Prevalence and distribution of oral mucosal lesions in a geriatric Indian population

Clinical Profile and Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions in Tobacco Users-A Prospective Study from Jammu, India

To evaluate the incidence of tobacco-related oral mucosal lesions in the adult population visiting ENT-OPD at Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital, GMC Jammu, India. From December 2021 to November 2022 we attempted to compile the prevalence of tobacco-induced oral mucosal lesions in the adult population visiting ENT-OPD at Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital Jammu, India. The study included a total of 400 patients of various age groups. The patients were divided as current users with a habit of tobacco consumption for atleast 6 months and ex-users who had used any form of tobacco in their lifetime for a minimum of 6 months but had abstained the use since last 1 year. Age group, gender, employment, type of tobacco use, site of placement of tobacco in the oral cavity, frequency and duration of use, and the types of mucosal lesions were all documented on a standardized interviewer-based questionnaire.The oral mucosal lesions were diagnosed in accordance with international recommendations. Males (55%) had somewhat more oral mucosal lesions than females (45%). Oral submucous fibrosis was found in 110 individuals, followed by leukoplakia in 102, erythroplakia in 14, tobacco pouch keratosis in 81, tobacco induced melanosis in 82 patients and malignancy in 11 patients. 107 conventional smokers (26.75%), 254 patients using smokeless tobacco (63.5%) and 39 patients using combined form of tobacco (9.75%) showed oral mucosal lesions. The most prevalent site of lesions was the labial comissure, which showed 117 lesions (29.25%), followed by 114 lesions on the buccal mucosa (28.5%), and 99 lesions (24.75%) on buccal sulcus. Gingiva showed 41 lesions (10.25%), tongue had 15 entities (3.75%) and palate had 14 (3.5%). The most frequent oral mucosal lesion was shown to be oral submucous fibrosis, followed by leukoplakia. Smokeless tobacco was the most commonly used tobacco product. This study emphasizes the need of routine evaluation of the oral mucosa and the need for patients to be urged to stop this hazardous behavior.

Association of Surfactant Protein D Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms rs721917, rs2243639, rs3088308 with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis in Pakistani Population

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a benign ulcerative condition, defined by the recurrent formation of non-contagious mucosal ulcers. Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is secreted frequently at surfaces exposed directly to body fluids. This study aims to investigate the association of SP-D single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the onset of RAS. Blood samples from 212 subjects (106 cases/controls each) were collected during 2019 and genotyped for SP-D SNPs (rs721917, rs2243639, rs3088308) by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism followed by 12% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Minor aphthous (75.5%) was the commonly observed ulcer type as compared to herpetiform (21.7%) and major aphthous ulcers (2.8%). A family history of RAS was reported in 70% of cases. RAS was found significantly associated with rs3088308 genotypes T/A (95% (Cl): 1.57-5.03, p = 0.0005), A/A (95% (Cl): 1.8-6.7, p = 0.0002), T-allele (95% (Cl): 1.09-2.36, p = 0.01), A-allele (95% (Cl): 1.42-3.91, p = 0.01), rs721917 genotype T/T (95% (Cl): 1.15-25.35, p = 0.03), and T-allele (95% (Cl): 1.28-3.10, p = 0.002). Female gender and obese body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with rs3088308 genotypes T/A (95% (CI): 1.89-15.7, p = 0.001), T/T (95% (Cl): 1.52-11.9, p = 0.005), A-allele (95% (Cl): 1.65-7.58, p < 0.001), and T-allele (95% (Cl): 1.4-10.1, p <0.001) and rs721917 genotype T/T (95% (CI) = 1.3-33, p = 0.02), respectively. This study describes the association of SP-D SNPs (rs721917, rs3088308) with RAS in the Pakistani population.

