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Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with the formation of symptomatic lesions in the mouth. P63 is essential for epidermal development and regeneration. Weak expression of this protein has been shown in OLP lesions. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has been reported to reduce OLP symptoms, but its ability to correct the molecular perturbations of the disease has not been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PBM in OLP treatment by evaluating changes in p63 expression and their association with clinical response. Methods: Twenty OLP patients underwent PBM with a diode laser (810 nm), (0.50 W, 30 s, 1.2 J/cm2), 3 times weekly for a month. The treatment efficacy index (EI) was calculated based on pain-level values and clinical scores of lesions before and after therapy. Biopsies were taken before and after therapy, analyzed immunohistochemically for p63 expression, and compared with 10 healthy controls. Results: P63 levels in OLP lesions were significantly lower than those in normal oral mucosa. After treatment, the pain level and clinical scores of the lesions decreased significantly. The calculated EI showed PBM effectiveness in 90% of cases. Increased p63 positivity and staining intensity were observed after therapy. Conclusions: The established p63 deficiency in OLP lesions is likely an important molecular mechanism in the pathogenesis of the disease. Laser irradiation at 810 nm increased p63 expression to a level close to that found in the healthy epithelium and significantly improved the symptoms and clinical signs of OLP. All of this determines the effectiveness of PBM therapy in the management of OLP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of the study: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease primarily affecting the skin, but it can also involve the oral mucosa. Emerging evidence suggests that oral manifestations might serve as early indicators or predictive factors for psoriasis evolution. This study aims to identify specific oral mucosal features that could predict the progression and severity of psoriasis, providing insights into early diagnosis and management strategies. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included 150 patients with clinically and histologically confirmed psoriasis manifesting oral lesions. The exclusion criteria included other systemic inflammatory diseases, recent use of systemic immunosuppressive therapy, and inability to provide informed consent. Results: The presence of oral changes such as fissures can be directly related to patients’ gender. The presence of erythema and fissures on the oral mucosa can be correlated with the severity of psoriasis disease. Conclusions: Particular aspects of the oral mucosa, including erythema, plaques, and fissures, are significant predictive factors for the evolution of psoriasis.

Summary: Background: Changes in the oral mucosa occur in more than one-fourth of the population aged 17 and older and in one-tenth of children aged 2–17 years old, and consequence on the oral health-related quality of life. Oral mucosal diseases affect the oral cavity and vary greatly. OMDs have been reported to be associated with several factors, such as vitamin B12 deficiencies. Objective: This systematic review aims to investigate the vitamin B12 serum levels in patients with OMD. Method: This systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Article searches with specific keywords were conducted through PubMed, Science Direct, and Ebscohost-CINAHL, published from 2018 to 2023. The search for articles was limited to human studies, cross-sectional and case-control designs, papers written in English, and the full-text availability. The risk assessment of bias uses tools from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Results: Twelve articles that meet the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The types of oral mucosal disease studied include atrophic glossitis (3 articles), OLP (2 articles), RAS (2 articles), OSF (2 articles), BMS (1 article), geographic tongue (1 article), and oral precancer (1 article). Vitamin B12 levels in OMD patients were significantly lower than healthy controls in 9 articles, while the levels were similar in 3 articles. Conclusion: Patients with OMD have lower vitamin B12 levels than individuals without OMD.

Aim of the study: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease primarily affecting the skin, but it can also involve the oral mucosa. Emerging evidence suggests that oral manifestations might serve as early indicators or predictive factors for psoriasis evolution. This study aims to identify specific oral mucosal features that could predict the progression and severity of psoriasis, providing insights into early diagnosis and management strategies. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included 150 patients with clinically and histologically confirmed psoriasis manifesting oral lesions. The exclusion criteria included other systemic inflammatory diseases, recent use of systemic immunosuppressive therapy, and inability to provide informed consent. Results: The presence of oral changes such as fissures can be directly related to patients' gender. The presence of erythema and fissures on the oral mucosa can be correlated with the severity of psoriasis disease. Conclusions: Particular aspects of the oral mucosa, including erythema, plaques, and fissures, are significant predictive factors for the evolution of psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundChewing tobacco consumption has become a major public health issue in India. The incidence of oral cancer is increasing in India, especially among young adults.AimThe objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of chewing tobacco consumption and its association with the occurrence of oral mucosal lesions.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,209 patients who reported to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology at Vyas Dental College, Jodhpur. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on patients’ personal information such as demographic details, tobacco use, and other adverse habits. A single calibrated investigator performed a clinical examination of lesions on the oral mucosa, and the diagnosis was further validated.ResultsThe majority of the participants were men (81.8%) in the age range of 26–35 years. A habit of chewing a combination of tobacco and areca nut (48.2%) was more prevalent. More than 36% of the participants consumed tobacco in a processed form (90%), at least four times a day. It was observed was 25% of the participants were suffering from tobacco pouch keratosis.ConclusionChewing tobacco was significantly associated with the development of oral mucosal lesions, particularly among men and those belonging to lower socio-economic groups. Along with targeted public health interventions on tobacco cessation, it is essential to change the cultural norms associated with the habit of chewing tobacco and implement strict chewing tobacco control laws in the community and workplaces.

Abstract Background/purpose Oral cancer, including malignancies of the tongue, lips, floor of the mouth, cheek mucosa, gums, palate, and oropharynx, is life-threatening. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for long-term survival. Dentists frequently encounter oral cancers due to the nature of their work. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and experience of dentists in Turkey regarding oral cancers. Materials and methods A total of 361 participants were included in the study, and survey questions were sent via email. The survey consisted of 16 questions measuring demographic data and knowledge about oral cancerous lesions. Participants were grouped based on their specialization and knowledge level, and differences in responses among groups were examined. Results Only 21.3% of the participants felt they had sufficient knowledge and experience about oral cancerous lesions. Overall, the correct answer rates indicated a moderate level of knowledge and experience. When grouped by specialization, oral surgeons had the highest accuracy in their responses (p

