Preventing and therapeutic effect of propolis in radiotherapy induced mucositis of head and neck cancers: a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Mucositis is one of the acute complications of radiotherapy which can ulcerate oral mucosa and cause severe pain and discomfort which can affect oral normal function. Propolis is a natural source of flavenoid which has antiulcer, antibacterial, antifungal, healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Using such an affordable compound without any bad smell or taste that has reasonable price can help the radiotherapy undergoing patients

Objectives: Our goal is assessing the preventing and therapeutic effect of propolis in radiotherapy induced mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer

Patients and Methods: In a randomized triple blind clinical trial, 20 patient were selected randomly to swish and swallow 15 ml of water based extract of propolis mouth wash 3 times a day in the case group [n = 10] and 15 ml placebo mouth wash in control group [n = 10]. We use NIC-CTC scale for determining mucositis grading

Results: We use T-test, Man-Whitney, Chi-square, and Friedman as analyzing tests. Case group had significantly [P < 0.05] lower grade of mucositis in all of the follow-ups, but xerostomia is not significantly different in two groups [P > 0.05]

Conclusions: This is a pilot study which shows water based extract of propolis efficiently prevents and heals radiotherapy induced mucositis

Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 associated with adult T-cell lymphoma/ leukemia and generalized expansion of palatal and jaw bones: a rare case report

Human T-lymphotropic virus-1 [HTLV-1] can cause adult T-cell leukemia/ lymphoma [ATL/L], which is a rare and aggressive type of blood cancer. Herein, we report a case of ATL/L in a middle-aged man with unusual jaw presentations. The patient presented with mandibular, maxillary and palatal bony hard expansion, accompanied by generalized tooth mobility six months prior to admission to the Department of Oral Medicine. The panoramic radiograph showed generalized rarefaction of jaw bones. After laboratory examinations and bone marrow aspiration, ATL/L was diagnosed in association with HTLV-1. The patient underwent chemotherapy. Although the majority of infections associated with HTLV-1 are asymptomatic, some patients may develop blood diseases such as ATL/L and neurological disorders, mainly HTLV-1 associated myelopathy and tropical spastic paraparesis. ATL/L is a rare hematological malignancy in oral cavity that should be included in the differential diagnosis of cases with jaw swelling or generalized demineralization. Serum levels of anti-HTLV-1 antibodies should be examined in suspicious patients, particularly in endemic regions

Islamic fasting and oral health and diseases

Fasting is a religious obligation, which can be challenging for individuals with oral conditions due to its stringent code of conduct. Moreover, food abstinence during fasting can restrict oral feeding even further in patients whose nutrition has been already compromised. Previous research has mainly concentrated on oral hygiene and gum health, disregarding orodental conditions and diseases. This highlights the importance of further research in this regard. In this paper, we intended to clarify the correlation between fasting and oral injections, bleeding following tooth extraction, and brushing to overcome common misconceptions which indicate the breach of religious disciplines under such circumstances. We also aimed to determine the grave effects of fasting on health in case of severe immunological deficiencies, chronic oral ulcers and certain drug administration protocols for those with rigid religious beliefs

[Knowledge and diagnostic skill of general dentist in khorasan razavi province common [Iran] toward oral diseases 2009-10]

Proper and prompt diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases improves their prognosis level and therapy, but unfortunately these lesions are often misdiagnosed because of their clinical features resemblance. General dentists are important in early diagnosis and treatment of common oral diseases, therefore assessing their knowledge and practice is crucial. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge and skill of general dentists toward common oral lesions in Khorasan Razavi Province. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 260 dentists using an illustrated questionnaire. Knowledge and diagnostic skill of oral diseases were assessed and the responses were analyzed by SPSS software. Of the 260 dentists surveyed, 257 responded. The mean knowledge score of the dentists working in the city of Mashhad and other cities was 3.03 and 2.94; and the average of diagnostic skill was 2.024 and 1.97, respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding knowledge score but the difference was significant in diagnostic skill. General dentists working in the city of Mashhad had better results in diagnostic skill significantly. Considering the overall low diagnostic skill score, it is recommended to schedule more workshops toward common oral diseases for general dentists.