Modifications of Gallego staining and its dental application.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of the study are to employ modified Gallego staining in pathology and to specifically evaluate the hard tissue apposed to odontogenic epithelium in order to aid in the diagnosis. METHODS: Lillie's modification of Gallego's stain was utilized as a reference to create a fresh batch of the stain. The archival and running cases of 2021-2022 was screened for odontogenic pathologies, yielding approximately 46 cases, among these four cases were selected which required evaluation of the hard tissue matrix apposed to odontogenic epithelium for its characterization. The modified Gallego staining was employed in the soft tissue sections of these cases under controlled environment. The staining results were evaluated. RESULTS: The stain was used in cases to stain dentinoid deposition as green color in hybrid ameloblastoma, archegonous cystic odontoma, dentinogenic ghost cell tumor and also in other cases like calcifying odontogenic cyst. Bone presented as green in color, cells as pink color and collagen as green-pink. This helped in the correct diagnosis of these cases facilitating the correct treatment modality. CONCLUSIONS: In the field of oral pathology, there are a multitude of lesions which are odontogenic with the diagnosis of few of them hinging on the characterization of hard tissue matrix found in close approximation to odontogenic epithelium implying an inductive capability to the odontogenic epithelium. This particular modified Gallego stain has been able to help in diagnosis of few such cases in our repertoire of cases.

A massive dentinogenic ghost cell tumor that crossed the midline: A rare case report.

Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is a rare tumor of odontogenic origin. A locally invasive lesion can be described by the presence of ameloblast-like epithelial islands, ghost cells, and dentinoid material. It is one of the few lesions with a predilection for the Asian population. The available literature has revealed that only 131 cases to date have been reported and published from 1968 to 2022. The following is a case report of a 25-year-old male with a tumor in the left lower back teeth region for the past 1 month. Orthopantomogram (OPG) reveals a well-defined unilocular radiolucency extending anteroposteriorly and crossing the midline. Histopathology revealed basal ameloblast-like cells and central stellate reticulum-like cells with the characteristic presence of ghost cells. The diagnosis was made based on the clinical, radiographical, and histopathological correlation and was confirmed using immunohistochemical analysis as a DGCT.

Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of herbal formulation using karpooravalli, mint, and cinnamon on wound pathogens.

Wound damage must be shielded from inflammatory responses caused by the external environment, while also receiving adequate moisture and promoting wound healing. Cinnamomum verum, Coleus aromaticus/amboinicus, and Mentha have proven effects on anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects as separate in various studies, but no studies have observed the synergistic effects of one herb on the other. The aim of the present study is to assess the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of karpooravalli, mint, and cinnamon formulation against wound pathogens for better healing of mouth ulcers through an in vitro study for further mouth paint preparation. Herbal extract is prepared using herbal plants karpooravalli, mint, and cinnamon. We studied the antimicrobial effects on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas with ampicillin antibiotic disks as positive control and anti-inflammatory with control of diclofenac sodium. The antimicrobial activity of zone of inhibition increased with higher concentration of 100 µL against E. coli, S. aureus, and Pseudomonas at 20 mm, 18 mm, and 15 mm, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity showed the highest percentage of inhibition using 50 µL with 91.5%; this reveals good anti-inflammatory activity by the synergistic action of the herbal formulation. The synergistic effect of the herbal formulation had a comparable anti-inflammatory activity as that of the standard. Hence, it can be employed in large-scale production and may be used for fabricating a natural product based on mouthwashes and mouth paints.

Workplace violence among dental surgeons - A survey.

BACKGROUND: Workplace violence is a multi-causal, multifaceted, public health, legal and social problem faced by all occupations worldwide. Recently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of workplace violence against doctors. Even though the government has attempted to address these problems in India, doctors are still experiencing violence in their workplaces. AIM: The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence and awareness of workplace violence among dental surgeons. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the dental surgeons. A self-administered questionnaire containing 15 questions was made and validated. A Web-based questionnaire was developed using Google forms and was circulated. A total of 112 responses were obtained. Questions were answered with "yes" "no" or by marking the correct responses. Frequency analysis and percentage analysis were done with the obtained results. RESULTS: Our study showed that 74.1% of the participants heard about the workplace violence and 30.4% faced violence in their clinic. The nature of the violence was physical in 0.9%, verbal in 39.3%, and sexual in 0.9% among the participants who faced violence. A total of 92.9% of the participants reported that they require policies and guidelines against this workplace violence. CONCLUSION: Dental surgeons should have proper knowledge about the work-related violence and methods to control this violence. Policies, procedures, and intervention strategies should be undertaken to manage this alarming issues.

Knowledge, Attitude and practice survey on the perspective of oral lesions and dental health in geriatric patients residing in old age homes.