Background/purpose: Oral cancer, including malignancies of the tongue, lips, floor of the mouth, cheek mucosa, gums, palate, and oropharynx, is life-threatening. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for long-term survival. Dentists frequently encounter oral cancers due to the nature of their work. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and experience of dentists in Turkey regarding oral cancers. Materials and methods: A total of 361 participants were included in the study, and survey questions were sent via email. The survey consisted of 16 questions measuring demographic data and knowledge about oral cancerous lesions. Participants were grouped based on their specialization and knowledge level, and differences in responses among groups were examined. Results: Only 21.3% of the participants felt they had sufficient knowledge and experience about oral cancerous lesions. Overall, the correct answer rates indicated a moderate level of knowledge and experience. When grouped by specialization, oral surgeons had the highest accuracy in their responses (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Dentists are the professional group that most frequently encounters clinically oral cancerous lesions. Therefore, it is critically important for them to be knowledgeable and experienced to reduce morbidity and mortality through early diagnosis. This study evaluated the knowledge status of dentists in Turkey regarding oral cancer and highlighted the need for improved education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oral mucosa plays a crucial protective role as a natural barrier to exogenous substances and pathogens. Tobacco in any form, either smoked or smokeless, can cause a broad spectrum of oral mucosal alterations, ranging from harmless to more serious dysplastic and carcinomatous lesions. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) in adult patients who do and do not use tobacco, their habits, and the relative risk of developing oral lesions associated with these habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Geriatric dentistry plays a pivotal role in addressing the oral health needs of the elderly population, who are prone to various age-related disorders affecting the oral mucosa. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among geriatric patients in India, considering factors, such as age, gender, and systemic diseases. Methodology: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted, analyzing medical and clinical examination records of 354 geriatric patients attending a dental college/hospital between 2022 and 2023. Data on demographics, systemic diseases, oral habits, and denture usage were collected, and oral mucosal lesions were classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Results: Among the 354 subjects examined, oral mucosal lesions were observed in 54.66% of cases. Leukoplakia (19.49%) and lichen planus (17.80%) were the most prevalent lesions, followed by malignancy (12.99%) and denture stomatitis (9.04%). The prevalence varied across age-groups, with higher rates observed in individuals aged 60–70 years. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant burden of oral mucosal lesions among geriatric patients in India, underscoring the need for targeted preventive strategies and comprehensive oral healthcare interventions tailored to the specific needs of elderly individuals.

Irna Sufiawati,1 Tuty Amalia,2 Tenny Setiani Dewi,1 Rudi Wisaksana3 1Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia; 2Oral Medicine Residency Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia; 3Department of Internal Medicine, Dr. Hasan Sadikin Central General Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, IndonesiaCorrespondence: Irna Sufiawati, Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jalan Sekeloa Selatan I, Bandung, 40132, Indonesia, Tel +62-22-2504985, Fax +62-22-2532805, Email irna.sufiawati@fkg.unpad.ac.idBackground: Oral mucosal lesions in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, posing a concern for healthcare professionals, impact their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This study aimed to evaluate the association between oral mucosal lesions and OHRQoL as measured by the validated Indonesian version of the oral health impact profile-14 questionnaire (OHIP-14) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Central Referral Hospital in West Java, Indonesia. The validity of OHIP-14 was evaluated in 30 PLWHA using inter-item corrected correlation, while reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s alpha and kappa coefficient agreement. Subsequently, a consecutive sample of 110 PLWHA self-completed the validated Indonesian version of OHIP-14 and underwent an oral examination. The association between oral mucosal lesions and OHRQoL was analyzed using the chi-squared test.Results: The validity test of the OHIP-14 questionnaire produced a rcount > 0.189, meaning that all question items were valid and could be used to describe OHRQoL. The reliability test of the OHIP-14 questionnaire produced a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.960 (> 0.7), which means that overall, the OHIP-14 questionnaire is reliable and feasible to be used to assess OHRQoL. Among the 110 enrolled participants, 61.8% were female and 38.2% were male, with the mean age 23.5 years old, the majority of them (59.1%) had been taking antiretrovirals (ARV), and (81.5%) had good QoL. There was a statistically significant relationship between oral lesions and quality of life (p< 0.05), particularly acute pseudomembranous candidiasis, angular cheilitis, recurrent intraoral herpes, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.Conclusion: This study indicated a significant association between oral mucosal lesions and OHRQoL in PLWHA. The successfully validated Indonesian version of the OHIP-14 questionnaire serves as a reliable and effective tool for assessing OHRQoL among PLWHA.Keywords: OHIP-14, oral mucosal lesions, oral health-related quality of life

Introduction: Tobacco and areca-nut are risk factors for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders. Oral cancer is ranked as the commonest among males in Sri Lanka (18.4 %). This research aims to determine the prevalence of tobacco and areca-nut use and its association with oral lesions. Method: It is a cross-sectional study using 368 patients attending the Dental Diagnostic Clinic. Details of tobacco and areca-nut use were collected and participants were examined for mucosal lesions. Results: It revealed that 23.9 % had tobacco use. Out of these, 41.1 %, 22.2 % and 36.7 % had smokeless-tobacco use, smoking and both, respectively. Similarly, 25.3 % had areca-nut/betel-quid use and majority (72.8 %) added tobacco to it. Tobacco (93.2 %) and areca-nut (79.6 %) use was higher among males (p 90 % of those who used tobacco and areca-nut had oral lesions (p

Tobacco and areca-nut are risk factors for oral cancer and potentially malignant disorders. Oral cancer is ranked as the commonest among males in Sri Lanka (18.4 %). This research aims to determine the prevalence of tobacco and areca-nut use and its association with oral lesions. It is a cross-sectional study using 368 patients attending the Dental Diagnostic Clinic. Details of tobacco and areca-nut use were collected and participants were examined for mucosal lesions. It revealed that 23.9 % had tobacco use. Out of these, 41.1 %, 22.2 % and 36.7 % had smokeless-tobacco use, smoking and both, respectively. Similarly, 25.3 % had areca-nut/betel-quid use and majority (72.8 %) added tobacco to it. Tobacco (93.2 %) and areca-nut (79.6 %) use was higher among males (p < 0.05). Significant associations of areca-nut use with age (p = 0.001) and education level (p = 0.025) were noted. Oral lesions like de-pigmentation, white patches, ulcers, growths and oral sub-mucous fibrosis (OSF) had prevalences of 2.4 % each. Prevalence of pigmentation, lobulated tongue and erosive lesions was 10.6 %, 4.6 % and 1.4 %, respectively. 32.6 % had abnormalities like linea-alba, periodontal problems, pericoronitis and hairy tongue. The study revealed that >90 % of those who used tobacco and areca-nut had oral lesions (p < 0.05). The prevalence of tobacco and areca-nut use is high among patients attending the Dental Teaching Hospital, and its association with mucosal lesions is significant. Hence regular awareness programs on the adverse effects of tobacco and areca-nut use should be carried out at the Diagnostic clinic as a preventive measure. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral mucosal lesions though mostly benign, may impair the quality of life of patients. Some may even progress to malignancies. Many physicians, including dermatologists, tend to skip oral examinations, missing many important diagnoses. Understanding the frequency and types of oral mucosal lesions in dermatological settings can help in early diagnosis, referral and adequate treatment. This study was done to determine demographic characteristics and clinical presentations of patients with oral mucosal lesions presenting to the out-patient department (OPD) of dermatology in Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Hospital, Kathmandu. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted after obtaining the ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee of Nepal APF Hospital. Retrospective data of 264 patients presenting with oral mucosal lesions to the dermatology OPD were collected from 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2023 by using a pre-formed proforma. Data was entered in SPSS software and descriptive statistics were computed. Results: Out of 13,832 cases, oral mucosal lesion was seen in 264 (1.90%) cases among which 153 (57.96%) cases were males with male female ratio of 1.37:1. Most common age group affected was 31-45 years 96 (36.36%). Buccal mucosa 86 (32.57%) was the commonest site involved followed by tongue 73 (27.65%). Aphthous ulcer 82 (31.06%) was the commonest lesion found followed by oral candidiasis 25 (9.46%) and oral lichen planus 24 (9.09%). Conclusions: Aphthous ulcer was the commonest oral mucosal lesion seen in patients visiting dermatology outpatient department of Nepal APF Hospital, with buccal mucosa being the commonest site affected.

