Oral manifestations of human T‐cell lymphotropic virus infection in adult patients from Brazil

Oral Diseases (2010) 16 , 167–171 Objective: Human T‐cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) was the first human retrovirus discovered and its pathogenesis is related to T cells infection. This study aimed to verify the presence of oral manifestations in a Brazilian population of patients who was seropositive for HTLV, and identify risk factors for oral manifestations. Subjects and methods: An assessment was made of 139 patients at the Emilio Ribas Institute of Infectious Diseases. Results: A total of 112 (80.5%) patients were HTLV‐1, 26 (18.7%) were HTLV‐2+. About 35.2% of patients had myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), with 48 of them being HTLV‐1+ and one patient was seropositive for HTLV‐1 and ‐2. The most common oral manifestations were: xerostomia (26.8%), candidiasis (20.8%), fissured tongue (17.9%), and loss of tongue papillae (10.0%). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HAM/TSP is an independent risk factor for xerostomia (P = 0.02). The patients who were HAM/TSP+ were three times more likely to develop xerostomia when compared with patients without HAM/TSP (odds ratio = 2.69, 95% confidence interval = 1.17–6.17). Conclusion: Despite the fact that the findings of this study suggest a relationship between xerostomia and HAM/TSP, more studies should be developed to show what the association would be between xerostomia presented by HTLV patients and pathogenesis of the virus.     

Unstimulated whole saliva flow rate in relation to sicca symptoms in Hungary

Objective: To assess the prevalence of xerostomia and the related oral and extraoral dryness symptoms in Hungary, to evaluate the association of those symptoms with the unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate, and to find correlation between the level of UWS flow rate and the oral health status of the questioned patients. Subjects And Methods: A total of 600 patients between the age of 18 and 92 years, 265 male, 335 female, were selected in accordance with the current regional age and residence distribution scheme of the Hungarian Statistical Office. A questionnaire was designed to determine the subjective presence or absence of the sicca symptoms. UWS flow rate and the dental and periodontal status were determined. Results: The percentages of subjective symptoms in the questioned subjects were oral dryness, 34%; reduced salivation, 11%; mucous saliva, 15%; dysphagia, 13%; glossopyrosis, 7%; dysphonia, 31%; dysgeusia, 9%; nasal dryness, 32%; ocular dryness, 21%; itching, 40% and xeroderma, 60%. Vaginal dryness was 14%, vaginal itching was 16% in the interviewed women. The grade of xerostomia, dysphagia, tiredness, and additionally the gingival bleeding index showed a negative correlation with the UWS flow rate. After all decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMF‐T) mean values, gingival bleeding index and plaque index were significantly higher in hyposalivators, compared with those who had normal flow rates Conclusion: This cross sectional study, representative of the Hungarian population, clearly shows that one‐third of the adult population suffers from xerostomia. The clinical severity of the xerostomia demonstrated a strong relationship with the lower levels of UWS flow rate. Reduced levels of UWS flow rate in this study were also shown to be associated with dysphagia, fatigue, and increased DMF‐T numbers. The data show that oral dryness, its associated desiccation symptoms and its clinical manifestations are significant health problems in Hungary.     

World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI: a systematic review of medication‐induced salivary gland dysfunction

The aim of this paper was to perform a systematic review of the pathogenesis of medication‐induced salivary gland dysfunction (MISGD). Review of the identified papers was based on the standards regarding the methodology for systematic reviews set forth by the World Workshop on Oral Medicine IV and the PRISMA statement. Eligible papers were assessed for both the degree and strength of relevance to the pathogenesis of MISGD as well as on the appropriateness of the study design and sample size. A total of 99 papers were retained for the final analysis. MISGD in human studies was generally reported as xerostomia (the sensation of oral dryness) without measurements of salivary secretion rate. Medications may act on the central nervous system (CNS) and/or at the neuroglandular junction on muscarinic, α‐and β‐adrenergic receptors and certain peptidergic receptors. The types of medications that were most commonly implicated for inducing salivary gland dysfunction were those acting on the nervous, cardiovascular, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and alimentary systems. Although many medications may affect the salivary flow rate and composition, most of the studies considered only xerostomia. Thus, further human studies are necessary to improve our understanding of the association between MISGD and the underlying pathophysiology.     

