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Articles tagged "oral conditions"

Management of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Management of Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome is often characterized by delays in diagnosis and initiation of management. This article highlights causes of delay in a retrospective series of cases and describes current approaches to managing this enigmatic condition. Read more

Posted in: Clinical Reports December 15, 2011

Diagnostic Dilemma: The Enigma of an Oral Burning Sensation

Diagnostic Dilemma: The Enigma of an Oral Burning Sensation

Primary burning mouth syndrome has traditionally been considered a diagnosis of exclusion. The authors use a case report and retrospective case series to help practitioners understand and recognize this enigmatic condition. Read more

Posted in: Diagnostic Challenge December 09, 2011

The Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Oral Health

The Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Oral Health

This literature review confirms that long-term use of phenytoin causes gingival hyperplasia, as does the use of valproate, carbamazepine and phenobarbital. Patients taking carbamazepine or phenytoin had alveolar bone loss. However, the effects of newer-generation antiepileptic drugs on oral health have not yet been studied. Read more

Posted in: Applied Research December 02, 2011

Idiopathic Gingival Hyperplasia: Clinical Features and Differential Diagnosis

Idiopathic Gingival Hyperplasia: Clinical Features and Differential Diagnosis

A patient had gingival bleeding and gingival hyperplasia in association with markers of hypothyroidism. The definitive diagnosis, based on biopsy and histopathologic examination, led to hormonal therapy, without periodontal treatment. Read more

Posted in: Diagnostic Challenge November 14, 2011

Implant Therapy and Apical Actinomycosis: Case Report

Implant Therapy and Apical Actinomycosis: Case Report

In this case report, the authors provide guidance on the timing of implant placement at a previously infected site. Read more

Posted in: Clinical Reports September 13, 2011

Genetic Risk Factors for Celiac Disease

Genetic Risk Factors for Celiac Disease

I read with great interest the article by Dr. Rashid and colleagues, as it provided valuable information to oral health care providers on celiac disease (CD). The authors state that CD is hereditary and caused by an autoimmune mechanism in those who are genetically susceptible to the disease. Read more

Posted in: Letters August 18, 2011

An Unusual Red Lesion of the Gingiva: Differential Diagnosis and Management

An Unusual Red Lesion of the Gingiva: Differential Diagnosis and Management

Painful, bright red swelling of the gingiva, resembling an overripe strawberry, was accompanied by bilateral enlargement of the salivary glands. Diagnosis of this patient’s systemic condition relied on antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody testing. Read more

Posted in: Diagnostic Challenge May 31, 2011

Health Canada Reissues Advisory on Topical Benzocaine

Health Canada Reissues Advisory on Topical Benzocaine

Health Canada published an updated advisory notice in April, reminding the public about the potential health risks of topical benzocaine products. Read more

Posted in: Dentistry News May 02, 2011

Oral Manifestations of Celiac Disease: A Clinical Guide for Dentists

Oral Manifestations of Celiac Disease: A Clinical Guide for Dentists

People with celiac disease may have no symptoms other than oral and dental abnormalities, such as enamel defects and recurrent aphthous ulcers. Thus, dentists and hygienists have an important role to play in identification of these patients. Read more

Posted in: Clinical Review April 11, 2011

ADA Publishes Clinical Recommendations on Infant Formula and Enamel Fluorosis

ADA Publishes Clinical Recommendations on Infant Formula and Enamel Fluorosis

The American Dental Association Council of Scientific Affairs (CSA) published a report1 in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) concerning potential associations between infant formula and enamel fluorosis. Read more

Posted in: Clinical News January 12, 2011

Oral Hygiene and Patient Self-Reports as Risk Indicators for Cardiovascular Disease

Oral Hygiene and Patient Self-Reports as Risk Indicators for Cardiovascular Disease

Two recent studies on self-reported toothbrushing behaviour and validated self-report questionnaires show that these surrogate methods are as reliable as traditional clinical indices for establishing the presence of periodontitis. Read more

Posted in: Clinical News December 02, 2010

Oral Erosive Mucositis Associated with Improper Administration of a Drug

Oral Erosive Mucositis Associated with Improper Administration of a Drug

Prolonged contact between alendronate (a bisphosphonate medication) and the oral mucosa may lead to oral erosive mucositis. The correct diagnosis depends on a complete medication history, including details about mode of administration. Read more

Posted in: Diagnostic Challenge November 30, 2010

Pitching in for Society and Our Profession

Pitching in for Society and Our Profession

The dental profession’s philanthropic efforts with AboutFace (www.aboutface.ca), an organization that advocates on behalf of people affected by facial difference, highlights the generous, caring nature of dentists. Further examples of volunteerism in dentistry can be shared on JCDA’s new online forum (www.jcda.ca/discussions). Read more

Posted in: Debate and Opinion September 30, 2010

Bilateral Neurogenic Masses: A Diagnostic Challenge

Bilateral Neurogenic Masses: A Diagnostic Challenge

Recurrent mild pain in the premolar region of the mandible was traced to bilateral swellings near the mental foramina. Radiographic and laboratory investigations, accompanied by follow-up observation, were used in making the diagnosis. Read more

Posted in: Diagnostic Challenge September 23, 2010

Canadian Study on Sleep Apnea Receives Award

Canadian Study on Sleep Apnea Receives Award

A long-term study on the use of mandibular advancement appliances, led by Dr. Luc Gauthier of the University of Montreal, received a Clinical Research Award from the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM). Read more

