ABSTRACT
Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal drug, which is processed from the resin of poppy plants. It was first manufactured in 1898 as a treatment for tuberculosis and morphine addiction. Its use poses both direct and indirect consequences for oral health. An increased incidence of dental caries and periodontal disease is seen in heroin users. This is in addition to a number of systemic manifestations. Currently, New York State is experiencing an epidemic of fatal or near-fatal incidents involving heroin use. This is largely due to the convergence of two deadly influences: the transition by many abusers from prescription opioid pain relievers to heroin; and the lacing of heroin with fentanyl. It is imperative that dentists in this state be aware of this epidemic and the oral/dental significance of heroin use.
Subject(s)
Heroin Dependence/complications , Mouth Diseases/etiology , Tooth Diseases/etiology , Heroin Dependence/epidemiology , Humans , New York/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Methylenedioxymethampetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, is an illicit drug used by individuals seeking mood enhancement. Ecstasy's pharmacology, systemic, oral and dental manifestations are presented. Use of this drug is not limited to a particular socioeconomic class and, as such, all practicing dentists must be aware of both the intraoral effects of this drug and any possible alterations to dental treatment that might become necessary. Dental manifestations include bruxism, increased incidence of caries, xerostomia and oral ulcers.
ABSTRACT
Hemophilia is an inherited x-linked recessive disorder. It is known popularly as "The Royal Disease," as it has affected many of the royal families of Europe by virtue of Queen Victoria being a carrier for the gene and, subsequently, passing it on to her offspring. They, in turn, married and had children with other royal families of Europe. Hemophilia is certainly not limited to royalty. There are many hemophiliacs living in our communities, and they must receive both proper dental home-care education and dental treatment in order to prevent possibly life-threatening emergency dental episodes. Individuals with hemophilia pose different management issues to the dental professional. The various precautions and modifications that must be taken in order to ensure the safe delivery of dental care to hemophiliac dental patients are discussed.
Subject(s)
Famous Persons , Hemophilia A/history , Dental Care for Chronically Ill , Europe , History, 19th Century , History, 20th Century , HumansABSTRACT
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by the malabsorption of nutrients because the villi of the small intestines are unable to process these nutrients. It is brought on by gluten food products. A pattern of enamel defects and oral aphthae are common findings in celiac disease, thus making the dentist an integral part of the diagnostic team.
Subject(s)
Celiac Disease/complications , Dental Enamel/abnormalities , Stomatitis, Aphthous/etiology , Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Celiac Disease/immunology , Celiac Disease/physiopathology , HumansABSTRACT
3,4 Methylenedioxymethampetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, is an illicit drug used by individuals seeking mood enhancement. Ecstasy's pharmacology, systemic, oral and dental manifestations are presented. Use of this drug is not limited to a particular socioeconomic class and, as such, all practicing dentists must be aware of both the intra-oral effects of this drug and any possible alterations to dental treatment that might become necessary. Dental manifestations include bruxism, increased incidence of caries, xerostomia and oral ulcers.
Subject(s)
Dental Care , Hallucinogens , Illicit Drugs , N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine , Substance-Related Disorders/diagnosis , Adolescent , Contraindications , Hallucinogens/toxicity , Humans , Illicit Drugs/toxicity , Mouth Diseases/chemically induced , Mouth Diseases/therapy , N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine/toxicity , Pharmaceutical Preparations, Dental , Tooth Diseases/chemically induced , Tooth Diseases/therapy , Young AdultABSTRACT
Asthma affects millions of individuals worldwide. President Calvin Coolidge was one of these individuals. Coolidge suffered from asthma since childhood. It affected his outlook toward aggressive physical activity and was a strong factor in shaping his personality and, eventually, his politics. He was devoted to the status quo in American business enterprises and was known for his reserved personality and conservative political beliefs. One can speculate as to what role his passive personality, developed as a direct and conscious result of his desire for physical self-preservation in light of his asthma, played in leading the United States to the brink of the Great Depression. Dentists encounter individuals with asthma in their private practices daily. It is imperative that all dentists be aware of the symptoms of asthma, its many orofacial manifestations and possible modifications to dental treatment.