Risk factors and symptoms associated with xerostomia: a cross-sectional study

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the symptoms and risk factors associated with self‐reported xerostomia. Methods: Data were collected from 601 self‐administered questionnaires among dental clinic attendees. Logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to investigate the association for exposures of interest, such as socio‐demographic characteristics, self‐reported symptoms, oral hygiene habits and xerostomia. Results: Participants reported having dry mouth in 19.6% of cases. Xerostomia was associated with a significant increase in the odds of having dry lips, throat, eye, skin and nose. Patients with self‐reported xerostomia were three times more likely to drink water to swallow food than were patients without xerstomia. Older individuals were significantly more likely to report dry mouth, and the prevalence of xerostomia increased with advancing age. The prevalence of xerostomia in patients taking one or more drugs was significantly higher compared to medication‐free patients, and increased with increasing numbers of medications used. Finally, individuals with a nervous or mental disorder, or who wore removable dentures were five times more likely to develop xerostomia than patients without disorder or dentures. Conclusions: Dentists should be familiar with the symptoms of xerostomia and be prepared to take an active role in the diagnosis, management and treatment of the oral complications.     

Impact of clinical status and salivary conditions on xerostomia and oral health-related quality of life of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Busato IMS, Ignácio SA, Brancher JA, Moysés ST, Azevedo‐Alanis LR. Impact of clinical status and salivary conditions on xerostomia and oral health‐related quality of life of adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40: 62–69. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Objectives: To investigate the influence of clinical status and salivary conditions on the presence of xerostomia on adolescents with and without type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1), and further to investigate the influence of clinical status, salivary conditions and xerostomia on oral health‐related quality of life (OHQoL) of those with DM1. Methods: A cross‐sectional study was performed on 102 adolescents, 51 with DM1 and 51 nondiabetics. Xerostomia was detected by asking a question about the sensation of having ‘dry mouth’, and Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 was used to measure the impact of xerostomia on OHQoL. The clinical status was assessed by using decayed, missing or filled and Community Periodontal indices, and by evaluating oral manifestations; and the following salivary conditions were evaluated: stimulated salivary flow, pH, buffer capacity, total protein, amylase, urea, calcium, and glucose salivary concentrations. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of clinical status and salivary conditions on xerostomia and the impact of xerostomia on the OHQoL of adolescents with DM1. Results: Clinical status and salivary conditions was shown to have no influence on the presence of xerostomia. Bivariate (P = 0.00) and logistic regression (P = 0.01) analysis showed a significant association between DM1 and xerostomia. Logistic regression analysis showed association between xerostomia (P = 0.00) and OHQoL, and caries experience (P = 0.03) and OHQoL. Conclusions: DM1 showed to be predictive of a high prevalence of xerostomia in adolescents. Caries experience and xerostomia showed to have a negative impact on the OHQoL of adolescents with DM1.     

Salivary interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in patients with drug-induced xerostomia

It is well known that cytokines are involved in the homeostasis of oral cavity and that altered levels of either serum and/or salivary cytokines have been found in certain oral/systemic diseases. So far, cytokines in connection with xerostomia have been investigated in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. We wanted to find out whether drugs themselves influence salivary glands, which would result in altered cytokine level or whether xerostomia itself of different causes leads to the changes in salivary cytokine levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate levels of salivary interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in 30 patients with drug‐induced xerostomia, age range 29–84 and mean 63.9 years. Control group consisted of 30 healthy participants, age range 30–82 years and mean age 65.2 years. Enzyme‐linked immunoassay was performed on commercially available kits. Statistical analysis was performed by use of Student's test. No significant differences in salivary IL‐6 and TNF‐α between patients with drug‐induced xerostomia when compared with the healthy controls were found (P < 0.05). We might conclude that drugs do not induce damage to the salivary glands which could be seen in altered salivary IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels and that xerostomia itself, induced by drugs does not alter levels of the investigated salivary cytokines.     

