Evidence-Based Practice for the Use of pH Indicator Paper Strip in Oral Medicine: A Literature Review.

The objective of our article is to review the literature and collect the advice of specialists for the evaluation of the reliabilityand appropriate indications of the use of pH paper in oral medicine practice. The literature pertaining to the use of pH paper in oral medicine practice was reviewed, and appropriate indications were suggested by a French multidisciplinary working group of specialists and validated by a lecture committee. By screening PubMed/MEDLINE from 1911 to March 2024, we found 621 articles. All abstracts were read, 22 articles were selected for full-text reading, and 12 were ultimately included in the review. Three more articles from other sources were included. Thus, 15 articles constituted the literature review; seven papers from PubMed/MEDLINE focusing on how to restore the salivary pH balance in cases of periodontitis and early childhood caries (ECC) completed the review. It is concluded that the lack of sensitivity of pH paper must be underlined. A low pH is a cofactor leading to oral pathologies, and the use of pH paper constitutes an easy diagnostic instrument in patients with pH variations correlated to leukemia, diabetic mellitus, or orofacial radiotherapy. The evaluation of salivary pH using pH paper may be used as a quick chairside test, specifically in cases of ECC and uncontrolled severe periodontitis. Early diagnosis of salivary low pH range in children as well as periodontitis with deep pocket associated with a low pH range in adults should lead to the supply of fluoride and prescript sodium bicarbonate-containing dentifrices, respectively. In children, the use of a chewable toothbrush may help reduce plaque and elevate salivary pH.

Neuropathic Pain After Dental Implant Surgery: Literature Review and Proposed Algorithm for Medicosurgical Treatment.

The objective of this study is to establish an algorithm for the medicosurgical treatment of dental implant-induced neuropathic pain. The methodology was based on the good practice guidelines from the French National Authority for Health: the data were searched on the Medline database. A working group has drawn up a first draft of professional recommendations corresponding to a set of qualitative summaries. Consecutive drafts were amended by the members of an interdisciplinary reading committee. A total of 91 publications were screened, of which 26 were selected to establish the recommendations: 1 randomized clinical trial, 3 controlled cohort studies, 13 case series, and 9 case reports. In the event of the occurrence of post-implant neuropathic pain, a thorough radiological assessment by at least a panoramic radiograph (orthopantomogram) or especially a cone-beam computerized tomography scan is recommended to ensure that the tip of the implant is placed more than 4 mm from the anterior loop of the mental nerve for an anterior implant and 2 mm from the inferior alveolar nerve for a posterior implant. Very early administration of high-dose steroids, possibly associated with partial unscrewing or full removal of the implant preferably within the first 36-48 hours after placement, is recommended. A combined pharmacological therapy (anticonvulsants, antidepressants) could minimize the risk of pain chronicization. If a nerve lesion occurs in the context of dental implant surgery, treatment should be initiated within the first 36-48 hours after implant placement, including partial or full removal of the implant and early pharmacological treatment.

Recommendations for the care of oral involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature and collect expert advice for proposing preventive and curative treatments of mouth and dental involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma). METHODS: The literature pertaining to mouth and/or dental involvement related to SSc was reviewed, and recommendations were developed according to the suggestions of a French multidisciplinary working group of experts and validated by a lecture committee. RESULTS: Dentists face 3 main issues in caring for SSc patients: oral mucosa involvement, manducatory apparatus and mouth involvement responsible for limitations in mouth opening, and treatment-related adverse events. An increased risk of tongue carcinoma has been noted. In patients with severe limitation in mouth opening (<30 mm), recommended treatments are a specific mouth-opening rehabilitation program, flexible sectional dentures, and splint therapy. Indications for dental implants depend on the severity of SSc, comorbidities, and/or ongoing bisphosphonate treatment. Prevention of mouth infections and caries implies patient education and teaching about mouth and dental hygiene, periodontal maintenance, and treatment of sicca syndrome. Cessation of tobacco use is mandatory. Patient-tailored rehabilitation may improve limitations in mouth opening. Systematic dental panoramic radiography allows for the early detection of dental caries. CONCLUSION: Prevention of oral and dental complications is a major issue in patients with SSc. Dental treatment should be tailored to limitations in mouth opening, disease severity, and ongoing treatments.

