Oral manifestations of syphilis: an epidemiological study in southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis is an infectious, sexually transmitted disease with varied oral manifestations, that can mimic other lesions. This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological survey of cases of syphilis, diagnosed from oral manifestations, establishing the sociodemographic profile of patients and clinical characteristics of oral lesions. METHODS: The medical records of patients with oral lesions of syphilis acquired were reviewed, and 109 cases were selected. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 34.4 years and, of these, 51% were male. In 105 cases, the disease was diagnosed in the secondary stage; in three cases, in the primary stage; and, in one case, in the tertiary stage. The cases of primary syphilis presented as single and ulcerated nodules, and the case of tertiary syphilis, as a necrotic lesion in the palate. In 86% of cases of secondary syphilis, there were multicentric lesions, presenting as grayish-white plaques (85%), associated or not with erosive and/or ulcerated lesions (33%), mostly affecting the labial mucosa and tongue. In 91.7% of cases painful symptoms were reported. CONCLUSION: Considering the increase in syphilis, it is extremely important that dentists recognize its oral manifestations, because early diagnosis and treatment can minimize the risks of complications and transmission.

Stomatological disorders in older people: An epidemiological study in the Brazil southern.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional and observational study was to perform a survey of the stomatological conditions of elderly patients seen in a period of 40 years at a Stomatology Service in Southern Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 24,347 medical records were reviewed, of which 5,063 belonged to elderly patients aged 60 to 97 years. The stomatological conditions, systemic conditions, and smoking and alcohol drinking habits as well were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 69.29 years, 67.1% were female and 32.9% were male. Variations of normality accounted for 44.5% of the cases. The most prevalent disorders were fungal infections (26.1%), reactive inflammatory lesions (24.6%), burning mouth syndrome (14.9%), benign neoplasms (12.4%), autoimmune disorders (12.3%), premalignant lesions (10.2%) and malignant epithelial neoplasms (7.2%). Regarding biopsied lesions, squamous cell carcinoma was the most prevalent at 30.2%, followed by hyperplasic lesions (28.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of these physiological and pathological conditions in the oral cavity of the older people is essential for early diagnosis and preventive and therapeutic measures when necessary.