Oral complaints in patients with acute myeloid leukemia treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Background Acute myeloid leukemia belongs to proliferative diseases of the hematopoietic system. It is currently the leading indication for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This study was designed to determine the most common subjective oral mucosa complaints in patients with acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, in relation to the type of conditioning used.Material and Methods Eighty patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia were assigned to two groups depending on the intensity of the conditioning regimen before transplantation: myeloablative and reduced-intensity chemotherapy. The oral symptoms were evaluated based on an authorial questionnaire designed for this analysis. The following oral mucosa subjective complaints were included: pain, paraesthesia, burning mouth sensation, taste disorders, excessive salivation, halitosis, and dryness of the oral mucosa.Results The most commonly reported subjective oral complaint in the examined patients was xerostomia, which was found in 92% of patients during the second visit, followed by spontaneous pain in the mouth (55%), burning (36%), and dysgeusia (20%). It occurred significantly more frequently in patients who underwent myeloablative conditioning. Moreover, it was observed that the frequency of complaints increased considerably after the transplantation, reaching a peak intensity during the second week following the procedure.Conclusions Oral complaints significantly decrease the patients'' quality of life during the transplantation and may lead to premature termination of the treatment. As the number of transplantations in patients with acute myeloid leukemia increases, further investigations of oral complaints and symptoms induced by the disease itself and by the therapeutic approaches are required. Key words:Acute myeloid leukemia, oral pathology, xerostomia, myeloablative conditioning, reduced-intensity conditioning.     

Clinical questionnaire study of oral health care and symptoms in diabetic vs. non-diabetic predialysis chronic kidney disease patients

This paper aims to study oral symptoms (burning mouth sensation, xerostomia, dysphagia, and dysgeusia) and background characteristics among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The hypothesis was that patients experience oral discomfort and show interest towards dental care differently depending on the origin of their kidney disease. One hundred thirty-eight CKD patients at predialysis stage (94 men, 44 women, mean age 54 years) at the Helsinki University Central Hospital participated in the study. The patients were divided into a diabetic nephropathy group and a group of patients with other kidney diseases. The patients had a clinical oral examination and filled in a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed and compared between the groups (SPSS for Windows version 15.0). T test was used for parameters normally distributed while binomial data were analyzed with cross-tabulations and chi-square test. Contrary to our study hypothesis, no statistically significant differences were seen in the questionnaire study between the diabetic vs. non-diabetic CKD patients in any other study parameter except in the use of medication (10 ± 2.3 vs. 8 ± 3.1 drugs daily, p < 0.05), and working status (23.5% vs. 50% working full time, p < 0.01). No difference was seen in the frequency of oral discomfort among the different groups. Xerostomia, however, was frequently observed among the predialysis patients investigated (41.7% in diabetic, 48.2% in non-diabetic patients). No difference was seen in the frequency of oral discomfort among the different groups of predialysis patients investigated. Clinicians should be aware of nephropathy patients who frequently suffer from oral discomfort, particularly xerostomia.     

Associations between labial and whole salivary flow rates,systemic diseases and medications in a sample of older people

Smidt D, Torpet LA, Nauntofte B, Heegaard KM, Pedersen AML. Associations between labial and whole salivary flow rates, systemic diseases and medications in a sample of older people. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 422–435. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Objective: To investigate the associations between age, gender, systemic diseases, medications and labial and whole salivary flow rates in older people. Methods: Unstimulated labial (LS) and unstimulated (UWS) and chewing‐stimulated (SWS) whole salivary flow rates were measured in 389 randomly selected community‐dwelling Danish women and 279 men aged 65–97 years. Systemic diseases, medications (coded according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System), tobacco and alcohol consumption were registered. Results: The number of diseases and medications was higher and UWS lower in the older age groups. On average, women were slightly older, had more diseases, higher medication intake and lower UWS, SWS and LS than men. High number of diseases and medications was associated with low UWS, SWS and LS. In the healthy (14%) and nonmedicated (19%) participants, flow rates were not associated with age and gender, apart from SWS being lower in nonmedicated women. Low UWS were associated with psychiatric and respiratory disorders, type 2 diabetes and intake of psycholeptics, psychoanaleptics (especially SRRIs), respiratory agents, oral antidiabetics (particularly sulfonylureas), magnesium‐hydroxide, cardiac agents, quinine, thiazides, calcium channel blockers, statins, urinary antispasmodics, glucosamine, NSAIDs, opioids and ophthalmologicals. SWS were lower in participants with ophthalmological disorders using ophthalmologicals (especially antiglaucoma agents and miotics), but also in those taking antidepressants, cardiac agents (mostly digitalis glycosides) and calcium channel blockers. Cardiovascular diseases and intake of anti‐thrombotics (mainly low dose aspirins), calcium channel blockers and oral antidiabetics were associated with low LS. Conclusions: In older people, low salivary flow rates are associated with specific and high number of diseases and medications, but neither with age and gender per se nor with tobacco and alcohol consumption. Low UWS are associated with more diseases and medications than SWS and LS, which were primarily associated with cardiovascular diseases and medications including preventive agents such as low‐dose aspirins and statins. New insights into medications and their association with salivary gland function were achieved using the ATC classification system.     