AIM: The aim of the study is to analyse the knowledge about oral lesions, the symptoms of such lesions and their attitude towards the treatment of these problems faced by institutionalised geriatric individuals. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 103 institutionalised elders residing at various institutions. The questionnaire consisted of questions that addressed the medical and dental issues faced by the institutionalised elders and assessed their knowledge and attitude towards dental health. All the received responses were tabulated and the results were represented graphically. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that 44.66% of the elders underwent medical check-up once yearly and 72.82% of them visited the dentist. Of all 103 elders, none of them used dentures in spite of being edentulous and only 29.13% had any knowledge about oral lesions while the rest had no knowledge of the oral lesion and considered these lesions to be normal changes with increasing age. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study demonstrate the need to improve access to oral healthcare and dental health education for the institutionalised elder population. In spite of the limitations of the study, we were able to record the obvious lack of dental hygiene practises, neglect and lack of motivation for proper dental care.

Saliva as a Diagnostic Tool in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma - a Systematic Review with Meta Analysis.

Whole saliva is mainly composed of fluid produced by major and minor salivary glands. Major salivary glands including parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, are known to secrete fluid transported from serum as well as surrounding glandular tissues [1]. Beside the secretions from salivary glands, oral mucosa, periodontium, as well as oral microflora also contribute to the final content of whole saliva [1]. Whole saliva therefore represents a complex balance among local and systemic sources [2]. This allows for the application of saliva in the diagnosis not only for salivary gland disorders but also for oral diseases and systemic conditions [2]. The role of saliva as a diagnostic tool in detecting Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Articles published in PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANE, GOOGLE, manual search and back references of the articles for last 5 years extracted 77 articles. Studies which considered saliva as a diagnostic tool were included. Statistical analysis with Receivers Operating Curve to establish sensitivity and specificity of the salivary biomarkers as a diagnostic tool to detect Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma were included for meta analysis. The measure of effect with 95% confidence interval were meta analysed for 9 articles in which 308 healthy individuals compared with 340 patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Highly sensitive salivary biomarkers for detecting Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma were MMP-9, Chemerin, Choline + Betaine + Pipecolinic Acid + I - Carnitine(confidence interval ranges from 0.83-1.0). The narrow confidence interval of 0.95 + (0.88-1.00) was seen for MMP-9 followed by 1.00 + (0.78-1.00) for chemerin. Highly specific biomarkers for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma were MMP-9 (specificity -100%,), Chemerin(specificity-100%), over expressed mi RNA 136 with specificity of 0.88(0.69-0.97), under expressed mi RNA 27B with specificity of 1.0(0.66-1.00). Saliva can be used as a diagnostic tool with highly sensitive and specific markers namely MMP-9, Chemerin for early detection of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Molar Incisor Hypomineralization and Its Prevalence.

BACKGROUND: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is the hypomineralization of systemic origin of one to four permanent first molars, frequently associated with affected incisors. It is presented as demarcated enamel opacities of different colors, occasionally undergoing posteruptive breakdown. The characteristic feature of MIH is the clear demarcation between the affected and sound enamel. There is asymmetry of defects present in the molars and incisors where one molar or incisor can be severely affected, while the contralateral tooth may be clinically sound or have only minor defects. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate schoolchildren of 7-12 years of age with at least one of the first permanent molars fully or partially erupted from randomly selected government and private schools in Chennai using the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (EAPD) criteria for MIH, to determine the prevalence and characteristics of MIH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The dental examinations were performed in the classroom using a mouth mirror and explorer under a headlight. Teeth were wiped with gauze when necessary to remove plaque or the food accumulations. Surfaces that were examined were the buccal, lingual, palatal, and occlusal surfaces of permanent first molars and labial surfaces of upper and lower incisors. A single examiner was involved to avoid interexaminer bias. All the data were collected and scored using the EAPD criteria for MIH. RESULTS: A total of 22 (12.9%) children out of the examined 170 had MIH. CONCLUSION: Distribution of MIH was more in males, more in 9 years of age. A total of 13 children had first molars affected and 9 children had both incisors and molars affected. Molars were affected more than the incisors. Mandible was affected more in comparison with the maxilla. Right side was affected more than the left side. The distribution of MIH was more in government schools compared to private schools.

Giant cell tumor of the mandible.

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a distinctive neoplasm characterized by abundance of multinucleated giant cells scattered throughout the stroma of mononuclear cells. Its importance lies in recognizing and differentiating the characteristic histology, which at times may mimic several other bone tumors and endocrine disorders ranging from locally aggressive giant cell granulomas to hyperparathyroidism to malignant tumors. The jaw bones account for less than 1% of the lesion. Ina literature search, we found only five cases of GCT of jaw bones based on the new criteria. We present a rare case of GCT of the mandible which occurred in a 12-year-old female.