Homeopathy in Dentistry and Oral Medicine: A review

Objectives: Homeopathy is the most important field of alternative medicine. At present, over 3000 organic medications have been registered in the homeopathy pharmacopeia; out of which, 70% have herbal, 20% have mineral and the remaining have animal origins. Evidence shows that homeopathy may be beneficial in dentistry and oral medicine. However, this is a less known field for dentists. Therefore, this study aimed to do a review on the most common homeopathy medicines used for oral and dental problfems and to present it in a simple and practical way for general dental practitioners.Review of Literature: Google Scholar and PubMed data bases were searched for any article related to both homeopathy and dentistry. Several recent meta-analyses, randomized control trials, animal and laboratory trials, and other interventional papers were studied.Homeopathy drugs are basically produced from natural origin; they have less side effects in comparison with chemical drugs. In this method, only small doses of medications with low cost are used. The positive effects of homeopathy drugs on several oral conditions have been emphasized.Conclusion: Homeopathy may be a suitable adjunct to conventional medicine for management of many conditions since it is affordable, effective and uplifting for patients

Experimental Evaluation of the Effect of Zinc Salt on Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans

Statement of the Problem: The rate of antibiotic resistance in bacteria and side effects of antibiotics and oral and teeth health care products are increasing. Therefore, researchers aim at finding new alternatives to control bacteria of dental caries. Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory and bactericidal effects of different concentrations of zinc sulfate and zinc acetate solutions on the main recognized agent of dental caries, Streptococcus mutans. Materials and Method: In this experimental study, different concentrations of aqueous zinc sulfate and zinc acetate solutions were prepared and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of these salts for Streptococcus mutans were determined in compare with penicillin, chlorhexidine by micro-serial dilution method. In addition, the diameters of zone of inhibition for these salt solutions in four concentrations along with chlorhexidine, as the control, were detected by the disc diffusion method. Results: MIC and MBC of zinc sulfate solution were higher than penicillin and chlorhexidine. There were not statistically significant differences between the MIC and MBC of zinc acetate solution, penicillin, and chlorhexidine. In 25 and 50 µg/mL concentrations, the diameters of inhibition zone for zinc sulfate were more than zinc ac Conclusion: Zinc sulfate and zinc acetate salts with 37.19 and 31.25 µgr/mL concentration had inhibitory effect on Streptococcus mutans growth respectively, although, no priority in antibacterial activity of the studied zinc salts was determined in comparison with penicillin and chlorhexidine

Antifungal effect of sesame medicinal herb on Candida Species: original study and mini-review

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal susceptibility patterns of three antifungals, methanolic extracts and N-hexane oil of sesame seeds on C. albicans and C. glabrata, isolated from oral cavity of liver transplant recipients. The results were compared with other reports to develop a mini review as well. Candida species were isolated from liver transplant recipients. To evaluate the antifungal activity of sesame seed oil and methanolic extract, fluconazole, caspofungin and nystatin, the corresponding minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by CLSI M27-A3 standard method. Minimum fungicidal concentration was also evaluated. The most prevalent species was C. albicans, followed by C. glabrata. Findings indicated sensitivity to antifungal agents and resistance to methanolic extract and N-hexane oil for all C. albicans and C. glabrata isolates. The rate of Candida colonization in the oral cavity of liver transplant recipients was high. Our results revealed that the methanolic and N-hexan extracts of sesame seeds are not effective on C. albicans and C. glabrata species, isolated from the patients. The sesame seed oil pulling and mouthwash cannot effectively cleanse and remove the Candida species in the mouth. Investigation of other medicinal plants or other parts of sesame like leaves and roots are suggested

Evaluation of the serum level of estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and testosterone in patients with trigeminal neuralgia compared to a healthy population

Abstract Objectives The goal of this study is to measure and compare the hormonal serum levels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, dihydrotestosterone [DHT]) in trigeminal neuroglia (TN) menopausal women and healthy women. Materials and Methods This cross‐sectional and case‐control study was performed in 2018 and 2019. For this study, menopausal women with confirmed TN were enrolled. Twenty‐two healthy women in the control group and 19 in the case group participated. Blood samples were taken from participants for assessment of hormonal serum levels (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, prolactin, DHT). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 18. Mann−Whitney, T‐test, kormography test, nonmetric, χ2 test, and odds ratios have been used. Results In patients with TN, the serum level of testosterone was significantly higher (p = .036), and the serum level of prolactin (p = .016) was significantly lower. Other evaluated hormones' serum level was identical in the two groups. Patients with abnormal estrogen levels were more in the TN group in comparison with the healthy group. The abnormality of progesterone in TN patients was more in comparison to the healthy control group. Conclusions Estrogen and progesterone serum levels in TN patients are higher in comparison with the healthy group, while prolactin and testosterone serum levels are lower in the control group. Moreover, the DHE serum level is similar in both groups