Type 1 diabetes mellitus, xerostomia, and salivary flow rates

OBJECTIVE: The Oral Health Science Institute at the University of Pittsburgh has completed a cross-sectional epidemiologic study of 406 subjects with type 1 diabetes and 268 control subjects without diabetes that assessed the associations between oral health and diabetes. This report describes the prevalence of dry-mouth symptoms (xerostomia), the prevalence of hyposalivation in this population, and the possible interrelationships between salivary dysfunction and diabetic complications. STUDY DESIGN: The subjects with diabetes were participants in the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications study who were enrolled in an oral health substudy. Control subjects were spouses or best friends of participants or persons recruited from the community through advertisements in local newspapers. Assessments of salivary function included self-reported xerostomia measures and quantification of resting and stimulated whole saliva flow rates. RESULTS: Subjects with diabetes reported symptoms of dry mouth more frequently than did control subjects. Salivary flow rates were also impaired in the subjects with diabetes. Regression models of potential predictor variables were created for the 3 self-reported xerostomia measures and 4 salivary flow rate variables. Of the medical diabetic complications studied (ie, retinopathy, peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, nephropathy, and peripheral vascular disease), only neuropathy was found to be associated with xerostomia and decreased salivary flow measures. A report of dry-mouth symptoms was associated with current use of cigarettes, dysgeusia (report of a bad taste), and more frequent snacking behavior. Xerogenic medications and elevated fasting blood glucose concentrations were significantly associated with decreased salivary flow. Resting salivary flow rates less than 0.01 mL/min were associated with a slightly higher prevalence of dental caries. Subjects who reported higher levels of alcohol consumption were less likely to have lower rates of stimulated salivary flow. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with type 1 diabetes who had developed neuropathy more often reported symptoms of dry mouth as well as symptoms of decreased salivary flow rates. Because of the importance of saliva in the maintenance and the preservation of oral health, management of oral diseases in diabetic patients should include a comprehensive evaluation of salivary function.     

Clinical and immunological effects of azithromycin in Behçet''s disease

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of azithromycin on mucocutaneous manifestations, oral health and immune response in Behçet's disease (BD). Methods: Eight BD patients with active mucocutaneous symptoms were treated with azithromycin for 4 weeks. Oral health, clinical manifestations and in vitro interleukin (IL)‐12, interferon (IFN)‐γ, IL‐10 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1 responses were evaluated before and after treatment. Results: The number of folliculitic lesions, healing time of oral ulcers and scores of plaque indexes (PLIs) were lower after azithromycin treatment (P < 0.05). Scores of PLIs correlated positively with the healing time of oral ulcers (P = 0.02). Although a trend towards increased stimulated IL‐10 responses with azithromycin was observed, no statistically significant difference was found. Stimulated and unstimulated MCP‐1, IFN‐γ and IL‐12 responses were similar before and after treatment (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Azithromycin was observed to be effective in decreasing folliculitic lesions and fastening the healing time of oral ulcers in BD.     

Oral disorders,saliva secretion,and oral health‐related quality of life in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