The aim of this systematic review was to answer the question of whether crack cocaine can induce cellular and molecular alterations and whether such alterations are somehow related to clinical lesions in the oral mucosa. The searches were undertaken in three electronic databases and conducted based on the PRISMA 2020 statement. Eleven studies published between 1994 and 2020 were analyzed. The quality of the included studies was assessed by two independent reviewers (TGP and DAR) through a confounder’s categorization methodology, in which final ratings were attributed (strong, moderate or weak) for each study. From 11 studies included, 7 evaluated the cellular/molecular impact of the addiction in a total of 492 individuals and compared to a control (non-exposure) group (n = 472). The main tests used for cellular alteration were MN and AgNORs. Cells from crack cocaine groups exhibited increased proliferation and MN counting. Only four studies evaluated the prevalence of oral lesions. All of them showed that individuals exposed to crack cocaine presented an increased number of oral lesions. Most studies showed good quality. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that crack use may induce changes at the cellular and molecular level and also exhibit an increased number of oral lesions. However, a correlation between such changes and oral mucosa lesions still needs further investigation and elucidation through other clinical studies in humans.

Abstract Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause a range of symptoms, including oral mucosal lesions (OMLs). The prevalence of OMLs in SLE patients and their associated factors have been studied in various regions, but the results are inconsistent. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of OMLs in patients with SLE. Methods Observational studies of OML prevalence in SLE patients published before 2022 were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library without language restriction. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Results Our meta-analysis included 113 studies with a total of 53,307 SLE patients. We found that the prevalence of OMLs in SLE patients was 31% (95% CI: 28%, 35%), with oral ulcers being present in 30% of SLE patients (95% CI: 26%, 33%). Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of OMLs varied significantly by region, disease activity, and sample size (p ≤ 0.01). However, gender and year of publication had little effect on the prevalence of OMLs (p = 0.78 and 0.30, respectively). Oral ulcers were significantly associated with age of onset (p = 0.02), geographic location (p

