[A PhD completed. More insight into the origin and composition of salivary stones]. / Serie: Hora est. Meer inzicht in het ontstaan en de samenstelling van speekselstenen.

Salivary stones are hardened, stony calcifications that primarily develop in the drainage duct of a salivary gland. They can lead to obstruction of the saliva flow, resulting in swelling and pain. Since the aetiology of salivary stones remains largely unclear, this was further investigated in this PhD study. A case-control review of patient records showed that systemic diseases and lifestyle factors most likely do not play a role in their occurrence. The biochemical composition of salivary stones removed by oral-maxillofacial surgeons was examined, revealing that large salivary stones have a different inorganic composition than small salivary stones. Several salivary proteins were detected in submandibular salivary stones, including lysozyme, s-IgA, and -amylase. Clumping together of these proteins may play a role in the initial formation of salivary stones.

[A PhD completed. Oral manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases]. / Serie: Hora est. Orale manifestaties van inflammatoire darmziekten.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to bowel symptoms, patients may also have oral manifestations. This thesis investigated potential associations between disease activity in the gut, oral health, salivary gland function, and saliva composition. Patients with Crohn's disease had a significantly higher DMFT index, but showed no difference in periodontal diseases compared to a healthy control group. The saliva composition in patients with active bowel disease differed from that in patients with inactive bowel disease, suggesting that saliva analysis could potentially be used in the future to determine the degree and severity of bowel disease. The knowledge of gastroenterologists and dentists regarding oral manifestations of bowel diseases was found to be limited. Gastroenterologists and dentists valued interdisciplinary patient consultation as very useful, but the frequency of consultation was considered insufficient.

[A sore tip of the tongue]. / Een pijnlijke tongpunt.

A 41-year-old patient presented with a sore tip of the tongue. The anterior side of the tongue had a red appearance showing a number of pronounced fungiform papillae and there were tooth impressions on the lateral sides of the tongue. This clinical picture is consistent with transient lingual papillitis. It has an unknown etiology. Local irritation might be a contributing factor. Transient lingual papillitis regresses spontaneously within a few weeks. Chronic lingual papulosis is a variant and shows enlarged filiform papillae; it can persist for years and is rarely painful. The cause of chronic lingual papulosis is similarly often unclear. Both conditions are very common, but often not recognized.

[White lesions of the oral mucosa: leukoplakia]. / Witte afwijking van het mondslijmvlies: leukoplakie.

White lesions of the oral mucosa may be caused by various disorders. In most instances of white lesions, diagnoses can be made solely on clinical grounds. When the clinical diagnosis is not compatible with a known disease, the term leukoplakia is used. This is of importance since the yearly malignant transformation rate of oral leukoplakia into a squamous cell carcinoma is 2-4%. The presence and degree of epithelial dysplasia is the most important predictor for malignant transformation.

[Ulcerations of the oral mucosa]. / Ulceraties van het mondslijmvlies.

Ulceration is a common presenting sign of a wide spectrum of diseases of the oral cavity involving many etiologic factors, such as trauma, infection, neoplasms, medication, and immune related disorders, ranging from self-limited lesions to life-threatening diseases. In most cases, a proper diagnosis can be established based on medical history and clinical features only. Early diagnosis is important as oral ulcerations might be a manifestation of a systemic disease or sometimes even due to a malignant process.

[Swelling of the labial gingiva of the teeth]. / Een zwelling van de gingiva.

A 12-year-old boy was referred with a painless swelling of the labial gingiva. The swelling was caused by the antihypertensive amlodipine, which he used because of arterial hypertension due to a chronic kidney disease. The treatment consisted of discontinuation of the causative drug after which the swelling of the gingiva slowly subsided.

[Oral health of recreational ecstasy-users]. / Mondgezondheid bij recreatief ecstasygebruik.

