The effect of zinc gluconate supplementation on the symptoms and tongue epithelium regeneration in non-psoriatic patients with migratory glossitis

The aim of this study was to evaluate zinc gluconate as a treatment option in patients with symptomatic migratory glossitis (MG). Using simple random sampling, 28 non-psoriatic patients with symptomatic MG were divided into a test and control group. The test group took 20 mg/day of chelated zinc gluconate for one month, and was put on a diet rich in zinc. The control group was only put on a diet rich in zinc. Changes in the size of red atrophied areas (width and length) and the intensity of symptoms were evaluated as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively, at baseline, after therapy, and one month later. In the test group, the mean value of the red atrophy area width and length displayed some significant reduction as a primary outcome. There were no significant changes in the size of red patches in the control group. Secondary outcome showed that the intensity of subjective symptoms in the test group significantly decreased (P=0.042) compared with controls. The filiform papillae had partially or completely regenerated in 85.7% of cases in the test group and in 23.1% of the controls (P=0.001). Red patches with raised keratotic rims may have healed spontaneously and reappeared in constantly changing patterns that are typical for MG. This phenomenon was not observed in patients supplemented with zinc, and new atrophy areas occurred in only one case. Low-dose zinc gluconate supplementation may have a positive therapeutic effect on tongue epithelium regeneration and symptomatology in patients with MG. in our region were consistent with those from other studies. </p

Prevalence and possible predictors of the occurence of denture stomatitis in patients older than 60 years

Background/Aim. Denture stomatitis (DS) is one of the most common oral health problems among elderly population with removable dentures. Despite the high prevalence, etiology of the disease is not completely understood. It appears to be multifactorial, with a predominance of local factors. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors that contribute to the development of DS in upper removable denture wearers. Methods. This clinical study comprised three groups of subjects with upper removable dentures: the DS group, and the positive and negative control groups. Swab samples were taken from the tongue and palatal mucosa for microbiological examination. Data of denture age, dentures night wearing, unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR) and saliva pH values were evaluated for all the participants. Results. The prevalence of DS was found to be 26.5%. Significantly higher values of overnight wearing (p = 0.000) and the mean age of dentures (p = 0.022) were found in the DS group compared to the controls. In relation to the positive mycological finding, a borderline significance difference among the groups was confirmed (p = 0.053). No significant association was found between DS and gender, age, the type of dentures, USFR, pH of saliva and bacteria findings. The patients who wore dentures at night had 26 times more chances to get DS compared to the patients who did not wear them overnight. Conclusion. This study confirms similar characteristics of DS prevalence in elderly population of Vojvodina compared to European. Continuous (overnight) wearing of dentures is considered to be major direct risk factor for DS development, while secondary role is attributed to denture age and oral Candida infection

Bacterial flora on the surface of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the microbial presence and type in the biofilms present on the surface of oral squamous cell carcinomas and benign lesions of oral mucosa. Methods: Thirty new (untreated) patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma were examined. The control group consisted of thirty subjects with benign lesions of oral mucosa. Swab samples were taken from the superficial layer of the carcinoma and benign lesions for bacteriological examination. Swabs were transported within 2 hours and immediately sown and incubated. Oral health index was assessed in all patients. Results: The prevalence of pathological bacterial microflora was significantly higher in cancer patients (p<0.01). No significant associations were found between bacterial presence and gender, localization, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and denture wearing (p>0.05). Poor oral hygiene was also registered in cancer patients. Conclusion: Possibility of microflora retention on irregular oral carcinoma surface possibly contributes to chronic inflammation often observed on the surface of oral carcinomas