Fazil Ka

Salivary ascorbic acid levels in betel quid chewers: A biochemical study.

Background: Quid chewing practice has been a part of our tradition since centuries with little known evidence of oral cancer. However, recent trends show a rise in occurrence of oral cancer often associated with tobacco and arecanut usage. Ascorbic acid is an important salivary antioxidant. Betel leaf which is used in quid is known to contain ascorbic acid. Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the salivary levels of ascorbic acid in traditional quid chewers so as to determine whether the betel leaf has protective antioxidant action. Materials and Methods: Salivary ascorbic acid levels of 60 subjects were estimated using the Dinitrophenyl hydrazine method. Results: The results revealed that quid chewers who used betel leaf had higher salivary ascorbic acid content compared to nonbetel leaf quid chewers. This could possibly be due to the protective antioxidants in the betel leaf.

Evaginated odontome on maxillary lateral incisor and #8212;a reverse and a rare presentation

Evaginated odontome or talon cusp is an uncommon dental anomaly with accessory cusp-like projection arising from the cingulum area of the maxillary or mandibular anterior teeth. This anomalous cusp resembles an eagles talon and hence the name. It occurs in both the primary and the permanent dentition. The presence of talon cusp on the lingual surfaces of primary permanent teeth is considered to be pathognomic, but the case reported here is an unusual case which is present in the facial aspect in a female patient. As per the existing literature only seven case reports of facial talon in permanent maxillary teeth have been reported.