Salivary buffer capacity, pH, and stimulated flow rate of crack cocaine users.

AIM: Crack cocaine is the freebase form of cocaine that can be smoked. The use of this drug has been considered a public health problem in many countries. The aim of this study was to assess the stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR), pH, and the buffer capacity of saliva in crack cocaine users. METHODS: Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 54 selected crack cocaine users and 40 non-users. All samples were analyzed for SSFR, pH, and buffer capacity. SSFR was analyzed by gravimetric method. The buffer capacity and pH were determined using a digital pH meter. RESULTS: The crack cocaine users demonstrated higher buffer capacity than the control group (P > 0.05). Salivary pH was lower in crack cocaine users (P < 0.05). Mean values of the SSFR for the experimental and control groups were 1.1 and 1.3 mL/min, respectively (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Crack cocaine users might exhibit a significant decrease in salivary pH, but not in salivary flow rate or buffer capacity.

Periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia: case report

Introduction: Periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia is a pathologic entity resulting from bone and cementum reactional process which affects the periapical region of the anterior mandible. Its etiology is not fully understood, but possibly it is related to an unusual bone and cementum response to some local factor. Objective: The aim of this study is to present a case of periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia. Case report: A 50 years-old female patient sought for dental care due to pain in the lower right premolar region. The panoramic radiography revealed the presence of an extensive radiolucent lesion with radiopaque areas located between the roots of the teeth #43 and #35. Teeth presented vitality and it was not observed any changes involving the periodontal ligament. Periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia diagnosis was established through clinical and radiographic features. Periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia does not require any treatment unless complications occur. Patient's complaint of discomfort was related to occlusal imbalance and was solved after the occlusion reestablishment. The patient was radiographically followed-up for 12 months and the lesion exhibits satisfactory signs of healing. Conclusion: The dentists need to be aware of asymptomatic intra-osseous lesions affecting the anterior region of mandible not to misconduct the diagnosis that could compromise the patient's oral health.

Taste evaluation in adolescents and pediatric patients with benign migratory glossitis.

OBJECTIVE: Benign migratory glossitis (BMG) is a disease that affects the tongue and is considered an inflammatory disorder well recognized. It is characterized by the appearance of erosive areas on the dorsum and lateral border of the tongue that can be isolated or multiple. The aim of this study was to assess whether the perception of taste to the four basic tastes is altered due to the presence of BMG. METHODS: Forty individuals of both sexes with a mean age of 12.1 years were divided into two groups (20 BMG patients and 20 healthy controls) and had their taste function assessed in relation to four basic tastes: bitter, sour, sweet, and salty. RESULTS: All participants in the case group exhibited lesions over the dorsum, edges and tip of the tongue with a possible extension to the surface below. No statistic difference was observed between BMG patients and controls for the taste scores (Mann-Whitney U test: P=0.0955). The percentage of correctly identified taste strips for the highest concentrations was 100% for all tastes. For the lowest concentrations it was 85% for sweet, 50% for sour, 95% for salty, and 95% for bitter. Three patients with BMG and three control subjects showed hypogeusia. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that BMG is not able to change the perception of taste for salty, sweet, sour and bitter.

Preclinical alterations of oral epithelial cells in contact with orthodontic appliances.

AIM: This study evaluated the behavior of oral epithelial cells in contact with orthodontic appliances. METHODS: Oral epithelial cells of clinically normal buccal mucosa were obtained by liquid-based exfoliative cytology from 22 orthodontic patients. The following regions were evaluated: a) oral mucosa exposed to friction from orthodontic brackets; b) oral mucosa exposed to friction from the tube on the orthodontic band, and c) oral mucosa not exposed to friction (control area). Nuclear (NA) and cytoplasmic (CA) areas and NA/CA ratio were assessed by an image analysis system. Cell morphology and cellularity were also analyzed by Papanicolaou technique. RESULTS: The NA of the cells in contact with orthodontic brackets and bands were smaller than the control area. Cells in contact with the brackets showed the greatest reduction in CA in comparison with the cells subjected to friction from the tube, and the control group. Smears classified as type I predominated in all regions analyzed, although type II were predominant, together with superficial epithelial cells, mainly in the oral mucosa in contact with the band tube. CONCLUSION: Preclinical alterations in the epithelial cells of oral mucosa, caused by orthodontic appliances, are reduction in NA, increase in cell keratinization and inflammatory features, especially in the band tube area.