Oral signs and salivary parameters as indicators of possible osteoporosis and osteopenia in postmenopausal women: a study of 45 subjects

Aim: To correlate the oral signs, salivary calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase levels and dental radiographic findings in postmenopausal osteoporotic, osteopenic and non-osteoporotic women. Materials and Methods: Forty-five subjects were selected based on bone mineral density (BMD) analyses and were assigned to 3 groups (n=15): Group 1 - established osteoporotic women; Group II - established osteopenic women; Group III (control) - non-osteoporotic women. Complete oral and radiographic examination, saliva collection and analysis of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were performed. Results: The results were tabulated and analyzed for statistical significance using the Mann-Whitney U-test. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in salivary calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels when osteoporotic and osteopenic women were compared to the controls. Conclusion: Salivary parameters can be used as indicators to aid in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and osteopenia in postmenopausal women.

Pleomorphic adenoma in the infra-temporal space: the first case report.

The infratemporal fossa is a deep retromaxillary space corresponding to the inferior aspect of the middle cranial fossa. Tumours in the infratemporal fossa are very rare; therefore experience in their diagnosis and therapeutic management is very limited. Tumors that are reported commonly in the infratemporal region are nasopharyngeal carcinomas, juvenile angiofibromas and adenoid cystic carcinomas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the English language literature of a pleomorphic adenoma presenting in the infratemporal space and probably arising from an ectopic minor salivary gland, along with a brief description of the surgical technique.