Oral health status in haemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the oral and dental manifestations in non- diabetic and diabetic uraemic patients who were undergoing haemodialysis and to estimate and compare the salivary pH in these two groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety Seven uraemic patients who were undergoing maintenance haemodialysis were included in the study. Subjective and objective findings were evaluated and recorded in a specially designed proforma. Predialytic unstimulated whole salivary pH was recorded by using pH-measuring strips. Dental health assessment consisted of DMFT and CPITN indices. RESULTS: A subjective oral manifestation of dysguesia was found to be more significant in non-diabetic patients (p<0.008). Statistically, a high significance was observed with mucosal petechiae in 31.9% patients of diabetic group .The overall DMFT score was significantly higher in diabetic group. A moderate significance was found with a CPI score of 5 (p<0.015). The pH of saliva was significantly higher among diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: The diabetic subjects who were on haemodialysis were at a high risk for developing periodontal disease and they exhibited a potential threat for dental decay and xerostomia. A lower salivary pH and a poor glycaemic control may affect their oral health. Further research is required to clarify the combined influence of diabetic nephropathy on oral health.

Pediatric giant cell fibroma: an unusual case report.

Giant cell fibroma (GCF) is a lesion of oral mucosa which is commonly found on gingiva. The prevalence of GCF is high in Caucasians in the first three decades. It represents 2% to 5% of all fibrous lesions. This report describes a case of GCF on the tongue in a 12 year old Dravidian child. The cause of the lesion could not be determined. Excisional biopsy was performed to establish definitive diagnosis. Microscopically, numerous stellate shaped multi-nucleated giant cells and dense bundles of collagen fibres with a whorled pattern were observed. These collagen fibres were positive for Massons trichrome stain. Immunohistochemical analysis showed stellate cells positive for vimentin and negative for alpha smooth muscle actin suggesting fibroblast phenotype. No recurrence was observed. Pediatric dentists must have a thorough knowledge of this uncommon lesion which can be diagnosed only based on histopathological features.

Randomized trial of aloe vera gel vs triamcinolone acetonide ointment in the treatment of oral lichen planus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of aloe vera gel in the treatment of oral lichen planus when compared with triamcinolone acetonide. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was designed. The study sample constituted 40 patients (23 males and 17 females) who were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A patients received aloe vera gel, while group B patients received triamcinolone acetonide. RESULTS: Forty patients were included in the study. Most of the sample presented with erosive (n = 18) and atrophic (n = 14) variants of oral lichen planus. When clinical signs and symptoms were observed after 8 weeks of therapy, it was determined that aloe vera gel was more effective than triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of oral lichen planus. CONCLUSION: Aloe vera gel can be considered a safe alternative treatment for oral lichen planus.