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The need of detecting alcoholic dental patients by dentists to prevent oral cancer in them is emphasized.

Abuse of methamphetamine (meth), a potent central nervous system stimulant, has been associated with significant dental disease. Current descriptions of "meth mouth" are limited in their scope and fail to illuminate the potential pathogenic mechanisms of meth for oral disease. The purpose of this pilot study was to characterize the oral health of subject with a history of meth abuse as compared to nonabusing control subjects. A total of 28meth abusers and 16 control subjects were enrolled. Interviews and surveys regarding meth abuse, dental history, oral hygiene, and diet were collected. A comprehensive oral cavity examination including salivary characterization was completed. We observedsignificantly higher rates of decayed surfaces, missing teeth, tooth wear, plaque, and calculus among meth abusers. No significant difference in salivary flow rates were noted, yet results showed significant trends for lower pH and decreased buffering capacity.These findings suggest that salivary quality may play a more important role in meth mouth than previously considered. Salivary analysis may be useful when managing a dental patient with history of methamphetamine abuse [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral candidosis is the most common opportunistic fungal infection encountered in dentistry. Normally a benign inhabitant of mucous membranes, the fungal organism, Candida albicans, may present serious, even life-threatening infection in specific patient populations. As an opportunistic organism. Candida albicans is extremely responsive to any process resulting in immune-suppression. The clinical manifestations of oral candidosis are variable, occasionally complicating the clinical diagnosis and management. Treatment is often initially rendered based on a provisional clinical diagnosis and supplemented with adjunctive laboratory tests. Specific therapeutic intervention should be tailored to the individual patient, based on the current health status of the patient and the clinical presentation and severity of the infection. (Quintessence Int 2002;33:521-532) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 33-year-old male presented for evaluation of several large, recently discovered white oral lesions of unknown duration. Clinical examination revealed multiple white plaques on the soft palate, uvula, buccal mucosa, and tongue. These lesions could be wiped away, leaving an erythematous base. The lesions were asymptomatic, and the patient did not report difficulty in swallowing. The patient's medical history was noteworthy for several significant diagnoses within the previous 6 months: type 2 diabetes mellitus, mild systolic hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and adult idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, determined by kidney biopsy to be caused by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. A provisional diagnosis of pseudomembranous candidosis was made, and the patient responded to a 14-day course of clotrimazole, administered in 10-mg troches, five times a day. Management of nephrotic syndrome predisposes patients to recurrent fungal infections, and the disease has implications for the selection of systemic antifungal agents. (Quintessence Int 2002;33:533-535) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic cigarettes are a type of electronic nicotine delivery system. In the United States, electronic cigarettes have surged in popularity since their introduction to the market in 2007. Health and safety concerns primarily have focused on e-liquid/aerosol composition and whether these devices represent a gateway versus lower risk alternative to conventional cigarettes. Furthermore, recent incidents have demonstrated the potential for significant orofacial injury caused by device explosion while in use. Herein we report a case of a 20-year-old male who sustained oral burns, lacerations, and tooth loss when an electronic cigarette exploded in his mouth shortly after he charged the battery. Only seven other cases of trauma from intraoral electronic cigarette explosions have been reported in the scientific literature to date, although several similar incidents also have been reported by the news media. Treatment of such patients often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Design/manufacturing issues and improper handling may cause an increase in internal battery temperature. An investigation by the United States Fire Administration concluded that user education may aid in preventing some electronic cigarette explosions, and safety design improvements also could help. Although some studies and authorities support the use of electronic cigarettes for tobacco cessation and harm reduction, recent reports of electronic cigarette explosions raise important safety concerns and point to the need for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption are major risk factors for the development of oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC). Detection and modification of these risks by dentists are keys in preventing OPC. While dentists are encouraged to screen patients for tobacco and alcohol use and educate them about the oral health risks they pose, dental students receive little formalized training in this area. This pilot project was designed to develop and evaluate two online training modules for dental students: one on tobacco and oral health risk factors, and one on methods of alcohol screening. Results indicated that online tobacco/alcohol education for dental students is feasible. The modules resulted in meaningful improvement in dental students' knowledge of tobacco and alcohol use as well as alcohol screening methods. The alcohol module resulted in statistically significant increases in intention to screen patients for alcohol use and in comfort level in performing alcohol screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 38-year-old Hispanic female presented for evaluation of a gingival nodule of eight months duration. The nodule, which was slightly painful to palpation, had increased in size over time. The patient denied any history of trauma to the area.

A 66-year old white male was referred with a chief complaint of multiple painful oral and pharyngeal ulcerations (Figure 1). He stated his symptoms began four months earlier with the occurrence of a mild sore throat, which was followed by the development of numerous ulcers throughout the rest of his mouth. Because of the pain from these lesions, the patient suffered from dysphagia and resultant weight loss.