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Objectives: This cross-sectional comparative study investigated the effects of qat chewing habit on the radiographic bone density (RBD) and trabecular microstructure of temporomandibular joint condyles using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Study Design: In total, 85 systemically healthy Yemeni males were included and divided into qat chewers (QCs; n = 41); and non-qat chewers (NQCs; n = 44). The participants responded to a structured questionnaire and underwent standardized clinical examination and CBCT scanning of the temporomandibular joint. Measurements of RBD and trabecular microstructure (trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, bone volume fraction, and fractal dimension) were performed. Statistical significance was established at P ≤ .05.Results: No statistically significant differences were found between QCs and NQCs in RBD or trabecular microstructure. The mean standard deviations and maximum values of trabecular separation on the nonchewing side for QCs were significantly lower compared to the corresponding values for NQCs (0.60 and 2.68 for QCs vs 0.72 and 3.05 for NQCs; P = .025 and .05, respectively). A comparison between chewing and nonchewing sides in QCs revealed no significant differences.Conclusions: Qat chewing habit induces insignificant changes in condylar RBD and trabecular microstructure as detected by CBCT. Further studies using advanced radiographic techniques are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a very common oral ulcerative disease with no definitive cure. Growing evidence suggests a significant association between zinc deficiency and RAS. To assess the efficacy of systemic zinc supplementations in the prevention and management of RAS. Five databases were searched for all English and Chinese studies published up to November 2020. All clinical trials that assessed the efficacy of zinc supplementations in the management and/or prevention of RAS were included. Seven clinical trials comprising 482 RAS patients (250 in zinc group) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The follow-up period ranged from three months to one year. Five studies showed significantly better efficacy of zinc in reducing the recurrence rates of RAS, whereas two studies did not report any significant differences compared to the controls. Four studies reported on signs/symptoms of RAS, three of which showed superior outcomes in favour of zinc, while one study reported comparable results. Zinc supplementation seems to be efficacious in the management and prevention of RAS. However, further clinical trials with standardized methodologies and adequate follow-up periods are required to confirm the efficacy of zinc supplementations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]