Posted in: Dentistry News September 07, 2010

Sjögren Syndrome: Reduced Quality of Life as an Oral-Systemic Consequence

Sjögren Syndrome: Reduced Quality of Life as an Oral-Systemic Consequence

Studies highlighted in the latest installment by Dr. Anthony Iacopino examine quality of life issues in patients with Sjögren syndrome. This research reinforces the importance of the dental team in the co-management of patients with systemic diseases. Read more

Posted in: Clinical News July 29, 2010

Volunteerism: An Opportunity to Give Back

Volunteerism: An Opportunity to Give Back

Dr. Jack Cottrell of Port Perry, Ontario, shares his insights as a volunteer on medical–dental missions to Central America. He encourages his colleagues to consider volunteering in their community or beyond. Read more

Posted in: Debate and Opinion June 17, 2010

A Diagnostic Puzzle in a Case Featuring Gross Gingival Enlargement

A Diagnostic Puzzle in a Case Featuring Gross Gingival Enlargement

Swollen gums may be caused by something as simple as poor oral hygiene. However, they may signal serious disease that dentists may be instrumental in diagnosing at an early stage. Read more

Posted in: Diagnostic Challenge May 17, 2010

Erythema Multiforme: A Painful Condition

Erythema Multiforme: A Painful Condition

I read your article on erythema multiforme1 with interest, as I have suffered from this condition for the last 30 years. I had 2 cold sores in my dentistry graduation picture. Around the time I was married, almost 28 years ago, I went on to erythema multiforme major, maybe even Stevens-Johnson syndrome. I was not able to eat for days or weeks due to the sores in my mouth and elsewhere. Read more

Posted in: Letters April 30, 2010

Ontario Girl Suffers Septic Shock After Third Molar Removal

Ontario Girl Suffers Septic Shock After Third Molar Removal

A newspaper article1 in the Orangeville Banner provided an account of a 16-year-old girl who experienced serious complications after the removal of her wisdom teeth. Mercedes Moore of Grand Valley, Ontario, went into septic shock after surgery in February 2009. The article outlines how an infection spread to her lungs and brain, leading to her suffering a series of blood clots and strokes. She was ultimately placed into a medically induced coma to allow treatment of the infection in her lungs and brain. Read more

Posted in: Clinical News April 29, 2010

A Place for Oral Health in Diabetes Management

A Place for Oral Health in Diabetes Management

A clinical guideline by the International Diabetes Federation aimed at diabetes care providers encourages the integration of oral health care within diabetes management. Read more

Posted in: Debate and Opinion April 20, 2010

How are odontogenic infections best managed?

How are odontogenic infections best managed?

Dental infections, including gingivitis, periodontitis, dental caries and odontogenic infections, result in numerous dental visits each year in Canada. They can range in severity from a mild buccal space infection to a severe life-threatening multi-space infection. All dentists should be comfortable with prompt diagnosis and management of these types of infections. This review of odontogenic infections describes causative organisms, management including appropriate antibiotic selection and the indications for referral to a specialist. Read more

Posted in: Point of Care April 19, 2010

What dose of epinephrine contained in local anesthesia can be safely administered to a patient with underlying cardiac disease during a dental procedure?

What dose of epinephrine contained in local anesthesia can be safely administered to a patient with underlying cardiac disease during a dental procedure?

Epinephrine is commonly used in health care and has multiple applications. Two frequent and often life-saving uses are the management of anaphylaxis and cardiac arrest. The word has a Greek origin and literally means “on” (epi) the “kidney” (nephros) referring to the anatomic location (the adrenal gland) where the drug is produced. Confusion still exists regarding the dose limits for epinephrine, particularly when the drug is administered to patients with underlying cardiovascular disease. Read more

Posted in: Point of Care April 19, 2010

If my patient has undergone radiation treatment of the jaw, does he/she need hyperbaric oxygen therapy before I extract teeth or perform other minor oral surgery?

If my patient has undergone radiation treatment of the jaw, does he/she need hyperbaric oxygen therapy before I extract teeth or perform other minor oral surgery?

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a feared condition recognized by all dental practitioners (Figs. 1 and 2). Some of us have witnessed this disease among our patients, and we learned in dental school how devastating it can be. The biologic effects of high-dose radiation therapy on the jaws have been well described by Marx.1,2 Although there is no threshold radiation dose beyond which ORN becomes a higher risk, it usually occurs among patients who have had radiation therapy, surgery or both for oral cancer, usually squamous cell carcinoma.  Read more

Posted in: Point of Care April 19, 2010

Treatment and Care Options for Patients with Facial Differences

Treatment and Care Options for Patients with Facial Differences

Patients with cleft lip and palate are now being treated by multidisciplinary care teams in a clinic setting. These teams work in conjunction with support organizations, such as AboutFace, to address the psychosocial health of patients with facial differences and their families. Read more

Posted in: Clinical News April 16, 2010

Dalhousie Cleft Lip and Palate Outreach Initiatives Extend Internationally

Dalhousie Cleft Lip and Palate Outreach Initiatives Extend Internationally

Dr. David Precious says volunteering internationally gives him “a direction that has meaning.” Since 1995, the dean emeritus of dentistry at Dalhousie University has travelled annually to Vietnam with a team of maxillofacial surgeons to perform surgery on children with cleft lip and palate. Read more

Posted in: Clinical News April 14, 2010