In a cross-sectional study, dental records of 149 individuals visiting an Academic Dental Clinic in Amsterdam who reported recreational ecstasy use, defined as no more than twice a week, were systematically analyzed and compared to a group of age- and sex-matched non-drug-users. The parameters retrieved from the dental records were decayed, missing, and filled permanent teeth-index (DMFT-index), number of endodontically treated teeth, presence of active caries lesions, periodontitis, tooth wear, xerostomia, and self-reported use of oral hygiene devices. Periodontitis, active caries lesions, and xerostomia were statistically significantly more present in ecstasy-users. Ecstasy-users brush their teeth significantly less frequent per day than non-recreational-drug-users. There were no significant differences in DMFT-index and in the devices used for brushing and interdental cleaning, and frequency of use of these interdental devices between both groups. We conclude that periodontitis, active caries lesions, and xerostomia, are more frequently present in recreational ecstasy-users compared to age- and sex-matched non-users.

[Knowledge and attitude of oral care providers in the Netherlands on skin lesions]. / Kennis en attitude van mondzorgverleners over huidafwijkingen.

To gain insight into the current knowledge of oral care providers in the Netherlands on facial skin lesions, a survey was distributed to 7,670 oral care providers. Their knowledge was tested by means of 4 multiple-choice questions and on the basis of 5 cases. The survey was completed in full by 90 respondents. The median age was 50.3 years and 62.2% were female. During dental check-ups, 55.6% always examined the face and 41.1% sometimes did so. Compared to the group 41 years old and older, the group 21-40 years of age alerted their patients more often to skin lesions (p = 0.017), was more afraid a specialist would find the referral useless (p < 0.001) and was more in need of a guideline (p = 0.049). The respondents scored 1.90 out of 4 correct answers to the knowledge questions. On the case studies, they scored 1.46 out of 5 for the correct diagnosis, 3.48 out of 5 for the correct choice of policy and 1.01 out of 5 for the combination correct diagnosis and correct policy. The total score was 2.91 out of 9. The results indicate that knowledge on aspects of skin lesions is limited and additional training and the availability of a guideline are necessary.

[Morsicatio related white lesions of the tongue borders and lower lip: a case report]. / Witte veranderingen van de onderlip en de tongranden als gevolg van morsicatio.

A 28-year-old woman was referred by her dentist to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for white lesions of the lower lip and lateral tongue borders on both sides. The diagnoss morsicatio labiorum and linguarum was made. Cheek, tongue, and lip biting occurs with some regularity and often patients are unaware of this habit. The diagnosis of morsicatio is based on clinical appearance and additional diagnostics are unnecessary. The condition belongs to a subcategory of obsessive-compulsive disorders. Treatment is not always necessary, but may consist of making the patient aware of the cause, possibly combined with symptomatic and/or causal therapy, for instance with an occlusal splint or cognitive behavioral therapy.

[A periapical lesion, not always an inflammation. Overprojection of neoplastic pathology]. / Serie: Een periapicale afwijking, niet altijd een ontsteking. Overprojectie van tumoren.

A radiolucency, radiopacity or mixed lesion identified on a radiograph is usually the result of an inflammation of endodontic origin. However, a periapical lesion is sometimes caused by primary bone pathology, predominantly manifesting at the apices of the teeth. Various intraosseous lesions can be projected across the apices, creating the impression of a causal relation with these teeth. An incorrect diagnosis can lead to 1 or more endodontic treatments being carried out unjustifiably. A thorough and detailed anamnesis, a complete extra- and intraoral examination, and a careful examination of the radiological imaging will result in a correct diagnosis in most cases. Knowledge of the differential diagnosis of periapical lesions is essential. This article focuses on periapical radiolucencies due to overprojection of neoplastic pathology.

[A periapical lesion, not always an inflammation. Overprojection of non-neoplastic pathology]. / Serie: Een periapicale afwijking, niet altijd een ontsteking. Overprojectie van niet-neoplastische pathologie.