A case report of adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis and review of the literature

Abstract Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an uncommon proliferative disease with an unknown cause. Its clinical manifestations vary and can involve a variety of organs. To diagnose LCH, radiographs, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings are essential. The gold standard for a definite diagnosis is positive CD1a/CD207 and S100 in the immunohistochemical results. Different treatment plans are available for patients struggling with LCH. To our knowledge, the LCH incidence rate is about 8.9 in one million children and 1–2 cases in one million adults. Our case shows the importance of early diagnosis of this rare condition for the prevention of any further spreading. This case report is about a 35‐year‐old male patient struggling with diabetes insipidus with a chief complaint of tooth mobility. Based on his X‐ray radiographs, osteolytic lesions were found. A biopsy was performed, and due to histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, it was diagnosed as a case of LCH in adults. This paper shows that although the incidence rate of LCH is rare in adults, dealing with a patient struggling with diabetes insipidus and osteolytic bone lesions with an unknown cause, LCH must be taken into consideration. Due to the fact that LCH's first manifestations are mostly first oral, its good prognosis in the early stages, and if it progresses, it can turn fatal, it is important that dentists are aware of this disease, its clinical manifestations, and patient management. In case of suspicion, X‐ray examination, biopsy, histopathological, and immunohistochemical exams must be performed

An In vitro Analysis of the Effects of Iron Sulfate and Iron Acetate on Streptococcus mutans

Statement of problem: Dental caries is a common infectious disease induced by Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Objectives: Due to the high incidence rate of dental caries and iron deficiency in the Iranian population, we have conducted this study to analyze the effects of iron acetate and iron sulfate on controlling the growth of S. mutans. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, we evaluated the antibacterial effects of iron sulfate and iron acetate on S. mutans by the disk diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The results were compared to those for 0.2% chlorhexidine and penicillin as the controls. Results: Iron sulfate had higher MIC and MBC values compared to penicillin and chlorhexidine (P<0.001). Iron acetate MIC and MBC values did not significantly differ with penicillin and chlorhexidine. The iron sulfate inhibition zones at the 25 and 50 µg/mL doses were more than those of iron acetate. Conclusions: Iron sulfate and iron acetate solutions can inhibit the growth of S. mutans. Hence, different compounds that contain iron salts such as toothpastes, mouth washes, and food supplements can be produced to prevent dental caries and iron deficiency

Antifungal effect of the bark and root extracts of Punica granatum on oral Candida isolates

Background and Purpose: Oral candidiasis is one of the most common fungal infections in humans. The treatment and prophylaxis of the patients suffering from this infection require the identification of new anti-Candida agents with no side effects or toxicity like medicinal plants. The present study was conducted to compare the antifungal activities of the aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts of the bark and roots of P. granatum with those of two routine antifungal agents (i.e., fluconazole and nystatin) on oral Candida strains isolated from liver transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the ethanolic, methanolic, and aqueous extracts of the bark and root of Punica granatum against C. albicans and C. glabrata isolated from oral cavities were evaluated according to the CLSI M27-A3. All data were analyzed in SPSS (version 16.0) by pairwise comparison and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: The MIC50 and MIC90 values for the methanolic and ethanolic extracts of the bark and root of P. granatum against C. albicans were both obtained as 0.05 mg/ml with the geometric mean (GM) of 0.07. Furthermore, the MIC90 values for the aqueous extracts of bark and root were estimated as 0.05 and 0.2 mg/ml, respectively. With regard to C. glabrata, the MIC50 and MIC90 values for the methanolic and ethanolic extracts of the bark and root were 0.05 mg/ml. However, the MIC90 value for the aqueous extract against this species was obtained as 25 mg/ml. The GM values for the aqueous extracts of the bark and root were 9.49 and 0.32, respectively. Conclusion: As the findings indicated, the methanolic and ethanolic extracts of the bark and root of Punica granatum had anti-Candida activities. Therefore, they can be considered as mouthwash or toothpaste to prevent and treat Candida infections in the oral cavity