Chemosensory function, burning sensations in the tongue (BST), halitosis, saliva secretion, and oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) were investigated in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). In 31 patients with pSS and 33 controls, olfactory and gustatory functions were evaluated. Self‐reported complaints of dysgeusia, BST, and halitosis were recorded. Saliva secretion rates were measured and OHRQoL was assessed using the short‐form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14). Patients had significantly lower olfactory (8.8 ± 3.5 vs. 10.7 ± 1.2) and gustatory (18.9 ± 7.1 vs. 25.4 ± 4.3) scores than controls, and significantly more patients complained of dysgeusia (58.1% vs. 0%), BST (54.8% vs. 6.1%), and halitosis (41.9% vs. 0%). A significantly greater proportion of patients with pSS had ageusia (19% vs. 0%), hypogeusia (32% vs. 12%), anosmia (13% vs. 0%), or hyposmia (29% vs. 9%). Significantly lower saliva secretion rates (ml min^?1) were observed in patients with pSS for stimulated (0.62 ± 0.40 vs. 1.57 ± 0.71) and unstimulated (0.08 ± 0.07 vs. 0.29 ± 0.17) saliva. The mean OHIP‐14 score was significantly higher in patients with pSS (16.2 ± 10.8 vs. 2.7 ± 3.1) and was positively correlated with dysgeusia, BST, and halitosis. In conclusion, patients with pSS reported higher occurrence of dysgeusia, BST, and halitosis, and demonstrated relatively impaired chemosensory and salivary functions. The patients’ poorer OHRQoL was associated with dysgeusia, BST, and halitosis.     

Associations between oral and ocular dryness, labial and whole salivary flow rates, systemic diseases and medications in a sample of older people

Smidt D, Torpet LA, Nauntofte B, Heegaard KM, Pedersen AML. Associations between oral and ocular dryness, labial and whole salivary flow rates, systemic diseases and medications in a sample of older people. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2011; 39: 276–288. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Objective: To investigate the associations between age, gender, systemic diseases, medications, labial and whole salivary flow rates and oral and ocular dryness in older people. Methods: Symptoms of oral and ocular dryness, systemic diseases, medications (coded according to the Anatomical therapeutic chemical (ATC) classification system), tobacco and alcohol consumption were registered, and unstimulated labial (LS) and unstimulated (UWS) and chewing‐stimulated (SWS) whole salivary flow rates were measured in 668 randomly selected community‐dwelling elderly aged 65–95. Results: Presence of oral (12%) and ocular (11%) dryness was positively correlated. Oral dryness was associated with low UWS, SWS and LS, and ocular dryness with low UWS and SWS. Oral and ocular dryness was related to female gender, but not to age. Only four persons in the healthy and nonmedicated subgroups reported oral and ocular dryness. The numbers of diseases and medications were higher in the older age groups and associated with oral and ocular dryness, low UWS, SWS and LS. On average, women were slightly older, reported more oral and ocular dryness and had lower UWS, SWS, LS and higher numbers of diseases and medications. High prevalence and odds ratios for oral dryness were associated with metabolic, respiratory and neurological diseases and intake of thyroid hormones, respiratory agents (primarily glucocorticoids), psycholeptics and/or psychoanaleptics, antineoplastics, proton pump inhibitors, antidiabetics, loop diuretics, antispasmodics, quinine and bisphosphonates. Ocular dryness was especially associated with neurological diseases and intake of psycholeptics and/or psychoanaleptics. Intake of magnesium hydroxide, antithrombotics, cardiac agents, thiazides, beta‐blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors/angiotensin II antagonists, statins, glucosamine, paracetamol/opioids, ophthalmologicals and certain combination therapies was related to oral and ocular dryness. Conclusions: In older people, oral and ocular dryness are associated with low salivary flow rates, specific as well as high number of diseases and medications, but neither with age and gender per se nor with tobacco and alcohol consumption. New detailed information concerning associations between medications and oral and ocular dryness has been obtained using the ATC classification system.     

Antiseptic mouthwashes could worsen xerostomia in patients taking polypharmacy

Abstract

Objective. Polypharmacy is a common cause of xerostomia. This study aimed to investigate whether xerostomia could be an adverse drug event of mouthwashes, when they are used for longer than 2 weeks by patients taking polypharmacy. Materials and methods. This cross-sectional observational study included 120 hospitalized patients (60 middle-aged and 60 elderly patients), taking polypharmacy (≥4 drugs daily) and at risk of drug-induced xerostomia. Xerostomia was assessed by questioning participants. Results. A total of 62.5% of patients complained of xerostomia. In the middle-aged group (mean age = 44.0 (8.7) years; 35.0% women) xerostomia seemed independently associated to mouthwashes, at the limit of significance (OR = 5.00, 95% CI = 0.99–25.3, p = 0.052). Active principles in mouthwashes were mainly quaternary ammonium compounds (91.9%). Mouthwashes may disturb the healthy balance of the biofilm moisturizing the oral mucosa. The biofilm contains mucins, salivary glycoproteins with oligosaccharides side chains able to sequester water and endogenous bacteria surrounded by a glycocalyx. Oral bacteria are fully susceptible to quaternary ammonium (chlorhexidine, hexetidine, cetylpyridinium chloride) and to other antiseptics used in mouthwashes, such as betain, resorcin, triclosan, essential oils and alcohol. However, caregivers currently recommend such dental plaque control products to patients suffering from xerostomia in order to reduce the risk of caries and periodontitis. Conclusion. This study is the first report that use of antiseptic mouthwashes for more than 2 weeks could worsen xerostomia in patients taking polypharmacy. Oral care protocols should avoid this iatrogenic practice, particularly when xerostomia alters the quality-of-life and worsens malnutrition.     