A radiolucency, radiopacity or mixed lesion, identified on a radiograph is usually the result of an inflammation of endodontic origin. However, a periapical lesion is sometimes caused by primary bone pathology, predominantly manifesting at the apices of the teeth. Various intraosseous lesions can be projected across the apices, creating the impression of a causal relation with these teeth. An incorrect diagnosis can lead to 1 or more endodontic treatments being carried out unjustifiably. A thorough and detailed anamnesis, a complete extra- and intraoral examination, and a careful examination of the radiological imaging will result in a correct diagnosis in most cases. Knowledge of the differential diagnosis of periapical lesions is essential. This article focuses on apparent periapical radiolucencies caused by overprojection of non-neoplastic pathology.

[A periapical lesion, not always an inflammation. Periapical radiolucencies]. / Serie: Een periapicale afwijking, niet altijd een ontsteking. Periapicale radiolucenties.

A radiolucency, radiopacity or mixed lesion, identified on a radiograph is usually the result of an inflammation of endodontic origin. However, a periapical lesion is sometimes caused by primary bone pathology, predominantly manifesting at the apices of the teeth. Various intraosseous lesions can be projected across the apices, creating the impression of a causal relation with these teeth. An incorrect diagnosis can lead to 1 or more endodontic treatments being carried out unjustifiably. A thorough and detailed anamnesis, a complete extra- and intraoral examination, and a careful examination of the radiological imaging will result in a correct diagnosis in most cases. Knowledge of the differential diagnosis of periapical lesions is essential. In this article, the focus will be on periapical radiolucencies and how they can be distinguished from each other.

[A periapical lesion, not always an inflammation. Periapical radiopacities]. / Serie: Een periapicale afwijking, niet altijd een ontsteking. Periapicale radiopaciteiten.

A periapical radiolucency, radiopacity or mixed lesion identified on a radiograph is usually caused by an inflammation of endodontic origin. However, a periapical lesion is sometimes caused by primary bone pathology, predominantly manifesting at the apices of the teeth. Various intraosseous lesions can also be projected across the apices, creating the impression of a causal relation with these teeth. An incorrect diagnosis can lead to 1 or more endodontic treatments being carried out unjustifiably. A thorough and detailed anamnesis, a complete extra- and intraoral clinical examination and the careful study of the radiographic imaging leads to a correct diagnosis in most cases. In this regard, knowledge of the differential diagnosis of periapical lesions is essential. In this article, the focus is on apparent periapical radiopacities and how they can be differentiated from each other.

[Human papillomavirus vaccination available for boys also; information for oral healthcare providers]. / Humaan papillomavirus-vaccinatie nu ook beschikbaar voor jongens: informatie voor mondzorgverleners.

Recently, the Dutch National Immunization Programme has started to offer the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to boys as well as girls from the age of 10. The vaccine protects against long-term HPV infection, which can lead to cervical, anogenital and oropharyngeal cancer. Besides malignant disorders, a HPV infection can also lead to certain disorders of the skin and oral cavity. Since the national HPV vaccination campaign has probably resulted in more awareness among patients about the relation between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer, patients may consult oral healthcare professionals with questions about HPV infection. Oral healthcare professionals are thus able to play a role in preventing HPV related disorders by counseling their patients on HPV. They can also contribute to early diagnosis of HPV related oral and oropharyngeal disorder, although the possibility of detecting oropharyngeal cancer during routine dental examination  is limited.

[Radiolucency at both lower third molars: the paradental cyst]. / Radiolucentie bij beide derde ondermolaren: een paradentaire cyste.

A 23-year-old man presented with an irritating sensation at the third molar on the left side of the mandible and a bad taste in his mouth. Radiographic and histopathological examination revealed the abnormality was caused by a paradental cyst. The paradental cyst is located distal to a lower third molar and, together with the mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst, belongs to the inflammatory collateral cysts. Treatment consists of enucleation of the cyst and removal of the lower third molar. Recurrences do not occur.

[A double white abnormality of the buccal mucosa]. / Een dubbelzijdige witte afwijking van het wangslijmvlies.

A 25-year-old man presented with a milky-white abnormality of the buccal mucosa on either cheek. Clinical examination revealed underlying leukoedema. Leukoedema is a clinical diagnosis confirmed when the white appearance of the buccal mucosa virtually disappears when it is stretched. The abnormality falls within the normal variation of the buccal mucosa and a biopsy and/or treatment are not necessary.