Abstract Objectives The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a respiratory infection that has spread worldwide and is responsible for a high death toll. Although respiratory symptoms are the most common, there is growing evidence that oral signs of COVID‐19 can also be seen in children. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the available data on the oral manifestations of COVID‐19 in children and to recommend appropriate methods of diagnosis and treatment. Methods A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was done to discover relevant papers published between their establishment and January 2023. Articles detailing oral symptoms in pediatric patients with confirmed COVID‐19 infection were included, and data on clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes were extracted and evaluated. Results A total of 24 studies involving 2112 pediatric patients with COVID‐19 were included in the review. The most common presentations are oral lesions, taste and smell disorders, oral candidiasis, hemorrhagic crust, tongue discoloration, lip and tongue fissuring, gingivitis, and salivary gland inflammation. These manifestations were sometimes associated with multi‐system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) or Kawasaki disease (KD). Management strategies varied depending on the severity of the oral manifestation and ranged from symptomatic relief with topical analgesics to systemic medications. Conclusion Oral symptoms of COVID‐19 are relatively prevalent in juvenile patients and can be accompanied by severe systemic diseases, such as MIS‐C or Kawasaki illness. Early detection and adequate care of these oral symptoms are critical for the best patient results. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology and developing targeted treatments requires more investigation.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause a range of symptoms, including oral mucosal lesions (OMLs). The prevalence of OMLs in SLE patients and their associated factors have been studied in various regions, but the results are inconsistent. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of OMLs in patients with SLE. Methods: Observational studies of OML prevalence in SLE patients published before 2022 were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library without language restriction. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Results: Our meta-analysis included 113 studies with a total of 53,307 SLE patients. We found that the prevalence of OMLs in SLE patients was 31% (95% CI: 28%, 35%), with oral ulcers being present in 30% of SLE patients (95% CI: 26%, 33%). Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of OMLs varied significantly by region, disease activity, and sample size (p ≤ 0.01). However, gender and year of publication had little effect on the prevalence of OMLs (p = 0.78 and 0.30, respectively). Oral ulcers were significantly associated with age of onset (p = 0.02), geographic location (p < 0.01), and race (p < 0.01). We also found that the prevalence of oral erythema was 9%, oral candidiasis was 9%, petechiae was 8%, cheilitis was 6%, and white plaque was 3%. Conclusions: Our analysis showed that the prevalence of OMLs varied significantly by region and disease activity, and child-onset patients of Indian, Malay, and Caucasian descent were more likely to have oral ulcers. The high prevalence of OML in SLE patients emphasizes the importance of regular oral examination and management in the comprehensive care of individuals with SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this systematic review was to answer the question of whether crack cocaine can induce cellular and molecular alterations and whether such alterations are somehow related to clinical lesions in the oral mucosa. The searches were undertaken in three electronic databases and conducted based on the PRISMA 2020 statement. Eleven studies published between 1994 and 2020 were analyzed. The quality of the included studies was assessed by two independent reviewers (TGP and DAR) through a confounder's categorization methodology, in which final ratings were attributed (strong, moderate or weak) for each study. From 11 studies included, 7 evaluated the cellular/molecular impact of the addiction in a total of 492 individuals and compared to a control (non-exposure) group (n = 472). The main tests used for cellular alteration were MN and AgNORs. Cells from crack cocaine groups exhibited increased proliferation and MN counting. Only four studies evaluated the prevalence of oral lesions. All of them showed that individuals exposed to crack cocaine presented an increased number of oral lesions. Most studies showed good quality. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that crack use may induce changes at the cellular and molecular level and also exhibit an increased number of oral lesions. However, a correlation between such changes and oral mucosa lesions still needs further investigation and elucidation through other clinical studies in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The dentist should be able to carry out systematic oral examinations of the mucosa of patients in order to diagnose any alterations at an early stage. Materials and Methods: An observational, analytical, prospective, and longitudinal study was carried out. 161 students were evaluated at the beginning of their clinical practice in their 4th year of dental school (September 2019), at the beginning and at the end of their 5th year of dental school (June 2021). Thirty oral lesions were projected, and the students were asked to provide an answer; if the lesions were benign, malignant, or potentially malignant, whether they should be biopsied and/or treated and a presumptive diagnosis. Results: Significant improvement (p <.001) was obtained between the 2019 and 2021 results, in relation to the classification, need for biopsy and treatment of lesions. For differential diagnosis, no significant difference (p =.985) was obtained between the 2019 and 2021 responses. Malignant lesions and PMD obtained mixed results, with the best results corresponding to OSCC. Discussion: In this study, a correct lesion classification by the students was over 50%. As for the OSCC, the results were superior to the rest of the images, reaching more than 95% correct. Conclusion: Theoretical‐practical training from universities and continuing education for graduates in relation to oral mucosal pathologies should be further promoted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) virus causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a respiratory infection that has spread worldwide and is responsible for a high death toll. Although respiratory symptoms are the most common, there is growing evidence that oral signs of COVID‐19 can also be seen in children. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the available data on the oral manifestations of COVID‐19 in children and to recommend appropriate methods of diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was done to discover relevant papers published between their establishment and January 2023. Articles detailing oral symptoms in pediatric patients with confirmed COVID‐19 infection were included, and data on clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes were extracted and evaluated. Results: A total of 24 studies involving 2112 pediatric patients with COVID‐19 were included in the review. The most common presentations are oral lesions, taste and smell disorders, oral candidiasis, hemorrhagic crust, tongue discoloration, lip and tongue fissuring, gingivitis, and salivary gland inflammation. These manifestations were sometimes associated with multi‐system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) or Kawasaki disease (KD). Management strategies varied depending on the severity of the oral manifestation and ranged from symptomatic relief with topical analgesics to systemic medications. Conclusion: Oral symptoms of COVID‐19 are relatively prevalent in juvenile patients and can be accompanied by severe systemic diseases, such as MIS‐C or Kawasaki illness. Early detection and adequate care of these oral symptoms are critical for the best patient results. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology and developing targeted treatments requires more investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral microbiome disruptions in periodontitis are related to the chronic inflammatory reactions that could in turn lead to the development of multiple oral diseases. The objective of the study was to assess the frequencies of Streptococcus mitis, Prevotella melaninogenica, and Prevotella intermedia in oral benign lesions, oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), and oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and investigate the impact of these bacteria on the expression patterns of the selected (potential) target genes (PI3CA/AKT2/mTOR, DUSP16/MAPK14, and COX2). After sample collection (25 benign lesions, 30 OPMDs, and 35 OSCCs) and DNA/RNA extraction, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to detect bacterial presence and assess relative gene expression levels in different lesion groups. Prevotella melaninogenica was the most prevalent of the three analyzed bacteria, with the frequency being 60% in benign lesions, 87% in OPMDs (p = 0.024), and 77% in OSCC. The OPMD tissues in which Prevotella melaninogenica was present exhibited a higher expression level of AKT2 (p = 0.042). Significantly lower expression of DUSP16 was observed in OSCC tissues containing Streptococcus mitis (p = 0.011). The obtained results indicate a substantial contribution of P. melaninogenica and Str. mitis in the pathogenesis of oral mucosal lesions, possibly via AKT2 upregulation and DUSP16 downregulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionThe aim of this systematic review is to provide a clinical update of the current knowledge on COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesions, to analyze the types and prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in patients with COVID-19, and to clarify the potential association between COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesions.MethodsThe literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and the Cochrane Library, as well as literatures via manual searches of the reference lists of included studies. Studies published in English that mentioned oral mucosal lesions in patients with COVID-19 were included, resulting in a total of 31 studies.ResultsMost of the included studies were considered to have a moderate to high risk of bias according to the Joanna Briggs Institute bias assessment tools. Based on COVID-19 severity, the characteristics and patterns of oral mucosal lesions in COVID-19 patients were described, analyzed and synthesized. Overall, ulcers without specific diagnosis had the highest prevalence in COVID-19 patients, followed by traumatic ulcers, candidiasis, petechiae and aphthous-like lesions. Homogeneity of data cannot be achieved in statical analysis, indicating randomness of outcome (ulcers without specific diagnosis, 95% CI: 28%–96%, I2 = 98.7%).DiscussionGiven the limited evidence from currently available studies, the association between COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesions remains difficult to clarify. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the possible association between COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesions, and we hereby discuss our findings.

