A review of the role of alcohol in the pathogenesis of oral cancer and the link between alcohol-containing mouthrinses and oral cancer.

This article will review the most recent literature on the effects of alcohol on the oral mucosa, and the possible mechanisms by which alcohol is thought to act as a carcinogen. The article will also consider the possible link between alcohol-containing mouthrinses and oral cancer. The authors recommend that the use of alcohol-containing mouthrinses in high-risk populations should be restricted, pending the outcome of further research

Who is at risk? Periodontal disease risk analysis made accessible for the general dental practitioner.

The use of odds ratio (OR) in risk analysis is considered a useful means of cross-comparing risk factors by which a disease is influenced. This article outlines the interpretation of reported ORs with respect to periodontal disease, highlighting those factors that are most deserving of consideration. The claim that periodontal disease is implicated in some serious systemic diseases is investigated with respect to the evidence. Data retrieval was carried out, focusing primarily on ORs for factors shown to be positively correlated with the incidence of periodontal disease. Using the available data, a risk evaluation scoring system was proposed (the Cronin/Stassen BEDS CHASM scale). The results of the evaluation support the view that hygiene therapy, smoking cessation and control of the glycaemic state offer the largest and most easily achieved reduction in risk with respect to attachment loss. The literature on systemic diseases indicates that the mechanisms with which periodontitis may interact seem biologically plausible, compellingly so in the cases of coronary heart disease and diabetes mellitus. However, statistical evidence to confirm these suggested interactions is equivocal, with the data retrieved in some instances being less than decisive. Further investigation is recommended

A review of the relationship between alcohol and oral cancer.

This paper aims to review the current literature regarding the association between alcohol consumption and oral cancer. The authors have discussed the constituents of alcohol-containing beverages, the metabolism of ethanol and its effect on the oral microflora. The local and systemic carcinogenic effects of alcohol have been detailed. The beneficial effects of alcohol consumption on general health have also been considered. A possible relationship between alcohol-containing mouthrinses and oral cancer has been suggested in the literature. The authors conclude that this relationship has not yet been firmly established. However, the use of alcohol-containing mouthrinses in high-risk populations should be restricted, pending the outcome of further research

Efficiency of pivot splints as jaw exercise apparatus in combination with stabilization splints in anterior disc displacement without reduction: a retrospective study

Objective: To evaluate efficiency of pivot splints in jaw exercises, in combination with stabilization splints, in cases of anterior disc displacement without reduction of temporomandibular joint. Subjects and methods: Twenty-three patients who referred to the prosthodontics clinic in 1995-1997 were included in the study, where anterior disc displacement without reduction of temporomandibular joint was diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging and clinical examination. Pivot splints were used for jaw exercises for five minutes long; five times/day and stabilization splints were used at all other times. The patients were followed for 24 weeks. Lateral and protrusive excursions along with maximum mouth opening and were evaluated at each control. Bilateral palpation of temporal, masseter, sternocleidomastoid muscles and TMJ was assessed for pain perception before and after treatment. Data were statistically analyzed using Paired sample t-test and Independent Samples t-test (p < .05). Results: Mean mandibular range of motion measurements increased from 28.74 mm prior to 49.17 mm on maximum opening; right/left lateral excursion from 7.61 mm to 12.04 mm and 4.09 mm to 7.3 mm on protrusion after treatment. All changes observed before and after treatment were found to be statistically significant. (p < .001) Pain symptoms were eliminated at the end of 24 weeks of treatment in all patients. Conclusion: Using pivot splints as an exercise regimen along with a stabilization splint may be a viable treatment option for patients with anterior disc displacement without reduction; as normal mandibular range of motion was established and pain was eliminated