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IntroductionIn the current climate of heightened terrorist activity, the deliberate release or threat of biological agents like viruses, bacteria, fungi, or their toxins to induce sickness or death among civilians has become a genuine possibility. The most crucial action during a bioterrorist strike is early warning. The possibility of such an occurrence in dental setting is underestimated. Methods and MaterialsSeventy five graduate students participated in the research. In a survey on zoonotic diseases, participants were asked whether they were familiar with the transmission from person to person, if the diseases caused significant morbidity and mortality, whether they were simple to produce and disseminate, and whether they posed a high risk of infection. ResultsGraph Prism was used to examine the data. A single proportion test was used to determine the “Aware Not Aware” group. The first 10 questions assessed dentists objective knowledge of bioterrorism. The importance of the last six questions was determined by their analysis of dentists’ preparedness and desire to respond to a bioterrorism associated occurrence via perceived knowledge. ConclusionGiven the real danger they may face, dentists needed to be vigilant regarding the prevention, detection, and treatment of zoonotic illnesses transmitted in their offices or as a vector while being commended for their courage in the face of adversity.

Background: The autoimmune response may be one of the causative factors for oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Serum levels of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMAs), and antithyroid microsomal antibodies (ATMAs) were evaluated in patients with and without OSMF. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the presence of autoantibodies in patients suffering from OSMF and those without it and compare both groups for ANAs, ATMAs, and ASMAs. Materials and Methods: The participants were 70 subjects with an age group of 18–80 years. Thirty-five patients with the diagnosis of OSMF were assigned to the case group, while 35 subjects without any OSMF were assigned to the control group. Serum samples were collected from the subjects and screened for serum autoantibodies (ANAs, ASMAs, and ATMAs) by indirect immune fluorescence. Results: In the case group, most of the patients were positive for ANAs and none were positive for ASMAs. ANA positivity was found to be more significant (P < 0.001) than ATMAs and ASMAs in both groups. While 10% of patients in the control group were positive for ATMAs, the control group showed negative status for both ANAs and ASMAs. There was a male predominance with the prevalence of ANAs. Conclusion: The study suggested a possible role of autoimmune response in OSMF.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) constitute clinical problems that involve the masticatory muscles, the temporomandibular joints, associated structures, or both. The etiology of TMDs is multifactorial. The association between occlusal interferences and TMD is controversial.. Objectives: This study is designed to evaluate the clinical outcome of T-Scan guided occlusal equilibration in patients suffering from TMD associated with occlusal discrepancies. Materials and Methods: A total of 15 patients clinically diagnosed with TMD based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and with positive occlusal interferences were included in the study. The occlusal equilibration was achieved by performing T-Scan guided Immediate Complete Anterior Guidance Development. Results: The obtained data was subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 20.0 software. There was a statistically significant reduction in the occlusion time, i.e., from 0.77 ± 0.6 pre-treatment to 0.31 ± 0.2 post-treatment (P = 0.005), and also disclusion time, i.e., from 1.71 ± 1.09 pre-treatment to 0.11 ± 0.03 post-treatment (P = 0.000). There was a statistically significant reduction in the VAS score post-treatment (P = 0.000). Conclusion: T-Scan guided occlusal equilibration in TMD patients has resulted in significant improvement of symptoms. Hence, we emphasize the importance of the identification and correction of occlusal interferences in the management of symptomatic TMDs.

Background: Saliva, a complex fluid secreted by the salivary glands within the oral cavity, is the first to interact with smoke while smoking. Nicotine in smoke causes structural and functional changes in the saliva, leading to a significant reduction in salivary flow. Aim: The present study was done to compare the salivary flow between reverse smokers, regular smokers, and non-smokers with the help of the Modified Schirmer Test (MST) to assess unstimulated saliva. Materials and Methodology: Ninety subjects were randomly divided into three groups; Group A (30) subjects who had the habit of reverse smoking daily for >6 months, Group B (30) subjects who had the habit of smoking daily for >6 months, and Group C (30) healthy, non-tobacco users. MST was done in the morning hours; they were not asked to eat/drink for 2 h before the procedure. Later, they were asked to raise their tongue, and the rounded end of Schirmer's strip was placed on the floor of the mouth. Wetting of the strip was recorded every 1, 2, and 3-minute intervals. Results: Data was recorded, and statistical analysis was done by the paired t-test. The mean value of salivary flow rate in reverse smokers per 3 minutes (19.73 ± 4.16) was less when compared to conventional smokers (22.53 ± 2.75) and healthy individuals (31.53 ± 2.90), with a significant P value of P < 0.0001. Conclusion: There was a significantly reduced unstimulated salivary flow rate in reverse smokers compared to conventional smokers and healthy individuals.

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous disease affecting the general population, with its exact etiology remaining unknown. This condition is characterized by T-cell mediated autoimmunity wherein auto-cytotoxic CD8+ T cells precipitate basal cell apoptosis in the oral epithelium. Conventionally, corticosteroids have been the mainstay of treatment for OLP, necessitating the exploration of alternatives to mitigate long-term corticosteroid-related adverse effects. Amlexanox, a topical anti-inflammatory agent, impedes the synthesis and release of histamine, TNF-alpha, and leukotrienes from mast cells, neutrophils, and mononuclear cells, conceivably implicated in OLP pathogenesis., Aims: The study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of topical amlexanox and triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of OLP., Objectives: The objectives of this study are (i) to evaluate the lesion size following the topical application of 5% amlexanox paste in the treatment of OLP, (ii) to evaluate the burning sensation of the patient based on the VAS score, and (iii) to compare and evaluate the clinical efficacy of 5% amlexanox with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide in the treatment of OLP., Methodology: Forty patients clinically and histopathologically diagnosed with symptomatic OLP were randomly assigned into two groups, each comprising 20 patients. Group A was prescribed topical 5% amlexanox, while Group B received topical 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide with instructions to apply the drug at the site of the lesion intraorally thrice a day after food. The clinical improvement was evaluated using the Thongprasom scale, and the burning sensation was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) score weekly over four weeks., Results: The study showed that there was a statistically significant reduction in the VAS score and size of lesion with each drug individually (p=0.000). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean values of VAS scores and size of the lesion between the first visit and fourth week, indicating a gradual reduction of the burning sensation and size of the lesion in both Group A and Group B, respectively. When both the groups were compared, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the reduction of burning sensation between Group A and Group B, indicating that amlexanox was as effective as triamcinolone in reducing the VAS score. However in terms of reduction of lesion size during the second week (p=0.022) and the third week (p=0.013), a statistically significant value was seen with a greater reduction in the size of the lesion in Group B compared to Group A., Conclusion: Given its anti-inflammatory properties and lower incidence of adverse effects relative to corticosteroids, amlexanox acts as a promising first-line therapeutic option for OLP. In cases of inadequate response, adjunctive therapies can be considered., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee, PMVIDS issued approval PMVIDS&RC/IEC/OMR/DN/0315-20 I 9. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Chelluri et al.)