Normal variant distribution among elderly patients who visited Airlangga University Dental Hospital

Background and Objective@#A normal variant of the oral cavity in humans, especially when aging, indicates how the body adapts to the environment, a lifestyle, and irritation. This study aimed to examine the distribution of normal variants among elderly patients who visited Airlangga University Dental Hospital. @*Method@#This was a descriptive observational design study. Examination of oral soft tissue was performed on elderly dental patients who came to the hospital from January to December 2019. @*Results@#Sixty-eight (68) elderly patients, 60 years of age and over, 35 males and 33 females. The study identified 138 normal oral variations of soft tissues and oral structures. The three highest distributions obtained were coated tongue, lingual varicosities, and fissured tongue. @*Conclusion@#The normal variants of oral mucosa and oral structure in the elderly resulted from how the body adapted to the environment and the awareness of the systemic disease that might occur.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in geriatric patients in Universitas Airlangga Dental Hospital

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>BACKGROUND:</strong> Population aged 60 years old and above are growing in number; a fact that will have an impact on general and oral health in the future. Oral health is often overlooked in the management of geriatric patients but it is vital to have a knowledged-based practice in order to increase the quality of life of elderly patients.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> The purpose of this study is to determine the number and types of oral mucosal lesions in geriatric patients who come to the Universitas Airlangga Dental Hospital.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> This is an observational descriptive study with cross-sectional design. Intraoral soft tissue examination was performed on geriatric patients coming to the hospital between March and December 2018.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> One hundred twenty-four (124) new geriatric patients came to the hospital. A total of 152 oral lesions from 63 geriatric patients (50.81%) were identified.  Overall, coated tongue (55.56%) was the most frequently detected lesion, followed by linea alba buccalis (31.74%) and lingual varicosities (26.98%).</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Coated tongue or white tongue is the most frequently detected oral mucosal lesion, often caused by poor oral hygiene. The dentist should be able to recognize and differentiate them from the worrisome lesions and decide on the appropriate treatment in geriatric patients.</p>

Management of recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis major in a bipolar affective disorder patient with food allergy

@#This is the case of a 35-year-old female diagnosed by medical and psychiatric examinations as suffering from bipolar affective disorder and food allergy. Evident characteristic included mood swings. Her main complaint was extensive painful ulcer on the palate and lower lip. Current condition had caused her weight loss. Management included anamnesis, clinical and laboratory examinations, psychometrics, and referral to a psychiatrist. The dentist played an important role in identifying recurrent aphthous stomatitis and in the optimal and comprehensive treatment of the patient through multidisciplinary assessment.