Subject(s)
Asthma/history , Famous Persons , Asthma/psychology , Dental Care for Chronically Ill , History, 19th Century , History, 20th Century , Humans , Male , United StatesABSTRACT
The illicit use of the three main forms of cannabis--marijuana, hash, hash oil--pose certain obstacles and challenges to the dental professional. There are a number of systemic, as well as oral/head and neck manifestations, associated with cannabis use. Dentists need to be aware of these manifestations in order to take whatever precautions and/or modifications to the proposed treatment that might be necessary.
ABSTRACT
Franklin Delano Roosevelt led the United States for four terms as president. He served during a period of unparalleled turmoil in American history. Roosevelt's blood pressure rose steadily as he presided over the Great Depression and much of World War II. He refused to decrease his workload, even as his health steadily declined. Roosevelt willingly and knowingly sacrificed his health, and, ultimately, his life fulfilling his desire to provide America with continuous and inspiring leadership. The medical community's understanding of hypertension was in its infancy during his presidency. Today, healthcare professionals understand the importance of the proper diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Dentists play a vital role in detecting hypertension in individuals and, when necessary, referring the patient to the proper medical professional for evaluation.
Subject(s)
Famous Persons , Hypertension/history , History, 20th Century , Humans , Male , United States , World War IIABSTRACT
The illicit use of the three main forms of cannabis-marijuana, hash, hash oil-pose certain obstacles and challenges to the dental professional. There are a number of systemic, as well as oral/head and neck manifestations, associated with cannabis use. Dentists need to be aware of these manifestations in order to take whatever precautions and/or modifications to the proposed treatment that might be necessary.
Subject(s)
Cannabis/adverse effects , Dental Care for Chronically Ill , Marijuana Abuse/complications , Abnormalities, Drug-Induced , Bronchitis/etiology , Gingival Diseases/etiology , Humans , Immune System/drug effects , Leukoplakia, Oral/etiology , Marijuana Smoking/adverse effects , Mental Disorders/etiology , Mouth Neoplasms/etiology , Tachycardia/etiology , Xerostomia/etiologyABSTRACT
The illicit use of the three main forms of cannabis--marijuana, hash, hash oil--pose certain obstacles and challenges to the dental professional. There are a number of systemic, as well as oral/head and neck manifestations, associated with cannabis use. Dentists need to be aware of these manifestations in order to take whatever precautions and/or modifications to the proposed treatment that might be necessary.
ABSTRACT
Patients who use cocaine illicitly present obstacles and potential challenges for the treating dental professional. There are many manifestations--both systemic and oral--that the dentist needs to be aware of to treat known abusers and to identify those who are not forthcoming about their cocaine use. Certain modifications to treatment, or even a delay in treatment, may be indicated in cocaine abusers.
Subject(s)
Cocaine-Related Disorders/complications , Mouth Diseases/etiology , Tooth Diseases/etiology , Cocaine/pharmacokinetics , Cocaine/pharmacology , Dental Care , Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors/pharmacokinetics , Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors/pharmacology , HumansABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This article discusses the nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) of American baseball icon Babe Ruth, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of NPC. CASE DESCRIPTION: NPC is a tumor originating from the epithelium of the nasopharynx. It is the leading form of cancer in certain well-defined populations in areas such as southern China, Southeast Asia, the Arctic, North Africa and the Middle East; it is relatively rare in the United States. Despite the fact that Babe Ruth's family was of German descent and NPC is not prevalent in Germany, reports regarding Ruth's autopsy demonstrate that his head and neck cancer was NPC. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists play a pivotal role in the recognition of oral signs and symptoms and in the diagnosis of NPC, as well as the subsequent oral care of patients during and after treatment.