[Oral chronic graft versus host disease, what is it and how is it treated?] / Orale chronische graft-versus-hostziekte, wat is het en hoe wordt het behandeld?

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation can cause chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD). A number of patients manifest cGVHD in and around the mouth. It can present itself as clinically as mucosal lesions and/or salivary gland dysfunction and/or sclerotic changes. Cheeks and tongue are most commonly affected, but the palate, gingiva and lips can also be impacted. Oral cGVHD is associated with mucosal sensitivity, pain, (severe) oral dryness, altered taste, restricted mouth opening and difficulty swallowing, all of which may contribute to a significant decrease of the patient's quality of life. Patients also run an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa. The diagnosis of cGVHD is almost always based on the patient's medical history and clinical picture. Treatment of symptoms is based on the patient's problem(s). Dental professionals can provide patients with supportive preventive care aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing further deterioration of oral health.

[Cat scratch disease]. / Kattenkrabziekte.

Cat scratch disease is a usually harmless infectious disease caused by Bartonella henselae bacteria. These bacteria are transmitted to humans by a cat scratch or bite. Its typical presentation is a self-limiting lymphadenitis of regional lymph nodes, mostly in the neck. The disease is especially prevalent in children and young adults. Cat scratch disease can be associated with fever, headaches, and malaise, sometimes present itself atypically and in only a few cases expand as a disseminated disease. A swelling in the neck can be caused by many different disorders. In patients with lymphadenitis in the neck and a cat scratch or bite in their recent history, the probable diagnosis cat scratch disease can be made on the basis of clinical findings. Diagnostic testing should be performed when required. For patients with a typical manifestation of cat scratch disease, a wait-and-see policy can be considered. For patients with atypical manifestations, further diagnostic testing and treatment with antibiotics are recommended.

[Knowledge of Dutch dentists regarding HPV associated cancer of the oropharynx]. / Kennis van Nederlandse tandartsen over orofarynxkanker veroorzaakt door het humaan papillomavirus.

Worldwide and also in the Netherlands there is an increasing human papillomavirus (HPV)-attributable oropharyngeal cancer incidence. This type of cancer is more common at a younger age than the classical oropharyngeal cancer, which is usually caused by smoking and excessive drinking. Most often, the tumor occurs in the tonsils and at the base of the tongue. This study explored the level of knowledge of dentists about oropharyngeal cancer, its association with the human papillomavirus and their willingness to play a role in prevention. 7.364 digital questionnaires were sent to oral health-care providers and data from 607 dentists was analyzed. 48% of knowledge questions were answered correctly by more than half of the respondents. Significantly more female caregivers were aware of the relationship between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer and the availability of an HPV vaccine. Respondents considered it important that the relationship between HPV and oropharyngeal cancer is discussed with patients and that a protocol is developed that is useful in screening for mouth and throat cancer.

[A painful periapical radiopacity in the lower jaw]. / Een pijnlijke periapicale radiopaciteit in de onderkaak.

A periapical radiopacity is frequently encountered by chance on a conventional periapical or panoramic x-ray. However, local pain and/or swelling in the area of a radiopacity is seldom seen. Here, we report on 2 cases of patients referred to the oral and maxillofacial surgeon with a painful periapical radiopacity in the lower jaw. The clinically and radiologically assumed diagnosis was a cementoblastoma, which was confirmed by histopathological examination following its surgical removal. A cementoblastoma is a rare, benign odontogenic tumor, mostly found in patients younger than 30. Treatment consists of surgical removal of the tumor, almost always together with the attached tooth. The recurrence rate after complete removal is approximately 12%. A cementoblastoma is clinically distinguished from other periapical radiopacities by local pain and sometimes swelling and radiologically by a relationship with the roots of a (pre)molar, a radiolucent rim surrounding the opacity, bone and/or root resorption and expansive growth.