However, it remains unclear whether tooth loss can alter these tissues' morphology. This study examined whether tooth loss could alter lip morphology. First, an analysis of human anatomy suggested that tooth loss altered lip morphology. Next, a murine model of tooth loss was established by extracting an incisor; micro-computed tomography revealed that a new bone replaced the extraction socket. Body weight was significantly lower in the tooth loss (UH) group than in the non-extraction control (NH) group. The upper lip showed a greater degree of morphological variation in the UH group. Proteomic analysis and immunohistochemical staining of the upper lip illustrated that S100A8/9 expression was higher in the UH group, suggesting that tooth loss induced lip inflammation. Finally, soft-diet feeding improved lip deformity associated with tooth loss, but not inflammation. Therefore, soft-diet feeding is essential for preventing lip morphological changes after tooth loss.

Factors associated with xerostomia in perimenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES: Various oral symptoms, including xerostomia and burning mouth syndrome, may occur in menopausal women. These symptoms reduce quality of life (QOL). However, the actual condition of xerostomia after menopause is not clear. The purpose of this study was to reveal the factors associated with xerostomia in perimenopausal women. METHODS: Participants included 118 outpatients (mean age, 49.9 ± 3.2 years; range, 45-55 years) at a department of gynecology in Japan. Information was collected concerning age, medical history, medications, menstrual status, and history of treatment for climacteric symptoms. Oral symptoms, including xerostomia were evaluated with a 3-point scale. The climacteric symptom checklist for Japanese women and 36-Item Short-Form Health were used to evaluate climacteric symptoms and QOL, respectively. In addition, the volume of unstimulated saliva, oral moisture, salivary α-amylase, chromogranin A, and 17-ß estradiol were measured. RESULTS: Higher age, the total number of medications, psychotropic drug, hormone replacement therapy, treatment for climacteric symptoms, sticky mouth, burning sensation of tongue, dryness of nose and 14 of the 21 climacteric symptoms significantly affected xerostomia. In addition, treatment for climacteric symptoms, fall asleep but often awake at night, headaches and dryness of nose were significantly associated with xerostomia. In conclusion, xerostomia is closely associated to factors such as treatment for climacteric symptoms and certain menopausal symptoms, and it may be related to QOL in perimenopausal women.

Factors associated with mucosal dryness in multiple regions and skin: A web-based study in women.

AIM: We hypothesized that feeling mucosal dryness in one body region and the skin may be associated with dryness in other regions and that there are common background factors for dryness. In an earlier web-based survey, we reported prevalence figures of dry eyes, nose, mouth, skin, and vagina. In the present study, additional analyses were made to investigate the factors associated with dryness in each region, and simultaneous dryness in multiple regions. METHODS: A web-based questionnaire was completed by 310 Japanese women. The questions included dryness of the eyes, nose, mouth, vagina, and skin. Menopausal and other symptoms were also addressed. Multiple logistic regression modeling was performed to identify factors associated with dryness in each region and in multiple dry regions. RESULTS: Dry eyes were associated with dryness in the nose and with headache; dry nose was associated with dryness in the vagina and eyes; dry mouth was associated with sticky mouth symptom and dryness of the nose; dry skin was associated with use of xerogenic medications and vaginal discharge; and dryness of the vagina was associated with vaginal itchiness and dry nose. Vaginal discharge (odds ratio, 9.64; 95% confidence interval, 3.15-29.51) and sticky mouth (odds ratio, 6.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-31.29) were further associated with dryness in multiple regions. CONCLUSION: The present results confirmed our study hypothesis by showing that dryness in one region was clearly associated with that in another or in multiple regions. The result implies the need for holistic diagnosis and counseling for patients with dryness complaints.