Prevalence of Oral and Craniofacial Manifestations of Hematological Dyscrasias at Shiraz Nemazee Hospital

Background: Hematological disorders may present with a number of non-specific orofacial manifestations that must be diagnosed and referred to specialists for treatment. Since the orofacial manifestations can be the first clinical presentation which indicates the presence of an underlying disease, it is important for dentists to be aware of these manifestations. The present study aims to evaluate the orofacial presentations of some hematological diseases in order to familiarize dentists with these manifestations. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the oral conditions of patients recently hospitalized with histories of blood dyscrasia and bone marrow transplantation in Shiraz Nemazee Hospital during 2010-2011. From 50 patients, there were 33 (66%) males and 17 (34%) females. The age of participants ranged from 12-77 years of age. Results: Examined patients had the following manifestations: head and neck region lymphadenopathy (42%), hairy tongue, atrophy of the oral mucosa, ulcers, red and white lesions, Candida albicans infection and gingival lesions that included spontaneous gingival bleeding, gingival hypertrophy and ecchymosis, in addition to diffuse herpetic infections on the buccal mucosa and bony lesions. The most common blood dyscrasia in the study patients was acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (48%). Our findings determined that lymphadenopathy (42%) was the most common orofacial manifestation of hematological diseases. Conclusion:On occasion, dentists maybe the first medical professional to encounter hematological diseases. Since early detection of these disorders can increase patient survival, it is necessary for dentists to become completely familiar with these oral manifestations

The relation of preoperative stress and anxiety on patients' satisfaction after implant placement

Background: There are some factors which can affect preoperative patient anxiety such as the necessity of procedure, postoperative pain, and patient's conception of his body image. The aim of this study was to assess the relation of patients' preoperative anxiety and postoperative patients' satisfaction in dental implant surgery. Materials and Methods: Dental implants were placed in 40 patients (19 male and 21 female) who were referred to Dental Implant Surgery Department in Imam Reza clinic, during March–December of 2014 in Shiraz. The procedures were performed with or without bone regeneration. Preoperative anxiety was evaluated using Corah Dental Anxiety Scale, and postoperative satisfaction was determined on the basis of pain intensity, bleeding tendency, inability to eating, and overall satisfaction by filling a questionnaire in the 2nd or 3rd week after surgery. Data were collected and analyzed using Mann-Whitney test. Results: Preoperative anxiety was detected as high in 10%, mild in 85%, and moderate in 5% of patients. Anxiety and depression score did not differ in both genders. There was no statistical difference between neither level of anxiety nor depression in both high and low educated patients. Postoperative bleeding, difficulty in eating, and overall satisfaction was nearly the same in both genders. Statistical analysis demonstrated a lower pain level and higher pain threshold in men than women (P = 0.007). Patients' age was not related to anxiety, depression, amount of bleeding, pain, and difficulty in eating. Overall dental care satisfaction was similar in both men and women. Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that while anxiety does play a role in the perception of pain by patients undergoing implant surgery, overall patient satisfaction and post surgical outcomes did not significantly differ

Vitamin D serum level in participants with positive history of recurrent herpes labialis

Abstract Aim Vitamin D plays an important role in immune system regulation, also its deficiency is assumed to affect the patients’ predisposition to viral diseases such as recurrent herpes labialis. In this cross-sectional study, we tried to compare the mean serum level of vitamin D in participants with a positive history of recurrent herpes labial lesions and healthy controls. Materials and methods The vitamin D serum level of 43 participants with a positive history of recurrent herpes labial lesions who were referred to the Motahhari laboratory in Shiraz during 2020–2022, was compared with 42 healthy controls. It was assessed by an Elisa kit. An Independent T-test was used to compare the vitamin D serum level between two genders. In order to assess the mean age value and gender distribution, an independent T-test and Pearson Chi-Square were used, respectively for the two groups. The serum vitamin D level was compared between both control and test groups. Results There was no significant difference between vitamin D mean serum levels in the two evaluated groups (p.value = 0.72). Although the age (p.value = 0.09) and recurrence (p.value = 0.13) of herpes labialis had no statistically significant relation to the vitamin D serum level, the healing duration of herpes labialis was inversely related (p.value = 0.01). Lower-level of serum vitamin D were accompanied by a longer healing duration of the lesions. Conclusion Although the vitamin D serum level of participants with a history of recurrent herpes labialis had no relation with age and herpes virus recurrence frequency, a longer healing duration of lesions had been reported in patients with lower serum levels of vitamin D