Oral mucosal conditions in elderly dental patients.

OBJECTIVES: The goals of this study were as follows: to obtain baseline information on the incidence of oral mucosal conditions in a population of elderly Thai patients and to investigate differences in the presentation of these findings in relation to age, sex and the wearing of dentures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The incidence of oral mucosal conditions was determined by the clinical examination of a sample of 500 Thai patients aged 60 years and older. RESULTS: The overall incidence of oral mucosal conditions was 83.6% with no significant difference between men (81.4%) and women (85%). The incidence of oral mucosal conditions indicated a significant increase with advancing age. Varices (59.6%), fissured tongue (28%) and traumatic ulcer (15.6%) were the three most common conditions; and the incidence increased with age. Leukoplakia and smoker's melanosis were more common in men whereas lichen planus was seen more frequently in women. Three cases of oral cancer were detected, representing an incidence of 0.6%. Denture wearers (62.7%) exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of oral mucosal conditions than subjects who had no dentures (28.5%) and subjects with crowns and/or bridges (8.8%). The three most common denture-related problems were traumatic ulcer (22.6%), denture stomatitis (14.3%) and angular cheilitis (4.8%). In addition, the incidence of denture-related conditions among complete denture wearers (46.3%) was higher than in those wearing partial dentures (40.8%). CONCLUSION: The current results regarding an elderly Thai population support the studies of other populations whereby the incidence of oral mucosal conditions in the elderly is related to age, sex and the wearing of dentures.

Folate and vitamin B12 levels in patients with oral lichen planus, stomatitis or glossitis.

Forty-one patients with oral lesions and symptoms were enrolled in the study. Their ages ranged from 16 to 79 years with a mean age of 48.5 years. They were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 25 patients with oral lichen planus and group II consisted of 16 patients with stomatitis or glossitis. Their complete blood counts, hemoglobin typing, serum and red cell folate, and serum vitamin B12 levels were studied. The results revealed low red cell folate levels in 11 out of 25 patients (44%) in group I and 9 out of 16 patients (56%) in group II. The serum vitamin B12 levels were within normal range in both groups. They were defined as having folate deficiency (n = 10), folate deficient erythropoiesis (n = 3) and folate depletion (n = 7). None of them had anemia nor macrocytes. Therefore, folate levels should be investigated in patients with oral lesions and symptoms especially those with risk factors of age, poor nutrition or systemic diseases. When suspected, daily folic acid supplements should be given.

[Burning mouth syndrome].

Burning mouth syndrome is an intraoral pain disorder, stinging and/or itching sensation of the tongue or oral mucous membranes. Numerous causes have been suggested, including local factors such as candidiasis and denture trauma, systemic factor such as nutritional deficiencies, diabetes and climacteric, xerostomia, miscellaneous conditions such as psychogenic factors. A systematic approach for the success in diagnosis and treatment is included history taking, complete mouth examination and laboratory investigation.