Cheiloscopy in gender determination: A study on 2112 individuals.

BACKGROUND: Lip prints are seen to remain the same for an individual throughout his/her life. Cheiloscopy can be used as an effective tool in the identification of the persons from pieces of evidence that may be left behind from lip prints. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current research was to evaluate the predominant lip groove pattern among Calicut population, Kerala. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 2112 individuals (1056 males and 1056 females) in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, KMCT Dental College, Calicut, Kerala. Lipstick was used to record the lip groove patterns and the patterns were visualized by magnifying lens after the institutional ethical clearance and informed consent from the individual. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software 22.0. RESULTS: Among the study population, Type 1', Type 1, Type 4, and Type 5 were found to be common lip groove patterns. Males showed predominance on Type 1' and Type 1 lip groove patterns, whereas females showed predominance on Type 4 and Type 5 lip groove patterns. The results were similar when analyzed on upper and lower lips separately on males and females. CONCLUSION: Cheiloscopy is a reliable tool in personal identification and gender determination of an individual. The geographical prevalence of lip groove patterns was reported in the current research and is added to the database of the anthropological data. Studies in different geographical regions will add lip groove patterns on the database in the future and henceforth the potential of cheiloscopy could be further utilized.

A correlation between oral mucosal lesions and various quid-chewing habit patterns: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Quid-chewing habit is a common and old tradition in India. It causes various potentially malignant disorders. Therefore, a study was undertaken to analyze the association of various quid-chewing habit patterns and different oromucosal lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 cases, where all the individuals selected were having quid-chewing habit and oromucosal lesions. Detailed habit history was taken through preformed questionnaire, clinical examination was done, and the lesion was subjected to incisional biopsy and confirmed histopathologically. RESULTS: The male to female ratio of various quid-chewing habit and oromucosal lesions was 9:1. The middle aged were more commonly involved. Of the various types of quids chewed, a combination of processed betel and processed tobacco which is commercially available was used by majority of the individuals. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) was seen in majority of the cases. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the association between betel, tobacco, and various lesions such as OSMF, leukoplakia, chewer's mucosa, lichenoid reaction, and chemical burn. It also confirms the strong association of betel to OSMF and tobacco to leukoplakia.

Evaluation of normal range of mouth opening using three finger index: South India perspective study.

AIMS: The frequency, with which restricted mouth opening is encountered in the clinical practice, makes it essential to establish what constitutes the normal range. This study was undertaken to evaluate the normal range of mouth opening in adult population in south India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: randomized clinical study conducted on dentate adult patients to evaluate the normal range of mouth openin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 500 healthy patients aged between 18-59 were randomly selected and divided into four groups according to their age ranges. The maximum inter-incisal distance and width of right and left three fingers at the first distal inter-phalanges were measured using vernier calipers. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: ANOVA test, student t test and pearsons correlation test. RESULTS: The mean value and range of maximum mouth opening of 50.3 mm ± 6.26 mm for males and 49.9 mm ± 6.74 mm for females was recorded. These values were significant and correlated with the width of three fingers. It was found that the greatest mean maximum mouth opening was recorded in youngest age group and lowest was recorded in older age group in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: The mean mouth opening value decreases with age and is lesser in females as compared to males of same age. This study demonstrated that individuals in all the four groups were able to vertically align their right and left three fingers between the upper and lower central incisors upto the first distal interphalangeal folds thus suggesting that, width of three fingers can be used as 'tool' to distinguish 'normal' from 'restricted' mouth opening.