Sicca symptoms,and lacrimal and salivary flow in Albanian patients with rheumatoid arthritis

J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 39 : 651–656 Background: Rheumatoid arthritis affects primarily the synovial joints, but is often accompanied by extra‐articular manifestations, including lacrimal and salivary gland involvement. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of ocular and oral sicca symptoms and reduced lacrimal and salivary flow in rheumatoid arthritis and the relation between sicca symptoms and objective measures of lacrimal and salivary flow. Methods: We examined 88 consecutive hospitalized patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 88 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls. The examination included the standardized questionnaire for keratoconjunctivitis sicca and xerostomia which forms part of the European criteria for Sjögren’s syndrome, the Schirmer’s I test and measurement of unstimulated whole salivary flow rate. Results: A significantly higher proportion of patients (40.9%) reported ocular sicca symptoms than healthy matched controls (8.0%). Further, a significantly higher proportion of patients (44.3%) reported oral sicca symptoms compared to controls (13.6%). 48.9% of the patients had low Schirmer I score, compared to 20.5% of controls. Reduced salivary flow was found in 27.3% of patients, compared to 9.1% of controls. The differences in lacrimal and salivary flow between patient and control group were statistically significant. The minimum prevalence of secondary Sjögren’s syndrome was 14.8%. Weak association was observed between sicca symptoms and the objective measures of lacrimal and salivary flow in patients, and no association was detected in control subjects. Conclusions: Sicca symptoms and reduced lacrimal and salivary flow were common manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis and should be given adequate consideration during management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.     

Dental status, xerostomia and the oral health-related quality of life of an elderly institutionalized population

The author examined the relative effects of tooth loss and xerostomia on the oral health-related quality of life of an elderly, medically compromised population, living in a long-term care setting. Data were collected from 225 subjects (mean age: 83 years) via a questionnaire and review of dental charts. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed using self-ratings, satisfaction ratings, an index of chewing capacity, the GOHAI, and OH1P-14. Almost all participants had one or more chronic medical conditions and were taking prescribed medications. Two-thirds of the study group was dentulous with a mean number of 16 remaining teeth. One-third of the participants had scores on a xerostomia index indicating marked oral dryness. In bivariate and multivariate analyses, xerostomia index scores were significantly associated with all oral health-related quality of life outcomes. Dental status was associated with chewing capacity only. The results suggest that xerostomia has an important influence on the well-being and quality of life of this population.     

Oral manifestations in HIV/AIDS infected patients from India

OBJECTIVES: To assess types and prevalence of HIV-related oral lesions among HIV-infected individuals in south India and to correlate common oral findings with co-morbidities, gender, age and medication. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and one patients with HIV infection or AIDS at infectious diseases units of Attavar Hospital, Mangalore, and medical wards of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, were selected. Sociodemographic information was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Oral lesions were diagnosed according to the presumptive criteria of EEC-Clearinghouse Classification. Clinical history was retrieved from patient's medical records. RESULTS: Erythematous candidiasis (44.5%), melanotic hyperpigmentaion (34.6%) and xerostomia (29.7%) were among the most common oral manifestations. A significant association was found between oral candidiasis and advanced immunosuppression (P < 0.05). Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) was predominant in individuals <35 years (P < 0.05). Melanotic hyperpigmentation was significantly associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (P < 0.05). OHL was more frequent in patients with HIV-associated tuberculosis. Linear gingival erythema was more predominant in females. CONCLUSIONS: Oral hairy leukoplakia showed a positive relationship with patients younger than 35 years. Oral candidiasis can act as a marker for immunosuppression. Angular cheilitis was predominant in the symptomatic stage.