Influence of Hypertension on pH of Saliva and Flow Rate in Elder Adults Correlating with Oral Health Status.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most prevalent systemic conditions seen in the elderly individuals is hypertension, but very sparse knowledge regarding the influence of hypertension on oral health in known. AIM: Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between hypertension and salivary pH, flow rate and its effect on oral health status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 40 elderly individuals above 60 years of age, of which 20 individuals (control group) were normotensive without using any medication and 20 individuals (study group) were hypertensive using anti-hypertensive medication. Stimulated and unstimulated saliva samples were collected from all individuals and pH was measured using saliva pH strips, flow rate was measured using calibrated test tubes and was correlated with oral health status. Then the values were sent for statistical analysis where unpaired t-test, chi-square test were used. RESULTS: The results showed that there was no significant association of hypertension with stimulated and unstimulated flow rate, rather there was a significant association of hyper-tension with stimulated salivary pH i.e., there was a significant decrease in the pH of stimulated saliva. The study also revealed a significant association with presence of bleeding on probing and periodontal pockets in individuals who were hypertensive and using anti-hypertensive medication. CONCLUSION: Hence, it is a necessity to monitor blood pressure for reconstruction and maintenance of oral health in older adults. More longitudinal studies are to be carried out to explore further relationship between oral health and hypertension in older adults.

Importance of cephalographs in diagnosis of patients with sleep apnea.

INTRODUCTION: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is considered to be a potentially life threatening disorder, which is characterized by repeated collapse of the upper airway during sleep with cessation of breathing. The cephalometric method despite being a static, two-dimensional evaluation of dynamic three-dimensional structures of the head and neck is useful in diagnosing patients with OSA, as they have shown that significant differences exist between asymptomatic controls and patients with OSA. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study is designed to compare and validate the craniofacial morphology in patients with OSA using lateral cephalometry in both upright and supine position. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty subjects participated in the study of which 30 were patients with OSA diagnosed by questionnaire and 30 were healthy control group with age range of 25-45 years. RESULTS: The study group demonstrated an increased ANB, mandibular plane angles (GoGn-SN), lower anterior facial height which are statistically significant with a significant P < 0.05. Significant decrease in posterior airway space, increased soft palate length, tongue length, and thickness suggesting reduced airway space in supine posture. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of craniofacial morphology in OSA patients using lateral cephalometry helps in recognizing the morphological changes induced by altered sleep pattern and for appropriate treatment planning.