Progressive loss of tooth caused by old age or certain systemic conditions, lead to oral handicap that often require a prosthetic appliance for restoring function and aesthetics. While these prostheses require good hygiene maintenance, lack of oral health awareness, compromised dexterity and presence of substance abuse could make the dentures harbingers of certain oral mucosal conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of oral mucosal lesions among dental prosthetic wearers and its association with habits of substance abuse. Materials and Methods A cross sectional survey was conducted on 1312 subjects aged 18 years and above using a house-to-house approach to collect information regarding their prosthetic status, duration of prosthesis, usage of tobacco and oral mucosal condition. Results The results showed a strong co-relation between substance abuse and denture wear with ulcers and denture stomatitis showing the highest prevalence rate amongst the study population. Leukoplakia and Oral Submucosal Fibrosis was seen mostly in non-denture wearers. Summary and Conclusions According to the results, Denture wearers had a higher tendency of having oral mucosal lesions, most commonly being Ulcers and Denture stomatitis (3.2%). With the exception of leukoplakia that occurred mostly in the non denture wearers. Substsance abuse had a direct co-relation to oral mucosal lesions. Occurrence of ulcers and denture stomatitis followed by candidiasis in smoked tobacco users, while in smokeless tobacco users ulcerative lesions and denture stomatitis followed by Acute Necrotising Denture Stomatitis were most commonly noted. Clinical significance: It is essential to carry out periodic examination of the oral mucosa in denture wearers to establish a preventive protocol to eradicate the pathology caused by the use of dentures and the harmful effects of substance abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Elderly people are more susceptible to various oral mucosal lesions due to associated co-morbidities related to age. Nevertheless, limited studies were done in determining the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in geriatric population in Indian sub-continent. Aim and Methodology: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in male and female geriatric population of coastal Andhra Pradesh. This hospital-based retrospective study includes 686 geriatric patients. E record files were obtained from 2018 to 2020 with patient details regarding age, gender, socio-demographic factors, chief complaint, systemic diseases, deleterious oral habits, and denture use status were obtained. Results: A total of 686 geriatric patients with 389 male and 297 female patients were examined. Among these subjects, a total of 375 (54.66%) geriatric patients where 225 (60%) of male patients and 150 (40%) of female patients had oral mucosal lesions. The most prevalent oral mucosal lesion was leukoplakia 72(19.2%) with male predominance followed by lichen planus 66 (17.6%) with female predominance. Conclusion: Oral mucosal lesions were more prevalent in geriatric population compared to adult population because of associated co-morbidities in geriatric population and deleterious habits. The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions is an indicator of the oral health condition of elderly individuals. The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis of oral mucosal lesions by screening examination and timely interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride levels in groundwater and their effect on oral health status among the general population of Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of index age groups 5, 12, 15, 35–44, and 65–74 years. A total of 540 subjects participated in the study. High fluoride blocks of Erode district were selected based on the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, 2010, and the low fluoride were taken from the Groundwater Year Book (GWYB) of Tamil Nadu and UT of Puducherry, 2018. The Oral Health Assessment Form 2013 (adult and children) of the World Health Organization (WHO) was used to assess dental caries and enamel fluorosis. Clinical examination was performed using a mouth mirror and explorer under natural illumination by a single examiner. Data obtained were processed and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. A Chi-squared test was employed to analyze the difference between the high and low fluoride blocks. A P value of 0.05 was set to be statistically significant. Results: The current study had a contrary finding with the CGWB on water quality analysis of fluoride levels in drinking water for high fluoride block, Ammapet (1.12 ppm) and Anthiyur (1.08 ppm). The prevalence of enamel fluorosis in high fluoride block Ammapet was 44.4% and Anthiyur was 54.8%. The prevalence of dental caries in high fluoride block Ammapet was 45.9% and in Anthiyur was 43%. The prevalence of enamel fluorosis in low fluoride block Bhavanisagar was 27.4% and in Gobichettipalayam was 28.2%. The prevalence of dental caries in low fluoride block Bhavanisagar was 61.5%, and in Gobichettipalayam was 54.8%. Conclusion: This study's contradictory finding emphasizes the importance of drinking water; sanitation staff should monitor and report water fluoridation data on a monthly basis in accordance with the Water Fluoridation Reporting System, and CGWB should plan and organize a team for the upgradation of water quality in India. The National Program for Prevention and Control of Dental Diseases should look on to the endemic areas for the prevention of dental fluorosis, which should be assessed, implemented, and monitored by the public health dentist who should be recruited as oral health program officers in both central and state governments.

Background: If oral mucosal lesions are detected early by the oral health practitioners, there will be a better prognosis for the lesions diagnosed. This cross-sectional study was designed to assess the perceptions and awareness of dental students of the Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, toward oral tissues. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was created to assess the perceptions and awareness of dental students towards oral tissues. This questionnaire had 25 questions with multiple choices. Options of these questions were based on 3-point and 5-point Likert scale. This questionnaire was converted into a Google Form and distributed among all the undergraduate students of the Government Dental College and Hospital, Mumbai, along with a declaration form via electronic methods such as Gmail and WhatsApp, after explaining to them the aim and objectives of the study. Results: A total of n = 334 dental students responded, yielding a response rate of 66.8%. Most dental students agreed that it is important to focus on oral soft tissues apart from oral hard tissues. Most participants believed that it is the role of the dentist to perform the complete oral examination. Lack of training, confidence, time, etc., were seen as barriers to at least some degree by participants. Conclusion: This study highlights the awareness of oral soft tissues among dental students and the importance of its academic reinforcement. This would definitely help budding dentists to work more on oral cancer prevention and detection, which ultimately may lead to a decrease in the incidence of oral cancers.

Background: The incorporation of oral health promotion into general healthcare has been proposed by theWorld Health Organization. General practitioners (GPs) could play a vital role in the promotion of oral healthcare. Objectives: This studywas designed to evaluate the awareness of oral andmaxillofacialmedicine specialty and its scope of practice among Iranian GPs. Methods: Thepresent cross-sectional studywas conductedinYazd, Iran. Atotal of 95GPs randomly filled out a close-ended questionnaire. Responses to the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. The self-administered questionnaire comprised 35 items and covered the demographical details and characteristics of participants, in addition to their awareness of oral andmaxillofacialmedicine and its scope of practice. Finally, awareness scores were classified as weak, intermediate, and good. The data were analyzed using a t-test and Pearson correlation. A P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all statistical analyses. Results: Only 24.2% of GPs had enough awareness. The mean score of total awareness about oral diseases was 11.82 ± 3. The mean scores of total awareness for the oralmanifestations of systemic diseases,medical considerations in dentistry, and oral lesionswere 3.59 ± 1.17, 3.96 ± 1.62, and 4.27 ± 1.65, respectively. Conclusions: According to this study, the awareness of GPs playing a key role regarding oralmedicine and oralmanifestations of systemic diseaseswasweak. It is recommended to revise themedical curriculumto incorporate related courses about common oral diseases into themedical curriculum. The aimwill only be achieved by improving the coordination between dentists and GPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 45-year-old female presented to the Dermatology outpatient department with complaints of painful oral erosions on the lips and a burning sensation on the tongue for two weeks. Oral cavity examination showed a tongue with multiple fissures (resembling sulci) with a few erosions on the lips. Regarding the erosions on the lips, cheilitis and nutritional deficiencies were considered. She was treated conservatively with multivitamin supplements, topical analgesics, and emollients. Complete dermatological examination was normal, and she was kept under regular monthly follow-up. Four months after the onset of oral lesions, she presented with raw areas over the trunk, bilateral upper and lower limbs, raised lesions over the bilateral axillae, and gluteal region [Table/Fig-1a]. On examination, vegetative plaques with oozing and crusting were present over the bilateral axillae and gluteal region. Multiple erosions were present on the trunk, groin, bilateral upper and lower limbs. The classical oral presentation of a fissured tongue [Table/Fig-1b] with cutaneous erosions and vegetative plaques pointed towards a provisional diagnosis of pemphigus vegetans with drug reaction and other bullous dermatoses like pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceous, bullous pemphigoid, and paraneoplastic pemphigus as differentials. A skin biopsy was done and sent for histopathological examination, which showed suprabasal clefts containing abundant eosinophils and acantholytic cells [Table/Fig-1c]. Based on the clinical findings of vegetative plaques and cerebriform tongue (Premalatha’s Sign) [1], along with the histopathological findings, the diagnosis of pemphigus vegetans was confirmed.