Oral mucosal diseases in anxiety and depression patients: Hospital based observational study from south India.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of different Oral Mucosal diseases in Anxiety and Depression patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A hospital based observational Study was conducted in the department of Psychiatry and department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. Patients who were diagnosed with Anxiety or Depression by the psychiatrists using Hamilton Anxiety and Depression scale were subjected to complete oral examination to check for oral diseases like Oral Lichen Planus (OLP), Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS), and Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS). Equal number of control group subjects were also included. RESULTS: In this study statistically significant increase in the oral diseases in patients with anxiety and depression than the control group was recorded. Oral diseases were significantly higher in anxiety patients (20.86%) than in depression (9.04%) and control group patients (5.17%). In anxiety patients, the prevalence of RAS was 12%, OLP was 5.7%, and BMS was 2.87%. In depression patients, the prevalence of RAS was 4.02%, OLP was 2.01% and BMS was 3.01%. In control group the prevalence was 2.2%, 1.33% and 1.62% in RAS, OLP and BMS respectively. RAS and OLP were significantly higher in the younger age group (18-49) and BMS was seen between the age group of 50-77 years in both study and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study showed a positive association between psychological alterations and changes in the oral mucosa, particularly conditions like OLP, RAS and BMS. Thus psychogenic factors like anxiety and depression may act as a risk factor that could influence the initiation and development of oral mucosal diseases. Hence psychological management should be taken into consideration when treating patients with these oral diseases. Key words:Lichen planus, anxiety, depression, burning mouth syndrome, recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy: An adjuvant pain controlling modality in TMD patients - A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in dentistry was first described in 1967, by Shane and Kessler, but it has yet to gain widespread acceptance in dentistry. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of TENS therapy as an adjuvant modality and to compare it with the conventional medication in controlling pain in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Yenepoya Dental College and Hospital, Mangalore. A total of 40 patients with the clinical symptom of pain associated with TMDs were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (control) patients were treated with medication (analgesics and muscle relaxants) alone, while group B patients were treated with TENS therapy in combination with medication. The intensity of the pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The results were analyzed with the student's 't' test. A P-value < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: A significant improvement was observed in both the TENS and the control group in terms of pain control. On comparative analysis, adjuvant TENS therapy was found to be more effective than medication alone, in controlling pain. (P value = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The observed data suggest that TENS therapy can be used as an adjuvant modality in the management of pain associated with TMDs. This study justifies the use of TENS therapy in the management of TMD.

Partial expression of the Papillon-Lefevre syndrome.

Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis characterized by palmar-plantar hyperkeratosis, and destructive periodontitis. It is transmitted with an estimated frequency of one to four per million individuals. The two hallmarks of the syndrome, dermatological lesions and destructive periodontitis, are known to occur as an independent diseases. We present a unique case of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome in a 28 years old woman with its pathognomonic dermatological features without oral features.

Areca nut and its role in oral submucous fibrosis.

Areca nut, commonly called as betel nut or supari, is a fruit of areca catechu palm tree, which is native of South Asia and Pacific Islands. The seed or endosperm is consumed fresh, boiled or after sun drying or curing. Chewing areca nut is thought to have central nervous system stimulating effect and along with this it is known to have salivary stimulating and digestive properties. According to the traditional Ayurvedic medicine, chewing areca nut and betel leaf is a good remedy against halitosis. It is also used for its deworming property. Along with these beneficial effects of areca nut one of its most harmful effects on the human body in general and oral cavity in particular is the development of potentially malignant disorder called Oral Submucous Fibrosis. The present paper discusses in detail the effects of the components of areca nut on pathogenesis of Oral Submucous Fibrosis. Key words:Areca nut, oral submucous fibrosis, potentially malignant disorder, supari.

Mandibular ameloblastic carcinoma.

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare aggressive odontogenic tumour that exhibits malignant histologic features in the primary site or in metastasis. This rare tumour needs immediate attention because of its aggressive and infiltrative nature. However, there are controversies regarding the definitive treatment because of the very few cases in the literature database. Here, we report a case of a 64-year-old male Asian patient who presented with a non-tender exophytic proliferative mass of 3 months duration. It was finally diagnosed as ameloblastic carcinoma and promptly treated surgically with a regular follow-up. Local long-term control and follow-up is imperative in such patient laying emphasis on potential pulmonary metastasis.

Efficacy of spirulina as an antioxidant adjuvant to corticosteroid injection in management of oral submucous fibrosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic condition of the oral cavity which results in permanent disability. A number of studies have proven that the management of premalignant diseases should include antioxidants. Therefore, a study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of spirulina as an antioxidant adjuvant to corticosteroid injections in the management of 40 oral submucous fibrosis subjects of south Karnataka and north Kerala. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An intervention study was conducted on 40 oral submucous fibrosis cases, 40 patients were divided into two groups, group A (spirulina group) and group B (placebo group). Group A received spirulina 500 mg twice daily and biweekly intralesional steroid injection of Betamethasone 4 mg/ml for 3 months and group B was given placebo capsules twice daily and biweekly intralesional steroid injection of Betamethasone 4 mg/ml for 3 months. The results were analyzed with the paired "t" test and the unpaired "t" test. RESULTS: Clinical improvements in mouth opening was significant in the posttreatment period in both Spirulina and placebo groups. Both the groups showed statistically significant reduction in burning sensation. However, when both groups were compared, mouth opening and burning sensation was found to be statistically very highly significant in favor of the spirulina group. CONCLUSION: Spirulina can bring about clinical improvements in OSF patients. The observed effects suggest that spirulina can be used as an adjuvant therapy in the initial management of OSF patients. However, studies involving larger samples and longer period of treatment follow up are suggested in the future.

