Prevalence of nutrient canals in mandibular anterior intra-oral periapical radiographs (IOPARS) in patients with chronic systemic diseases - a cross-sectional study.

Nutrient canals (NCs) are passages containing neurovascular bundles (blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves). Best visualized on mandibular anterior intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPAR), their presence is usually associated with underlying pathological such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), advanced periodontitis, calcium deficiency, tuberculosis, and disuse atrophy. This study aimed to (a) evaluate NC prevalence in patients with DM, HTN, and chronic periodontitis and (b) correlate the detection of NCs as an important preliminary screening tool for inherent systemic diseases like DM, HTN, and chronic periodontitis and as an investigative clue in age and gender determination. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 subjects. Patients with complaints of pain in the mandibular anterior teeth, deep dentinal caries, abrasion, and attrition were subjected to IOPAR of the mandibular anterior teeth region to assess NCs. An increased frequency of NCs in DM (84%), HTN (66%), and periodontitis (52%) with a significant p-value was observed. Most NCs were seen beyond the root apex (72.4%). A notable association between the duration of disease and the presence of NCs in the diabetic and hypertensive cohorts (p-value 0.047 & 0.012, respectively) was observed. However, we could not establish any association between the prevalence of nutrient canals with age and gender. Our study suggested that a higher frequency of NCs on mandibular anterior IOPAR may be employed as an ancillary screening and investigative support in underlying systemic disorders.

Evaluation of 5% Amlexenox Oral Paste and Rebamipide Tablets in Treatment of Recurrent Apthous Stomatitis and Comparison with Dologel CT.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a frequently seen oral ulcerative lesion, manifesting as multiple, recurrent, shallow, irregular ulcers encircled by an erythematous halo. The precise etiopathogenesis is obscure, although the recent understanding suggests an underlying immune-mediated etiology. However, there is no defined management protocol and the principal therapy aims to attain symptomatic respite. 150 clinically diagnosed RAS patients of both sexes in the age range of 15-65 years were randomly allocated and divided into two cohorts, namely Group A (75 RAS patients receiving 5% Amlexanox paste + 100 mg Rebamipide tab.) and Group B (75 RAS patients receiving Dologel CT). Effectiveness of 5% Amlexanox oral paste and Rebamipide tablets in diminution of the ulcer size, erythema and pain was assessed and compared with Dologel CT therapy. The study showed an equal gender distribution. Majority of the patients were in the younger age range (25-35 years) and labial and buccal mucosa were the commonest affected sites. Although, both 5% Amlexanox and Rebamipide tablets and Dologel CT showed statistically significant resolution in the ulcer size, erythema, and associated pain. However, 5% oral Amlexanox paste and Rebamipide tablets are more efficacious in the treatment of RAS and tend to heal the ulcer at a more accelerated pace. Our research concluded that 5% oral Amlexanox paste and Rebamipide tablets tend to heal the ulcer at a more accelerated pace as compared to Dologel CT.

Comparative evaluation of curcumin and antioxidants in the management of oral submucous fibrosis.

AIM: The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of curcumin in both topical and systemic forms for management of oral submucous fibrosis in comparison with the antioxidants. METHODS: In this randomized parallel-group single-center trial, 119 patients were enrolled. Group I received antioxidants, group II received curcumin in systemic form and group III received curcumin in both systemic and topical forms. The primary outcomes assessed were interincisal mouth opening and burning sensation using a visual analog scale. The secondary outcomes were tongue protrusion and adverse reactions. The response to treatment was analyzed using ANOVA and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Significant improvement in mouth opening, burning sensation and tongue protrusion was observed in all groups at 12 weeks. Mean improvement in burning sensation did not show statistical difference across the groups. A significant difference between groups II and III for improvement in mouth opening and groups I and III for improvement in tongue protrusion was noted. CONCLUSION: When administrated in both systemic and topical forms together, curcumin showed better results in the management of oral submucous fibrosis as compared with the systemic form alone or antioxidants. Curcumin has the potential to emerge as an effective alternative to conventionally prescribed medications.

Pigmented oral compound nevus of retromolar area - A rare case report.

Solitary pigmented melanocytic intraoral lesions of the oral cavity are rare. Oral nevus is a congenital or acquired benign neoplasm. Oral compound nevus constitutes 5.9%-16.5% of all oral melanocytic nevi. The oral compound nevus is commonly seen on hard palate and buccal mucosa and rarely on other intraoral sites. The objective of this article is to present a rare case report of oral compound nevus in the retromolar pad region along with a review of literature. A 22 year old female reported with a solitary black pigmented papule at retromolar pad region which was surgically removed and microscopic investigation confirmed the diagnosis of oral compound nevus.