Maji Jose

Adenoid ameloblastoma with dentinoid.

Ameloblastomas seldom cause diagnostic difficulties due to classic histopathological presentations. Adenoid ameloblastoma is a rare variant in this category which can cause problem in diagnosis due to the presence of areas resembling adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) and occurrence of varying degrees of dentinoid formation. In this article, we report a case of adenoid ameloblastoma with dentinoid, which was diagnosed accurately after the third recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, so far, only 13 cases have been reported of tumors that histologically show features of amelobalstoma and AOT with hard tissue formation. The recurrences were due to under diagnosis of the lesion followed by a conservative treatment.

Antimicrobial properties of Cocos nucifera (coconut) husk: An extrapolation to oral health

Background and Objectives: Brushing the teeth with fibrous husk of Cocos nucifera (coconut) is a common oral hygiene practice among people of rural areas of South India. However, the probable antimicrobial properties of this plant material against common oral pathogens have not been proved scientifically. Therefore, the present study was designed. Materials and Methods: Alcoholic extract of the husk of Cocos nucifera was prepared and the antimicrobial properties against common oral pathogens like cariogenic bacteria, periodontal pathogens, and candidal organisms were performed by the Agar Well Diffusion Method. The results obtained were then subjected to statistical analysis using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Tukeys Honestly Significant Difference (HSD). Results: The alcoholic extract of Cocos nucifera showed a significant concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity, expressed as a zone of inhibition with respect to all tested organisms except Actinomyces species. The inhibitory effect was more significant, with a majority of cariogenic organisms and Candida, with a zone of inhibition ranging from 4.6 mm to 16.3 mm. However, the effect was lesser with Cocos nucifera compared to chlorhexidine. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 50 mg/ml to 75 mg/ml. Conclusion: Cocos nucifera has a significant inhibitory action against common oral pathogens, indicating the presence of highly effective antimicrobial compounds. Therefore, it is proved that its use can contribute to oral health to a great extent. Identification of these active compounds provides the scope for incorporating it into a modern oral care system, so as to control oral diseases.

Etiopathogenesis of orofacial clefting revisited

The cleft anomaly may be more ancient than the man himself. It is one of the most common developmental malformations reported in the literature. There are number of intriguing theories regarding its etiopathogenesis, each of which has some evidence in its favor. This review highlights all the genetic and environmental etiologic factors and focuses on its pathogenesis.

Quick response code in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

Quick response (QR) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that are used to encode and decode information. QR code is an innovative approach in which patient details and radiographic interpretation can be encoded. These QR codes can be shared efficiently worldwide with easy authentication. QR code is a boost to early diagnosis and retrospective studies. Implementing QR code in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology will save time, eliminate paper work, and problems encountered in storage of patient details with radiographic interpretation and minimize manual efforts in retrieval of information.

Estimation of antimicrobial properties of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Salvadora Persica (Miswak) on oral microbial pathogens - An invitro study

INTRODUCTION Twigs of Salvadora persica (Miswak) plant are being used as a means of oral hygiene since ages for brushing teeth. Though clinical research and trials have shown promising results on effectiveness of Miswak, but some reports are conflicting. AIM To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of crude aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Salvadora persica (Miswak) against the common microbial pathogens causing dental caries and periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective study of one year duration was conducted in Yenopoya dental and medical college, Mangalore. The twigs of Salvadora persica were collected and alcoholic and aqueous extracts were prepared using standard techniques. The antimicrobial properties of the extracts against common oral pathogens like Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Candida albicans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Prevotella intermedia, & Peptostreptococcus were performed by agar well diffusion method and two fold broth dilution method. RESULTS No significant results was obtained when water extracts of Salvadora persica was tested except for minimum inhibitory effect against Streptococcus mutans, Prevotella intermedia & Peptostreptococcus and Candida albicans. Relatively significant inhibitory effect was noted with respect to alcoholic extract of Salvadora persica. CONCLUSION Although comparatively less than chlorhexidine which is a known antimicrobial agent, the alcoholic extracts of Salvadora persica showed antimicrobial effect against the common microbial pathogens causing dental caries and periodontitis indicating a potential beneficial effect of this plant. However, further research with more standardized extraction procedure and advanced techniques is required to find out the exact chemicals responsible for the antimicrobial properties of the plant extract.

