RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The relationship between the articular eminence (AE) inclination and masticatory system in the biomechanics of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is defined by the degree with normal values of 30°-60° obtained between the posterior wall of the AE and a horizontal reference plane. The purpose of this study was to assess the asymmetry of the AE in dentate, partially edentulous, and edentulous patients using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging and to compare the determined asymmetry in the dentulous with partially and completely edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of 120 TMJ joints in sixty patients were evaluated. AE inclination and height values were traced on the central sagittal slice of right and left TMJ. The patients were grouped as dentate, partially edentulous, and edentulous with an age range of 20-80 years. Statistical analysis included student's paired and independent t-test, analysis of variance, and Tukey's post hoc test, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: AE inclination revealed highest value in dentate patients (60.98 ± 5.42) followed by partially edentulous (53.40 ± 7.91) and lowest in the edentulous patients (51.43 ± 3.63). P < 0.001 was statistically significant between these groups. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in the present study showed steep inclination of AE in dentate followed by partially edentulous and edentulous subjects. No significant differences among the age, gender, and sides were found.
RESUMO
CONTEXT: Most of the adult population is colonized by Candida in their oral cavity. The process of colonization depends on several factors, including the interaction between Candida and salivary proteins. Therefore, salivary gland hypofunction may alter the oral microbiota and increase the risk for opportunistic infections, such as candidiasis. Hence, it is necessary to evaluate the relationship between salivary flow rates (SFRs) and Candida colony counts in the saliva of patients with xerostomia. AIMS: This study aims to determine and evaluate the relationship between SFRs and Candida colony forming units (CFUs) in patients with xerostomia. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was a descriptive study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study participants were taken from the patients attending outpatient department in a private dental college. Fifty patients, who reported xerostomia in a questionnaire of the symptoms of xerostomia, were selected. Chewing stimulated whole saliva samples were collected from them and their SFRs were assessed. Saliva samples were inoculated in the Sabouraud dextrose agar culture media for 24-48 h, and Candida CFUs were counted. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-squared test was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: There was a significant inverse relationship between salivary flow and candida CFUs count when patients with high colony counts were analyzed (cutoff point of 400 or greater CFU/mL). Females had less SFR than males. Most of the patients who had hyposalivation were taking medication for the underlying systemic diseases. Candida albicans was the most frequent species. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significantly negative correlation between SFRs and Candida CFUs in the patients with xerostomia.