Bilateral fusion in primary mandibular teeth.

Fusion has been described as a developmental anomaly characterized by the union of two adjacent teeth. Few cases of this rare anomaly in primary dentition have been reported in Indian population. A rare case of bilateral fusion between primary mandibular lateral incisors and canines is presented in this report.

Occurrence of epidermolysis bullosa along with Amelogenesis imperfecta in female patient of India.

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is an inherited disorder, which is characteristically presented as skin blisters developing in response to minor injury. Junctional variety of EB is also associated with enamel hypoplasia. Amelogenesis imperfecta presents with abnormal formation of the enamel both in deciduous and permanent dentition. This article describes a previously unreported case of Amelogenesis imperfecta with complete loss of enamel in a young female patient with EB.

Pathogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis.

Data from recent epidemiological studies provide overwhelming evidence that areca nut is the main etiological factor for oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). It is logical to hypothesize that the increased collagen synthesis or reduced collagen degradation is the possible mechanism in the development of the disease. There are numerous biological pathways involved in the above processes and it is likely that the normal regulatory mechanisms are either down regulated or up regulated at different stages of the disease. The copper content of areca nut is high and the possible role of copper as a mediator of fibrosis is supported by the demonstration of the up regulation of lysyl oxidase in OSMF biopsies. The aim of this article is to emphasize that the incorporation of copper into the areca nut is through the Bordeaux mixture, which is sprayed as a fungicide on areca plantations in regions with scheduled monsoons and of which copper sulfate is an important constituent.

Bilateral inflammatory cysts of the jaw: report of an unusual case.

Radicular cyst is the most common odontogenic cyst occurring in the jaws. The cyst is commonly found in relation to the maxillary anterior teeth in the third and fifth decade of life. Although multiple radicular cysts are not uncommon in the jaws, bilaterally symmetrical representation of these cysts is rare. Radiographs prior to extraction help in diagnosis of these cysts and thereby prevent further morbidities. We report a case of 16-year-old male patient who presented bilateral radicular cysts symmetrically in the mandible.

Malignant transformation of a potentially low risk lichenoid reaction.

Lichenoid reaction represents a family of oral lesions identical, both clinically and histologically to oral lichen planus. The triggering factor for this lesion varies from medicines to dental materials, usually demonstrating a cause-effect relationship unlike lichen planus. We present a typical case of lichenoid reaction on the buccal mucosa that appeared in response to betel quid which progressed to carcinoma during a follow-up period of 6 months. Lichenoid reactions occurring in response to known carcinogens and that occurring in risk group population has to be observed more cautiously.

Apert syndrome: a case report.

Apert syndrome (acrocephalosyndactyly) is a rare congenital disorder characterized by craniosynostosis, midfacial malformation and symmetrical syndactyly. We present a 10-month-old infant having all the features of classical Apert syndrome. How to cite this article: Khan S, Chatra L, Shenai P, Veena KM. Apert Syndrome: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2012; 5(3):203-206.

Prevalence of Talon cusp in Indian population.

AIM: To investigate the prevalence of the talon cusps in a sample of Indian dental patients and their distribution among different types of teeth. To determine the presence of other dental anomalies associated with the talon cusps. METHOD: 2740 out patients (1523 males and 1217 females) attending Oral Medicine department from November 2010 to January 2011 were screened for the presence of talon cusps and were subjected to Intra Oral Peri-apical (IOPA) radiograph to rule out any associated anomalies or peri-apical changes. RESULTS: Talon cusps were detected in 16 out of 2740 patients (person prevalence 0.58%). Thirty one teeth were found to have talon cusp. Maxillary lateral incisors were the most commonly affected teeth (54.8%, 17 teeth), followed by maxillary central incisors and canines (16.12%, 5 teeth).Talon cusp was found in two mandibular central incisors (6.45%) and one each in mandibular second and third molar (3.22% each). Seventeen teeth in 7 patients (54.83%) were found to be associated with anomalies like dens invagination (6 teeth, 19.35%), impacted 13, 23 (6 teeth, 19.35%), partial anodontia (3 teeth, 9.67%), geographic and fissured tongue (2 teeth, 6.45%). Peri-apical granuloma was found in one tooth with talon cusp associated with dens invaginatus. None of the patients were found to be associated with any syndromes. CONCLUSION: Attention should be paid to the presence of the talon cusp and the associated anomalies. Early diagnosis of the talon cusp can help the clinician in preventing the further complications. Key words:Orthopantomography, atheroma, stroke.