Comparison of Efficacy of Pentoxifyllin with Standard Regimens Dexamethasone and Hyaluronidase in Patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Aims and objectives The purpose of the study was to clinically evaluate the efficacy of oral pentoxifylline 400mg tablets in comparison to intra-lesional injections of dexamethasone (4 mg/ml), hyaluronidase 1, 500 IU and 0.5 ml of lignocaine 2% and a combination of the two in the management of oral sub-mucous fibrosis (OSF) patients. Materials and methods The study population consisted of randomly selected 75 patients with OSF. Patients were divided into three groups. A total of 25 patients were allocated each in dexamethasone group, dexamethasone and pentoxifylline group and pentoxifylline group. Dexamethasone group received weekly intra-lesional injections of dexamethasone (4 mg/ml), hyaluronidase 1, 500 IU and 0.5 ml of lignocaine 2% for a period of 12 weeks. Pentoxifylline group received oral pentoxifylline 400-mg tablets thrice daily for 12 weeks. Dexamethasone and pentoxifylline group received both the drugs. Parameters taken in the study were burning sensation and mouth opening. Results In the present study, improvement in the patients symptomatic parameters were statistically significant (p < 0.001) within groups (intra-group comparison), but not significant (p > 0.001) when compared between the groups (inter-group comparison). Conclusion Study found that the parameters like burning sensation and mouth opening showed statistically significant improvement for all the drug groups. The drug pentoxifylline showed similar improvement in the clinical parameters as that of dexona. For this reason, pentoxifylline can be indicated as a good alternative treatment for OSF in patients in whom dexamethasone is contraindicated, or those who cannot make frequent visits for intra-lesional injections.

Illusions of a Common Man in Dental Perspective: A Time for Eradication

Aim To assess the most common myths prevailing in the society and the reason behind the innocent beliefs. To compare the dental myths in population with various educational backgrounds and in medical graduates. To formulate the steps and educate the common man to come into the limelight for maintenance of oral health for better overall health. Methodology A total of 194 individuals aged above 18 years were randomly included in the study and their response to the given questionnaire was obtained and analysed statistically by using SPSS version 21. Results Most of the individuals believe that root canal treatment is a painful procedure (59.3%), whereas 56.2% believe that dental treatment should be avoided during pregnancy. 54.6% gave a positive response that worms cause tooth decay. 54.4% of the respondents believe that children do not need cleaning of the milk teeth, whereas 42.3% thought that diseased milk teeth don't need any treatment. More than 40% of the subjects believe extraction of the upper tooth affects vision and application of Zandu Balm or hot fermentation reduces swelling. Conclusion Some of the dental myths are still persisting in all the participants of various educational backgrounds and even in medical respondents.