Oral mucosal lesions (OML), which represent a major public health issue worldwide, include any pathological changes in the oral mucosa, such as ulcers, pigmentation, and swelling. Due to its humid and dynamic complex environment, designing oral mucosal preparations poses significant challenges. Drawing inspiration from mussels, this study employed an eco-friendly one-pot strategy for the preparation of chitosan/polydopamine (CS/PDA) films. We demonstrated that CS-induced polymerization of dopamine monomers under acidic conditions, which might be attributed to the large number of hydrogen bonding sites of CS chains. PDA markedly enhances properties of the CS film and exhibits concentration dependence. At the concentration of 1 wt% PDA, the lap-shear strength and tensile strength of CS/PDA films reached 5.01 ± 0.24 kpa and 4.20 ± 0.78 kpa, respectively, indicating that the mucosal adhesion ability was significantly improved. In comparison with the single CS film, the swelling rate of CS/PDA film decreased by about 30 %. Rheological results also showed that the storage modulus returned to 93 % after cyclic large strain, while the single CS film only recovered to 73 %. Moreover, these films demonstrated good biocompatibility and enhanced oral ulcer healing in rats, providing a new and practical option for the local treatment of OML. The schematic diagram of the preparation process of CS/PDA films and its effect on promoting oral ulcer healing in rats. Created with BioRender.com. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/Background: Transgenders are a highly vulnerable subset within the high-risk group for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in India. Oral manifestations are among the early signs of HIV infection. This study was conducted with the aim to assess the oral mucosal lesions among the HIV-positive transgenders in Odisha taking antiretroviral therapy as well as those not taking antiretroviral therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among HIV-positive transgenders in four districts of Odisha. Snowball nonprobability sampling technique was adopted, and type IV clinical examination was performed using the modified WHO record form for oral manifestations in HIV/AIDS (2013). Independent sample t test was used to compare mean age among those taking ART with those not taking ART. Chi-square test was used to detect the associations among categorical variables. Results: The study comprised of 163 participants, 109 (71.24%) who were taking antiretroviral therapy, while 44 (28.76%) not taking antiretroviral therapy. The mean age was 32.56 + 7.69 years. Sex work was the most predominant occupation. Majority of the participants reported of having hyperpigmentation of different parts of oral mucosa. Aphthous ulcer and angular cheilitis was noticed in 14.72% and 9.20%, respectively. Other manifestations noticed included erythematous candidiasis, pseudomembranous candidiasis, oral hairy leukoplakia, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis, herpetic stomatitis/gingivitis and/or labialis, herpes zoster, warty like lesions/human papillomavirus, other ulcerations (not otherwise specified/necrotizing ulcerative stomatitis), and dry mouth due to decreased salivary flow. Conclusion: Careful evaluation of oral manifestations can improve the quality of life of these marginalized, highly vulnerable population.

Purpose/Background: Transgenders are a highly vulnerable subset within the high-risk group for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in India. Oral manifestations are among the early signs of HIV infection. This study was conducted with the aim to assess the oral mucosal lesions among the HIV-positive transgenders in Odisha taking antiretroviral therapy as well as those not taking antiretroviral therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among HIV-positive transgenders in four districts of Odisha. Snowball nonprobability sampling technique was adopted, and type IV clinical examination was performed using the modified WHO record form for oral manifestations in HIV/AIDS (2013). Independent sample t test was used to compare mean age among those taking ART with those not taking ART. Chi-square test was used to detect the associations among categorical variables. Results: The study comprised of 163 participants, 109 (71.24%) who were taking antiretroviral therapy, while 44 (28.76%) not taking antiretroviral therapy. The mean age was 32.56 + 7.69 years. Sex work was the most predominant occupation. Majority of the participants reported of having hyperpigmentation of different parts of oral mucosa. Aphthous ulcer and angular cheilitis was noticed in 14.72% and 9.20%, respectively. Other manifestations noticed included erythematous candidiasis, pseudomembranous candidiasis, oral hairy leukoplakia, necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis, herpetic stomatitis/gingivitis and/or labialis, herpes zoster, warty like lesions/human papillomavirus, other ulcerations (not otherwise specified/necrotizing ulcerative stomatitis), and dry mouth due to decreased salivary flow. Conclusion: Careful evaluation of oral manifestations can improve the quality of life of these marginalized, highly vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (OML) and oral self‐examination and their associated factors among pregnant women from the 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study, Brazil. Methods: Pregnant women who would deliver babies in 2015 were included in the antenatal study. Data related to demographic, socio‐economic and behavioural conditions were collected using questionnaires. Participants were also clinically assessed for oral health outcomes. The outcomes were the presence of OMLs and oral self‐examination. Size, location, time of onset and symptomatology of the lesions were collected. Descriptive and bivariate analysis, and Poisson regression were performed. p‐Value <0.05 was set to indicate statistical significance. Results: Data from 2481 pregnant women were analysed. Four hundred and nine (16.5%) had at least one OML. The most prevalent lesions were exostosis (80/16.6%), coated tongue (70/14.5%) and benign oral brownish pigmentation (68/14.1%). Non‐white skin colour was associated with a higher prevalence of OMLs (PR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1–1.6), while daily use of dental floss was positively associated with the prevalence of oral self‐examination (PR 1.4; 95% CI 1.2; 1.5). Conclusions: Almost 20% of pregnant women presented OML, which were more prevalent in non‐white individuals. Women with better oral care were more likely to perform oral self‐examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral microbiome disruptions in periodontitis are related to the chronic inflammatory reactions that could in turn lead to the development of multiple oral diseases. The objective of the study was to assess the frequencies of Streptococcus mitis, Prevotella melaninogenica, and Prevotella intermedia in oral benign lesions, oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), and oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and investigate the impact of these bacteria on the expression patterns of the selected (potential) target genes (PI3CA/AKT2/mTOR, DUSP16/MAPK14, and COX2). After sample collection (25 benign lesions, 30 OPMDs, and 35 OSCCs) and DNA/RNA extraction, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed to detect bacterial presence and assess relative gene expression levels in different lesion groups. Prevotella melaninogenica was the most prevalent of the three analyzed bacteria, with the frequency being 60% in benign lesions, 87% in OPMDs (p = 0.024), and 77% in OSCC. The OPMD tissues in which Prevotella melaninogenica was present exhibited a higher expression level of AKT2 (p = 0.042). Significantly lower expression of DUSP16 was observed in OSCC tissues containing Streptococcus mitis (p = 0.011). The obtained results indicate a substantial contribution of P. melaninogenica and Str. mitis in the pathogenesis of oral mucosal lesions, possibly via AKT2 upregulation and DUSP16 downregulation.

