Botulinum toxin – The new paradigm a review article.

Application of Botulinum toxin-A (Botox) in the field of dentistry is a new and upcoming. It acts by preventing the release of Acetylcholine at neuromuscular junction, which inhibits the contraction of muscles. This blockade is temporary, inhibiting the masticatory efficiency and function. It will return to its original levels once the effect of Botox has subsided, varying from three to four months. Botox is a viable treatment for many facial, TMD and oral dysfunctions when they are musculature based. Using Botox requires minimal training for a general dentist. It is most appropriate in patients who are refractory to other treatments.

Periodontitis and cardiovascular disease - A much discussed relationship.

Periodontitis and atherosclerosis have many potential pathogenic mechanisms in common. Both diseases have complex etiologies, genetic and gender predispositions, and potentially share many risk factors—the most significant of which may be smoking status. The objective of this review is to consider the mechanisms whereby diseases such as Periodontitis, which is chronic and inflammatory in nature and initiated by microbial plaque, can predispose to cardiac conditions.

Periodontitis and diabetes mellitus-a two way relationship.

Periodontal disease (PD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) hold a consistent relationship. DM not only increases the risk of having PD and with that its prevalence, but it also augments the progression of more aggressive and quickly defining signs. There is a bidirectional relationship between DM and PD. The treatment of periodontitis in diabetic patients favors a reduction in mediators responsible for the destruction of periodontal tissue and decreases with it, resistance to insulin. PD is characterized by low grade chronic inflammation that may remain silent in diabetics causing damage that is not locally limited but may extend systemically. Our aim of this article is to make aware, both general dental and medical practioner about interrelationship between periodontal disease and diabetes with special emphasis on importance of mutual consultation between the two fraternity, which in turn significantly contributes to general well being of an individual.

Smoking and periodontal health.

Tobacco smoking is very common with cigarettes being the main product smoked. Most smokers start the habit as teenagers, with the highest prevalence in the 20-24 year old age group. Socioeconomic differences also exist with higher smoking in the lower socioeconomic groups.