prevalence of salivary gland disorders and lichenplanus in patients infected with chronic hepatitis C virus

This study was carried out to examine the oral health of Hepatitis C Virus infected patients. In particular, the prevalence of salivary glands disorders and Oral Lichen Planus. Eighty patients infected with HCV, who were not undergoing anti-viral treatment, were examined. The information collected from the patients included, demographic details together with perception of their oral health and access to dental care since they were diagnosed of hepatitis C. Both extra-oral and intra-oral examinations were conducted. Teeth present and visible caries were recorded, periodontal conditions were measured using a Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need [CPITN] probe and denture fit and hygiene were assessed where appropriate. The soft tissues were examined and lichen planus was diagnosed clinically. The whole salivary flow rates were estimated using spitting technique. The oral health of this cohort was poor. Twelve patients had clinical evidence of oral lichen planus [OLP], though all were not confirmed histologically. The salivary flow rates were significantly lower [p < 0.001] than previously reported healthy controls. Of the 25 regular dental attenders, only 5 had encountered problems accessing dental care. Chronic HCV infected patients require significant oral health care and an effective oral health education is required for HCV-infected patients and their carers

Mesiodistal dimension of maxillary anterior teeth: their clinical implications

The size and form of the maxillary anterior teeth are important in achieving pleasing dental and facial esthetics1, 2 However, little scientific data have been defined as criteria for evaluating these. morphological features. Purpose of this study was to determine mesio-distal dimension of six maxillary anterior teeth at two different points i.e. from contact point to contact point and from mesio-labioincisal point angle to disto-labio-incisal point angle so that excellence in treatment can be achieved. Gypsum casts of 100 full dentate Pakistani adult [14-36 years] representing, with well aligned maxillary anterior teeth and minimal attrition were included in this study. Following conclusions were drawn: 1] Mesio-distal dimensions of six anterior maxillary teeth at two different areas i.e. measured from contact point to contact point [mesiodistal width of maxillary central incisors [R and L] 8.70+0.53 and 8.71+0.53 respectively, maxillary lateral incisors [R and L] 7.00+0.62 and 7.04+0.66 respectively and maxillary canine [R and L] 7.84+0.51 and 7.82+0.51] and measured from mesio-labio-incisal point angle to disto-labio-incisal point angle [mesiodistal width of maxillary central incisors [R and L] 8.10+0.52 and 8.10+0.53 respectively, maxillary lateral incisors [R and L] 6.46+0.61 and 6.53+0.62 respectively and maxillary canine [R and L] 6.97+0.48 and 6.95+0.52] respectively was established as an aid for appropriate diagnosis and treatment out come in different domains of dentistry. 2] Statistically significant correlation existed for each pair between right side anterior maxillary teeth and left side anterior maxillary teeth

Incidence of dental fluorosis among the patients visiting the University of Lahore dental college/ hospital - a study

Present study was carried out to find out the incidence of dental fluorosis among the patients visiting conservative department of The University of Lahore, Dental College Hospital during the months of April 2009 to June 2009. Total 1678 patients were seen in the conservative department. Patients presented clinical dental fluorosis were separated and classified according to Dean's Index of scoring dental fluorosis. The incidence of dental fluorosis was 12% [197 patients, 80 males and 117 females] being higher in females than males. 44[22%] showed very mild, 39[20%] showed mild, 77[39%] showed moderate, and 37 [19%] showed severe dental fluorosis. These patients belonged to the areas of Patoki, Kasur District, manga mandi, Kot Radha kishan, and its surroundings, all areas near to The University of Lahore Dental College where Fluoride ions concentration is higher in drinking water causing serious effect on teeth [dental fluorosis] as well as on bony tissues. Main goal of our study was to highlight the effects of high fluoride levels in drinking water in these areas and bring the attention of educated community and responsible authorities towards serious health issue