COVID-19 virus is the pathogen of the new type of corona virus disease 2019, a global infectious disease that began to spread at the end of 2019. It has caused damage to multiple organs particularly human respiratory tract. Oral lesions is considered to be a common manifestation of this disease. This article summarized the characteristics and possible mechanisms of COVID-19 related oral damage in novel coronavirus infections and oral manifestations from publications between December 2019 and November 2021. It showed that the oral manifestations of the reported cases were mainly gustatory dysfunction, xerostomia and ulcerative lesions. The mechanism of oral lesions is not yet fully understood, but 2019-nCoV enters the cell receptor ACE2 widely in oral epithelial cells. Virus replication and possible tissue inflammation and destruction could be its possible pathogenic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The use of methods with minimal complications and risk is of utmost importance in the promotion of oral hygiene in the care of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The present study aimed to compare the effect of chamomile mouthwash and chlorhexidine gluconate on dental plaque and oral mucosal lesions of patients under ventilator in the intensive care unit. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 50 eligible patients who were selected via available sampling method from among trauma patients in the ICU of Imam Reza (AS) Hospital in Birjand. They were assigned to two groups of chamomile extract 10% (n=25) and chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% (n=25) by block randomization. In each group, the solution was used three times a day every 8 hours for 5 days. The instruments were the Backas Assessment Checklist (BOAS) and the Mucosal Plate (MPS). Results: In both groups, the mean total score of oral mucosal lesions and dental plaque significantly decreased 2 and 5 days after the intervention, compared to the pre-intervention (P0.05). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean changes in the total scores of oral mucosal lesions and dental plaque at different times in the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Chamomile mouthwash and chlorhexidine mouthwash have similar beneficial effects on dental plaque and oral mucosal lesions of ventilated patients admitted to the ICU.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis of oral diseases affects the prognosis and treatment. Despite advances in oral health, there are still oral health problems worldwide. Considering that culture, gender, age, ethnicity and habits may have a significant impact on the prevalence of lesions, this study was performed to investigate the frequency of oral lesions over 10 years and its relationship with some variables. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the medical records of 1092 patients with various types of oral lesions who referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases of Babol Dental School during 2009-2017 were evaluated and compared based on year, age, gender, type of lesion (white and red, pigmented, vesiculobullous, orofacial and tumoral pains, and disorders associated with systemic and peripheral or central diseases). FINDINGS: In this study, out of 1092 cases, 672 cases were related to female clients (61.5%) and 420 cases (38.5%) were related to male clients (p

Background: Einstein's photoelectric amplification theory provided the template for the development of lasers. With recent technological advancements, the increasing use of lasers in dentistry has had a meaningful impact on the diagnosis and management of oral mucosal lesions. This case series highlights lasers' impact. Case Reports: Five patients with diagnoses of arteriovenous malformation, homogeneous leukoplakia, mucocele, traumatic fibroma, and erosive lichen planus were treated with a diode laser (1,200 J/s; wavelength of 940 nm; 1.5 W; pulse mode). The patients were followed up to evaluate lesion healing and complete healing of the lesion was rapidly achieved with minimal discomfort. Conclusion: Soft-tissue lasers are trending in the management of various oral mucosal lesions due to their advantages of providing higher precision, a clean surgical field with minimal blood loss, accelerated wound healing, and fewer postoperative complications.

Introduction: The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis has evoked an exigent need to explicate the association between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and oral mucosal lesions. The present systematic review aims to elucidate the recent literature on oral manifestations related to COVID-19 so as to help the dental professionals for better screening and early diagnosis of the disease. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Science direct, Scopus, and Embase databases was carried out from December 2019 to March 2021 using keywords “Coronavirus,” “COVID-19,” “SARSCoV-2,” “Oral mucosal lesions,” and “Oral manifestation.” Additional information was obtained from Cochrane, World Health Organization, and Medscape. The full text articles of case reports and cross-sectional studies were analyzed and included. The review included 25 articles. Results: Four most common oral manifestations were found: gustatory and olfactory dysfunction, xerostomia, oral mucosal lesions, and salivary gland diseases. Vasculitis, opportunistic infections, drug eruption secondary to administration of Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), stress, immunosuppression, and hyperinflammatory immune response secondary to COVID-19 might be some of the relevant predisposing factors responsible for the onset of oral manifestations in patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: The early detection of oral symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection could help the clinicians to perform a better screening, and in recognizing early manifestations of the disease. However, the oral manifestations might be misdiagnosed due to subsequent challenge of undergoing oral examinations, hence diverse studies should be undertaken by the researchers to gain a better insight into the topic.

Prevalence studies on oral conditions affecting children are rare worldwide, and none of them was conducted in in Erbil/Kurdistan region/Iraq. The aims in the this study were to determine the prevalence and distribution of oral conditions which include both lesions and normal variations in group of patients referred to a main, public specialized poly clinics dental center. A prospective cross-sectional study was performed, the including data collected were age, gender, and site of a condition. The examination of the patients was performed under standardized conditions; using artificial light, disposable gloves, retractors, and mirror with sterile gauze to hold tip of the tongue. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22; Fisher’s exact test; and Chisquare test. A sample of 520 children, aged range (0–13) years included in this study, 265 (51.0%) were males and 255 (49.0%) were females, divided into three age groups; 100 (19.2%) were

Objective and Background: Determining SCN (thiocyanate) levels in saliva has been the most frequently used biochemical tests for establishing an incidence of tobacco consumption among smokers and can be used as biochemical indicator in the evaluation of precancerous condition like oral leukoplakia. Materials and Methods: Group A (n = 30) consisted of a clinically diagnosed case of oral leukoplakia between the ages of 30 and 50 years (n = 30) with inclusion criteria of male gender and history of cigarette smokers with a habit of smoking 4–7 cigarettes per day for a minimum period of 4–5 years or more. Group B, cigarette smokers without leukoplakia group, consisted of individuals (n = 30) with inclusion criteria of matched age and sex and history of cigarette smoking. The salivary SCN estimation was done by the Denson analysis. The comparison of salivary SCN level for two groups was statistically compared using unpaired Student's Test. Patient's smoking history (number of cigarettes smoked, duration of smoking) was noted in pack-years. Results: Salivary thiocyanate levels (mM/L) were found to be significantly higher (P < 0.001) in smokers with leukoplakia (13.55 ± 2.58) as compared to smokers without leukoplakia (7.46 ± 1.85). Comparison of salivary thiocyanate levels (mM/L) with pack-years among smokers showed a positive correlation with P < 0.001 which was highly statistically significant. There was a progressive increase in mean salivary thiocyanate levels as the pack-years increased. Conclusion: Salivary SCN level in smokers with leukoplakia is significant high in comparison to smokers without leukoplakia.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of oral lesions in Type 2 Diabetic patients. Methods: The study was conducted in Outpatient Department and Diabetic Clinic of Government Medical College, Kozhikode and Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Government Dental College, Kozhikode over a period of 1 year. A total of 800 individuals 400 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients and 400 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. An oral clinical examination was carried out for all participants using a mouth mirror, visible light source and cotton gauze. Results: Prevalence of oral lesions was significantly high P0.05) association was found between Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Potentially malignant oral mucosal lesions and also no association was found between oral lesions and metabolic control of the disease. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of oral lesions was higher in Type 2 diabetic than non - diabetics and provides evidence that diabetes can have a negative influence on oral health.

