Assessment of the efficacy of digital panoramic radiographs in analyzing changes in bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

Introduction: Osteoporosis is described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a 'progressive systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass, microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue, a consequent increase in bone fragility, and susceptibility to fracture. The maxilla and mandible are also affected by osteoporotic changes and these may be visualized using an Orthopantomogram. Aims and Objectives: To determine the radiomorphometric indices in the digital orthopantomograms, to determine the bone mineral density (BMD) of the lumbar spine and femur using DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan, to compare the measured indices between the BMD categories and to assess the correlation of these indices with the measured BMD. Materials and Methods: The study population included 30 postmenopausal female patients. The BMD was measured at the lumbar spine and at the femur and the patients were divided into three groups of 10 subjects based on their BMD status (normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis). The patients were then subjected to panoramic radiography and four panoramic indices were assessed (simple visual estimation, mandibular cortical index, mental index, and antegonial index). The measured indices were compared between the three BMD categories. The correlation between the indices and the BMD was also observed. Results: The measured indices showed significant difference among the BMD categories. The quantitative indices also demonstrated a positive correlation with the measured BMD of the lumbar spine and the femur. Conclusion: Panoramic radiography may be used as a diagnostic tool for screening and identifying subjects who are likely to have osteoporosis.

Xerostomia - A Comprehensive Review with a Focus on Mid-Life Health.

Xerostomia is defined as the subjective complaint of a dry mouth. Xerostomia is common in menopausal women owing to the hormonal changes which take place during midlife. Studies show a higher incidence of oral cancer in the postmenopausal period which substantiates the theory of estrogen deficiency in carcinogenesis. Radiotherapy in the treatment of these cancers can lead to oral dryness. Other etiological factors of xerostomia include systemic diseases commonly occurring in middle-aged individuals and xerogenic drugs. Saliva plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of oropharyngeal health and xerostomia can severely impair the quality of life. The aim of this review was to provide vital information pertaining to the etiology, signs, diagnosis, and treatment of xerostomia with an emphasis on midlife health. The articles for this review were obtained from PubMed Central, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Science Direct, Medknow, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and authorized textbooks published between 1988 and 2021.

Estimation of Salivary Parameters among Autoimmune Thyroiditis Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Saliva is a complex secretion that protects and lubricates the oral cavity. Various systemic diseases and their treatment alter the salivary gland function; one such disease is Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (AITD). AITD has been postulated to exert its hormonal influence on the salivary glands, leading to reduced salivary output. There's a paucity of literature, verifying the stated conjunction in human subjects. AIM: The aim was to investigate the salivary profile in AITD patients and its comparison with controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional comparative study was conducted using convenience sampling method for screening the presence of thyroid disorders. Two groups comprising of 30 patients in each group diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroiditis (n=30) and hyperthyroiditis (n=30) respectively and thirty healthy volunteers who were age and sex matched were included as controls. Saliva was collected and evaluated for Unstimulated Salivary Flow Rate (USSFR), pH and buffer capacity. ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc test was performed to find the statistical significance and for pairwise comparison. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was observed between autoimmune hypothyroiditis, autoimmune hyperthyroiditis and control group with respect to USSFR (p<0.007), pH (p<0.001) and buffer capacity (p<0.001). On pairwise comparisons statistically significant difference was observed between autoimmune hypothyroiditis and autoimmune hyperthyroiditis with respect to controls. CONCLUSION: We conclude that significant involvement of salivary glands may occur in cases of AITD. Our study showed significant reduction of sialometric values in AITD patients when compared to controls. A strong clinical suspicion of thyroid diseases should be considered when there is chronic hyposalivation; hence thyroid profile must also be done, if the known causes have been excluded.