A bird's-eye view of pathologist over diagnostic confusion of oral cavity lesions

Introduction

Oral cavity can be host to multitude of neoplastic, premalignant or non neoplastic pathological lesions. Diagnosis of lesions of oral cavity is always of interest to clinician and pathologist and rely on clinical appearance of lesions. There can be variation in diagnosis of clinical lesion with histopathology. Many oral carcinomas arise within the sites that previously had premalignant lesion. Incidence of oral cancers in population has increased among younger generations related to habits and lifestyle. These lesions during clinical presentation are misleading and create diagnostic dilemma owing to age, sex and distribution of lesions. Understanding distribution of oral mucosal lesions helps to diagnose lesions of oral cavity. Purpose of this study is to observe the variation in clinical diagnosis with histopathological diagnosis in patients with inflammatory, premalignant, benign and malignant lesions of oral cavity and oropharynx and also clinical distribution of lesions of oral cavity and oropharynx lesions by histopathology.

Observations

Out of total 105 lesions, ulcer in oral cavity seen in 58 (55.23%) of patients, followed by swelling or feeling of lump in oral cavity in 36 (34.29%) of patients and foreign body sensation in 23 (21.90%) of patients with tongue as most frequent site for most of lesions of oral cavity accounting in 33 (31.43%) of cases, and less frequently lesions were seen in retro molar trigone area in 2 (1.90%) patients. Histopathological diagnosis of premalignant, non neoplastic and inflammatory lesions was made in 24 (22.85%) cases, benign tumours were diagnosed in 14 (13.33%) cases and rest of 67 (63.81%) lesions were malignant. Mucocoel were seen in five (4.76%) cases, radicular cyst was seen in one (0.95%) case of female patient and four cases of Leukoplakia with one case showing mild dysplasia. Among benign tumours 11 (10.47%) patients presented with gingivitis turned out to be squamous papillomas were seen in five (4.76%) cases, fibroma was diagnosed in four (3.80%) cases, pyogenic granuloma was diagnosed in four (3.80%) cases most commonly seen over gingiva and myoepithelioma of minor salivary gland was observed in one (0.95%) case over soft palate. Out of 67 cases of malignant lesions squamous cell carcinomas were seen in 59 (88.05%) cases followed by verrucous carcinoma in 3 (4.47%) cases, 2 (2.99%) cases were basaloid squamous cell carcinomas, mucoepidermoid carcinoma was seen in 2 (2.99%) cases and 1 (1.49%) case of adenoid cystic carcinoma was seen. Majority of squamous cell carcinomas cases in study were well differentiated in 49 (73.13%) cases followed by moderately differentiated in 16 (23.88%) cases and poorly differentiated in 2 (2.99%) cases. Malignant transformation of tonsil tissue post operatively was observed in 1 (0.95%) patients on histopathology. One (2.5%) case of myoepithelioma was seen in 60 years male over soft palate.

Conclusion

Of all oral biopsies reported in study, increasing trend of malignancies in lower age groups of population making it an emerging threat to community and highlighting need to take effective measures to increase public awareness about risk factors and consequences of this condition. Screening programmes targeted to population over 25 years are recommended to overcome this.

The effect of clinical interventions on the oral health-related quality of life in older adults

This paper reviews the literature to assess the effectiveness of oral health interventions in influencing oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in older adults. Clinical studies published in 2010 onwards reporting oral health interventions in older adults and subsequent changes in OHRQoL were systematically searched in Medline, Web of Science and EMBASE databases. Reporting followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis criteria. Eligibility evaluation and data abstraction from eligible studies were guided by predefined PICO questions and bias assessment by the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The search retrieved 144 articles. Of the 20 articles that met the eligibility criteria, 45% (9) reported a statistically significant improvement in OHRQoL. The majority of studies were conducted in adults with complete edentulism (70%) and mainly focused on implant provision to support a removable prosthesis (30%). The search indicates the limited scope of current literature on geriatric dental interventions, focusing mainly on denture realignments, denture fabrication and implant placement. Although the majority of the oral health interventions focused on edentulism and removable prostheses, there are many areas of oral health interventions and their potential impact on OHRQoL in this demographic group that have yet to be explored.