Estimation of copper in saliva and areca nut products and its correlation with histological grades of oral submucous fibrosis

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to estimate the copper levels in saliva of patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and different areca nut products and its correlation with different histological grades of OSF. METHODS The study comprised 60 individuals, 30 OSF patients and 30 non-OSF individuals. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected, and copper analysis was performed using colorimetric method. The commercial areca nut products used by the patients were acquired and subjected to copper analysis through the atomic absorption spectrophotometer method. Oral biopsies were performed for OSF patients for histopathological correlation. RESULTS The mean salivary copper level was 27.023 μg/dl in OSF patients when compared with 8.393 μg/dl in non-OSF individuals (P < 0.005). The mean copper content in different areca nut products was 13.313 ppm (P < 0.005). Comparison of copper content in different areca nut products with salivary copper levels of OSF patients showed negative correlation (P < 0.853). Comparison of salivary copper levels between different histological grades of OSF yielded a statistically significant association between grades I and III (P < 0.005) and grades II and III OSF (P < 0.019). Comparison of copper content in areca nut products and different histological grades of OSF yielded weak negative statistical correlation (r = -0.116). CONCLUSION Despite high copper content in areca nut products, the observations yielded a negative correlation with different histological grades of OSF. This further raises a doubt about the copper content in areca nut as an etiological factor for this crippling disease.

Histopathological, immunohistochemical and special stain unraveling the enigmatic carcinosarcoma--A case report.

Carcinosarcoma is an extremely rare, highly malignant tumor having a characteristic of both epithelial and mesenchymal components; the epithelial component exhibiting focal squamous cell carcinoma and mesenchymal component having sarcomatoid stroma. The occurrence of carcinosarcoma in the oral cavity is very rare and only few cases have been reported in the literature, although its occurrence in other parts of the body has been widely reported.

Quick response codes in Orthodontics

Quick response (QR code) codes are two-dimensional barcodes, which encodes for a large amount of information. QR codes in Orthodontics are an innovative approach in which patient details, radiographic interpretation, and treatment plan can be encoded. Implementing QR code in Orthodontics will save time, reduces paperwork, and minimizes manual efforts in storage and retrieval of patient information during subsequent stages of treatment.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum - "The multifaceted disorder"

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a hereditary disorder that mainly involves the skin, eyes, and cardiovascular system. We report a case of a patient showing cobblestone-like yellowish papules over her neck and hands. There was a presence of calcifications below the chin that pointed at an initial diagnostic hint of PXE. A skin-biopsy specimen was taken and was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) that revealed fragmentation of the elastic fibers. On special staining, degeneration and calcification of the elastic fibers were seen that showed clumping in some areas of the dermis. These features were suggestive of histopathological diagnosis of PXE.

Study and comparison of lip print patterns among Indian and Malaysian dental students

Aim: To assess and compare the quadrant-wise predominant lip print patterns among male and female Indian and Malaysian dental students. Materials and Methods: The study population comprised 64 individuals in the age group of 16-28 years. The lip print of each individual was taken using cellophane tape without any distortion. The cellophane tape was then stuck onto a plain white A4-size bond paper and was divided into four quadrants, which were analyzed using magnifying lens. Suzuki and Tsuchihashi′s classification was followed to define the patterns of the grooves. Results and Conclusion: The predominant lip pattern in all the four quadrants for Indians was Type II and for Malaysians it was Type I I . Type II was the predominant pattern in all the four quadrants for Indians irrespective of gender. The predominant pattern for Malaysian males in all the four quadrants was Type I I , while the predominant pattern for Malaysian females in quadrants I, II, and IV was Type I I , and in quadrant III it was Type II. Overall analysis of lip prints showed that there is a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the different patterns of Malaysian and Indian dental students. As the literature review shows less number of studies done on lip print patterns of Malaysians, our study focusses on the study and comparison of lip print patterns of Malaysian dental students with Indians dental students.