Context: Vulnerable population groups such as migrant workers are identified as emerging high-risk groups for oral cancer owing to the high prevalence of smokeless tobacco consumption. Premature deaths due to oral cancer can be prevented by screening the population with high tobacco consumption practices and detecting early reversible stages of oral mucosal cavity lesions and facilitating linkages for further care. Aim: To assess prevalence of potentially malignant oral mucosal cavity lesions among tobacco consuming migrant construction workers in sub-urban Chennai, India. Settings and Designs: A workplace based cross-sectional study design. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at workplaces i.e., construction sites for screening potentially malignant oral mucosal cavity lesions among migrant workers across 23 construction sites of Chennai during September 2019 - February 2020. An onsite, group health education session was provided about the harms of tobacco use to the migrants. Statistical Analysis Used: Data entered in MS Excel was analysed using SPSS and multivariate analysis was performed. Results: Among 640 migrants included in the study, 411 (64.2%) were less than 30 years of age, 623 (97.4%) were from north-eastern states of India such as West Bengal, Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand. A considerable size (272, 42.5%) could not read or write and 355 (55.4%) earn a monthly income of less than ten thousand rupees. Current tobacco users were 619 (96.7%), smokeless tobacco users (463, 72.34%), smokers (206, 32.2%) and dual users (52,8.12%). Inflammatory mucosal lesions in the oral cavity were 70.97% and more among smokeless tobacco users comparable to 22.58% among tobacco smokers and was significantly associated with up to 20 years of tobacco consumption. Conclusions: Prevalence of Potentially malignant oral lesions among smokeless tobacco using interstate migrant construction site workers is very high and need urgent interventions.

Background: The presence of oral symptoms and signs in many systemic diseases is not uncommon knowledge. Investigations that explore the relationship between systemic diseases and their oral manifestations are of particular interest to dentists, as this enables them to be better clinicians with an acumen to recognize, treat, or refer patients with the systemic disease to general physicians. This study was undertaken to understand the oral manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with an emphasis on oral mucosal lesions, dental caries, and periodontitis. Methods: Asingle institutional cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2017 to July 2018 on a sample of 500 SLE patients attending the Institute of Rheumatology, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai. The dentition status, periodontal status, and oral mucosal lesions were assessed by a single trained and calibrated examiner using the World Health Organization (WHO) proforma, 2013. Besides, disease activity in SLE patients was assessed by rheumatologists using the SLEDAI index with a cutoff score of more than 4 indicating the presence of active disease. Demographic characteristics including age, gender, occupation, monthly income, and education status were assessed using a questionnaire. Data were entered into an Excel Sheet and all statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: In the present study, the prevalence of dental caries was found to be 87.6% in patients with SLE. The prevalence of severe periodontitis defined as the presence of at least one tooth with a 6 mm or deeper pocket was found to be 85% and the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was found to be 86%. The prevalence percentage for dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral mucosal lesions were found to be higher than the rates reported for the general population in India. Patients with active SLE had a higher prevalence of dental caries, periodontitis, and oral mucosal lesions than patients with inactive SLE. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the present study that SLE patients are more vulnerable to oral diseases than the general population. Furthermore, disease activity in SLE patients has a strong positive correlation with oral health status in SLE patients.

Context: World'spopulation is ageing and increase in geriatric population demands improved oral health care. Previous epidemiologic studies in general population of India and particularly in Kerala (state with maximum proportion of elderly) provided very little information about oral mucosal lesions in elderly. Aims: To find out the prevalence, pattern and distribution of oral mucosal lesions in geriatric patients and to explore their association with different study variables. Settings and Design: A descriptive, hospital-based, cross sectional study was conducted for a period of 9 months in the out-patient clinic, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Government Dental College, Kozhikode (tertiary healthcare centre in Kerala, India). Methods and Materials: Participants aged 60 and above were selected by consecutive sampling. Data were collected through clinical examination and by using a structured proforma.Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistics with tests of significance of associations were done. Results: The geriatric population (N=750, 66.89 ± 6.07, M: F=1.4:1), was recruited by screening 43,180, and 447 (67.29 ± 6.15, M: F=2:1) were identified having oral mucosal lesions withprevalence of 59.6% (95% CI=56.05–63.05). Most common lesion group was red and white (73.2%), followed by pigmented (15.5%). Oral mucosal lesions were significantly associated with age over 65, male gender, presence of habit and denture usage (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in geriatric people is high. Hence setting up of geriatric dental clinics, with appropriate preventive and palliative intervention strategies is mandatory.

Aim: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of tobacco-associated oral mucosal lesions in Mahabubnagar district of Telangana state in South India. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mahabubnagar district for 6 months on 3200 subjects of both rural and urban people and the study was carried out by conducting camps at the Government Hospitals to assess the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions. People aged from 16 to 75 years, both men and women in same proportions, were included in the study. Results: 750 subjects had the habit of tobacco usage among a total of 3200 subjects. Among the 750 subjects, 225 (30.0%) subjects were being diagnosed with oral mucosal lesions. Of 225 subjects, 6 (2.67%) subjects had erythroplakia, 22 (9.78%) subjects had leukoplakia, 58 (25.78%) subjects had lichenoid reaction, 62 (27.56%) subjects had oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), 45 (20.0%) subjects had palatal hyperkeratosis, and 32 (14.22%) subjects had tobacco pouch keratosis. Conclusion: From this study, we can conclude that prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was seen in tobacco-related oral habits where palatal hyperkeratosis was found among smokers; similarly OSMF was more among tobacco chewers and potentially malignant disorders were more prevalent in tobacco chewers than smokers.