Comparison of efficacy of alternative medicine with allopathy in treatment of oral fungal infection.

This clinical study assessed and compared the efficacy of tea tree oil (TTO), an alternative form of medicine, with clotrimazole (i.e., allopathy) and a conservative form of management in the treatment of oral fungal infection. In this interventional, observational, and comparative study, we enrolled 36 medically fit individuals of both sexes who were aged 20-60 years old. The participants were randomly assigned to three groups. Group I was given TTO (0.25% rinse) as medicament, Group II was given clotrimazole, and Group III was managed with conservative treatment. The results were analyzed from the clinical evaluation of lesions, changes in four most common clinical parameters of lesions, and subjective symptoms on periodic follow-up. Based on the results, the percentage efficiency of the two groups were taken and compared through a bar graph on the scale of 1. No toxicity to TTO was reported. Group I (TTO) was found to be more efficient than the other two groups, as changes in four parameter indices of lesions were noted, and results for all three groups were compared on a percentage basis. The study concluded that TTO, being a natural product, is a better nontoxic modality compared to clotrimazole, in the treatment of oral fungal infection and has a promising future for its potential application in oral health products.

Prevalence of habits and oral mucosal lesions in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

INTRODUCTION: Dental health and oral health are used almost synonymously when stating the goals of oral health; such statements are only valid for dental health. This may lead to severe underestimation of the need of total oral health care. When planning measures of oral health care, the lack of data may lead to a risk of overlooking diseases of the soft tissue in, and adjacent to, the oral cavity. Prevalence data of oral mucosal lesions are available from many countries, but the information is usually restricted to very few lesions in each survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is an attempt to assess and compare the various deleterious habits and its associated oral mucosal lesions among patients visiting outpatient department of Jaipur Dental College, Jaipur, Rajasthan. RESULTS: It was found that the prevalence of habits was 51.4% including both the sexes and prevalence of oral mucosal lesions were 9.9%. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of habits and oral mucosal lesions is very high as compared with other studies. The habit of smoking was higher in males as compared to females.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis: an illusion of hope.

INTRODUCTION: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare atypical cellular disorder characterized by clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells leading to myriad clinical presentations and variable outcomes. It usually occurs in children and young adults. It can be present with local and systemic manifestation involving skin, bone, mucosal tissues and internal organs. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The stomatologist plays an important role in management of the disease by keeping in mind the various oral manifestations of the disease. CASE REPORT: Of a child with disseminated LCH with multiorgan involvement who presented with failure to thrive, osteolytic bony lesions and extensive cutaneous eruptions. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and awareness is necessary to treat the patients. How to cite this article: Desai VD, Priyadarshinni SR, Varma B, Sharma R. Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: An Illusion of Hope. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2013;6(1):66-70.

Extensive Mucocutaneous Verruca Vulgaris in a Nonimmunocompromised Patient.

Papilloma virus infections of the oral cavity have been long recognized with various clinical expressions characterized as verruca vulgaris, Heck's disease, multiple papilloma and condyloma acuminata. In this paper, we are highlighting a case of verruca vulgaris involving the oral cavity with extensive skin lesions in a nonimmunocompromised 9-year-old boy. Different treatment modalities are discussed in this article.

Scurvy extinct? Think again!

Scurvy is still seen sporadically in the developed world. Scurvy, a dietary disease due to the deficient intake of vitamin C, is uncommon in the pediatric population. Scurvy occurs as a result of decreased vitamin C consumption or absorption. We present the case of a 6-year-old boy visiting our department with bleeding gums, musculoskeletal pain, and weakness. Four days after starting oral vitamin C supplementation, there was significant improvement in the patient's gingival appearance and general health. The clinical presentation and laboratory investigation (Hemoglobin %, total blood picture) , together with the dramatic therapeutic response to ascorbic acid administration, confirmed the diagnosis of scurvy. Scurvy can be missed unless oral and general physicians maintain a high index of suspicion. Therefore it is time to wonder if scurvy is extinct yet.