Real-life management of dual antiplatelet therapy interruption: the REGINA survey.

BACKGROUND: Concern about procedure-related bleeding is a major reason for premature discontinuation of dual oral antiplatelet therapy (APT); treatment cessation is detrimental in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), especially after drug-eluting stent (DES) placement. The nationwide REGINA survey was designed to evaluate how the interruption of dual APT is managed in the 'real world'. METHODS: Physicians (2700/4581) were randomly selected to participate in a computer-assisted telephone interview. Knowledge about DES and APT was appraised by multiple-choice questions. Strategies for temporary interruption of dual APT before an invasive or surgical procedure were evaluated using 21 scenarios, including high-risk (30 days after DES) and low-risk (18 months after DES) periods. RESULTS: Out of 2700 practitioners, 2515 completed the interview. Rates of correct answers to basic knowledge questions ranged from 0% (dentists) to 52% (cardiologists). Unjustified total interruption of dual APT was much more frequent than expected (22.0% vs. 11.8%). A strategy of total interruption was less frequently chosen in the period of high ischemic risk compared to the low-risk period (13.7% vs. 31.1%, p<0.0001). Dual APT interruption in patients who require additional invasive cardiac or surgical procedures depended on type of physician consulted (more frequent in specialists than general practitioners or dentists), and on the physician's age and practice type (rural/private vs. urban/hospital). Correct answers were more frequently given in situations bearing a major risk, either ischemic or bleeding risk, than in those with no risk (49.2% vs. 30.2%, p<0.0001). Low-molecular-weight heparin was the substitution therapy in over two-thirds of scenarios and was associated with longer periods of APT interruption. INTERPRETATION: Adequate management of APT in patients with intracoronary stents who undergo potentially haemorrhagic invasive procedures depends mainly on the type of physician involved and their practice rather than on a carefully weighted assessment of ischemic/bleeding risk. Our findings suggest a lack of scientific evidence, insufficient knowledge of guidelines, and poor communication between physicians managing these patients.

Malignant non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the jaws: a review of 16 cases.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is rarely found in the jaw. We present 16 cases and the purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical signs and symptoms. The treatment and the progression evolution are also mentioned. The diagnosis was usually difficult and was often misleading and so delays before the first bone biopsy were frequent. The therapy of this rare, diffuse, large cell lymphoma was very variable from one case to another but the majority of the patients were treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Pemphigus vulgaris: a case-based update.

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune disease accounting for 80% of all cases of pemphigus. Before the advent of corticosteroid therapy, pemphigus was fatal, with a mortality rate of up to 75% in the first year. It is still a serious disorder, but the 5% to 10% mortality rate is now primarily due to the side effects of therapy. In 75% to 80% of cases, PV lesions first appear in the oral cavity. Dentists are therefore in a unique position to recognize the oral manifestations of the disease, allowing early diagnosis and initiation of treatment. The diagnosis is based on pathological examination and immunofluorescence testing. Systemic corticosteriods and steroid-sparing agents are the mainstays of treatment; topical corticosteroids may also be used to accelerate healing of persistent oral lesions. This article describes a 71-year-old woman with multiple chronic ulcers in the oral cavity, in whom PV was diagnosed 4 months after the symptoms first appeared. The article also reviews the current literature on diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

Lithiasis of minor salivary glands: current data.

Sialolithiasis is the main pathology of major salivary glands. Sialolithiasis of minor salivary glands is, however, generally considered to be extremely rare. Lithiasis of accessory salivary glands apparently occurs more frequently than alleged and therefore should be included in differential diagnosis of tumors of the oral mucous membrane. The elementary lesion consists of a firm nodule located under the mucosal membrane on the upper lip or cheek. Nodules should be excised and examined by histopathology.