Effect of azithromycin on gingival overgrowth induced by cyclosporine A + nifedipine combination therapy: A morphometric analysis in rats

Background: Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is a well-known adverse effect of cyclosporine A (CsA) and nifedipine (Nf) therapy. The aim of the present morphometric study was to evaluate the effect of azithromycin (Azi) on the combined GO in rats induced by CsA + Nf combination. Materials and Methods: Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided equally into three groups. Group 1 (control) received olive oil only; Group 2 received a combination of CsA and Nf in olive oil throughout the study period; Group 3 received CsA + Nf combination therapy, and Azi was added for 1 week in the 5th week. All the drugs were delivered by oral route. Impressions of the mandibular central incisal regions were taken, and study models were prepared at baseline and biweekly up to the 8 weeks. Statistical analysis was done by one-way analysis of variance and intergroup comparisons were made using Tukey's post hoc analysis. Results: Significant GO was evident in Group 2 and Group 3 rats when compared to Group 1. However, in Group 3 (Azi), GO was observed up to the 4th week, but a significant decrease in GO was noticed during 6–8th week after the administration of Azi in 5th week. Conclusion: Azi is an effective drug in the remission of DIGO induced by combined therapy of CsA + Nf and thereby can be considered as a useful therapeutic regimen in minimizing the DIGO in transplant patients

Management of massive peripheral ossifying fibroma using diode laser

Peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) represents a non-neoplastic, reactive lesion of gingiva. The precise etiopathogenesis of POF is unclear; however, it is suggested to originate from the connective tissue of periodontal ligament. This lesion predominantly occurs in the maxillary anterior region. The standard treatment protocol involves surgical excision followed by the biopsy of lesion. The reactive nature and unpredictable course attribute to a high recurrence rate of the lesion; hence, proper postoperative monitoring and follow-up of the lesion are necessary. The present case was surgically managed using diode laser and did not show any sign of recurrence during the follow-up period of 6 months. Minimum intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pain, ease of operation, and patient's acceptance enable laser-assisted growth excision as a better treatment modality to other conventional surgical procedures, thus offering diode laser as a viable and effective treatment alternative in the management of massive overgrowth

Regular oral screening and vigilance: can it be a potential lifesaver?

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant neoplasm of myeloid series defined by the presence of immature blast cells (<30%) in peripheral circulation. Oral manifestations are the potential indicators of systemic health and disease. Oral cavity is the frequently and early involved sites in AML. Gingival overgrowth due to leukemia is one such condition encountered by periodontists. Hence, understanding, identifying, and correlating oral manifestations with systemic diseases are the ultimate responsibility of every dental clinician because of its lethal and unpredictable course. In the present case, we are discussing an undiagnosed case of AML who presented to us with oral complaints

A Rare Case of Plasma Cell Gingivitis with Cheilitis

Background. Plasma cell gingivitis (PCG) is a rare condition of the gingiva, characterized histopathologically by infiltration of plasma cells in connective tissue. Hypersensitivity reaction due to antigen is considered as primary etiological factor. Case Presentation. The present case is of an 18-year-old male patient suffering from gingival enlargement along with cheilitis. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry of tissue revealed lesion as plasma cell gingivitis. After gingivectomy, the follow up of the patient was done for 8 months. Gradual reduction of lip swelling was observed after gingivectomy during subsequent visits. Conclusion. Early diagnosis is essential as plasma cell gingivitis has similar pathologic changes seen clinically as in leukemia, multiple myeloma, discoid lupus erythematosus, atrophic lichen planus, desquamative gingivitis, or cicatricial pemphigoid which must be differentiated through hematologic examination

Evaluation and comparison of oral & periodontal health status in post-menopausal females with and without xerostomia: An observational study

Background &amp; Objective - Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstrual periods, whether occurs naturally or induced by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. It is accompanied by hormonal changes, predominantly decrease in estrogen and androgen levels. Females experience varying oral symptoms that may result from endocrine disturbances, multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies and psychological dynamics during their menopausal years. Main oral symptoms associated during menopause include xerostomia, burning mouth and altered taste perception. Xerostomia leads to change in salivary pH thereby increasing the risk for oral diseases including periodontal diseases. Saliva contributes to maintenance of the oral pH by neutralizing acids from food and beverages, as well as from bacterial activity, thereby reducing the risk of periodontal disease. After menopause, reduced salivary flow rate and low pH may make females prone to oral health problems. Hence, the main goal of this study is toevaluate and compare the periodontal health status in post-menopausal females with and without xerostomia. Methodology-A total of 204 post-menopausal have been observed and their oral &amp; periodontal status data was analyzed &amp; interpreted.Result &amp; Conclusion- Post-menopausal females with xerostomia were observed to have poor oral hygiene and severe periodontitis in comparison to non- xerostomia group.&nbsp

Evaluation and Comparison of Oral & Periodontal Health Status in Post-menopausal Females with and Without Xerostomia: an Observational Study

Background &amp; Objective - Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstrual periods, whether occurs naturally or induced by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. It is accompanied by hormonal changes, predominantly decrease in estrogen and androgen levels. Females experience varying oral symptoms that may result from endocrine disturbances, multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies and psychological dynamics during their menopausal years. Main oral symptoms associated during menopause include xerostomia, burning mouth and altered taste perception. Xerostomia leads to change in salivary pH thereby increasing the risk for oral diseases including periodontal diseases. Saliva contributes to maintenance of the oral pH by neutralizing acids from food and beverages, as well as from bacterial activity, thereby reducing the risk of periodontal disease. After menopause, reduced salivary flow rate and low pH may make females prone to oral health problems. Hence, the main goal of this study is toevaluate and compare the periodontal health status in post-menopausal females with and without xerostomia. Methodology-A total of 204 post-menopausal have been observed and their oral &amp; periodontal status data was analyzed &amp; interpreted.Result &amp; Conclusion- Post-menopausal females with xerostomia were observed to have poor oral hygiene and severe periodontitis in comparison to non- xerostomia group.&nbsp