Clinical Study of Oral Mucosal Lesions in the Elderly-Prevalence and Distribution

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, pattern, and distribution of oral mucosa lesions in elderly patients attending an outpatient oral pathology clinic.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 2747 patients' medical files was performed. Of these, 1398 (50.6%) belonged to seniors. The mean age was 69.8 ± 7.1, and women were in the majority.

RESULTS

Among the entire group of patients, the three most common mucosal lesions were: oral lichenoid diseases (OLDs), lingual changes, and small nodules. In the female group, the most common diagnoses were: OLDs, lingual changes, and oral candidiasis; in the male population, the most common diagnoses were: lingual changes, small nodules, and OLDs. Those suffering from OLDs were the youngest patients, and those with focal oral mucosa erosions and ulcerations were the oldest patients. In the groups aged 60-70 and 71-80 years old, the most common diagnoses were OLDs, and in the oldest group (+80 years old), they were lingual lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral health has an obvious impact on the functional, psychological, and behavioral quality of life. There is a small number of publications concerning the prevalence and distribution of oral mucosa lesions in the senior population of European countries. Our study is filling in that void.

Oral health status and associated factors among Sudanese older adults: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to assess the oral health status, prosthetic needs and the associated factors among older adults living in Khartoum State, Sudan.

BACKGROUND

Understanding the extent of the oral health problems and the associated factors in the older population is important for the determination of treatment needs and future planning of dental services.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study among individuals ≥60 years attending Health Care Centers. Two calibrated examiners examined participants according to the WHO oral health examination form for adults. DMFT, periodontal conditions, oral mucosal lesions, tooth wear, prosthetic status and prosthetic needs were reported. Risk indicators investigated include age, gender, socioeconomic status, general health, oral hygiene practices, tobacco use and utilisation for dental services.

RESULTS

Two hundred forty-nine older adults participated in the study, and 64.3% were males. The mean age was 68.4 years (SD ±6.7). The mean DMFT was 15.9 (SD ±9.1), with 85.3%, 94.8% and 19.3% of the participants having decayed, missing or filled teeth respectively. Periodontal pockets were present in 41.9%, mucosal lesions in 14.9% and tooth wear in 46.2% of the participants. Although only 5.2% were completely edentulous, 93.2% need prosthetic replacement. Risk indicators for poor oral health were being female, oral hygiene practices, frequency and reason of dental visits.

CONCLUSION

Old adults showed a high experience of missing and decayed teeth, periodontal inflammation and prosthetic treatment needs. Future oral health policies need to consider the different needs between men and women, exposure to risk factors and barriers to access dental care.

Oral Mucosa Changes Associated with Wearing Removable Acrylic Dentures

The main purpose of the study was to highlight the incidence of various changes in the oral mucosa associated with wearing removable acrylic dentures. Materials and method. The study was performed on a total of 45 subjects who presented at the Prosthodontics Clinic and the Oral Rehabilitation Clinic of Craiova Faculty of Dental Medicine during January 2018-May 2020. Results. Of the 45 subjects that were wearing at least one acrylic denture 31,11% presented oral mucosa changes or lesions. The most common mucosal lesion was type 1 according to Newton's classification.

Evaluating the role of local host factors in the candidal colonization of oral cavity: A review update

Human oral cavity is home to a number of organisms, Candida albicans being one of them. This review article aims at understanding the correlation between the oral candidal colonization and the local host factors that may influence it with special emphasis on congenital craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate (CLP). Various scientific databases were searched online and relevant articles were selected based on the inclusion criteria. A comparative study was done to understand the interdependence of various factors (including CLP) and oral candidal colonization. The results revealed a strong association of certain local host factors which may influence the oral colonization of Candida species. Factors such as mucosal barrier, salivary constituents and quantity of saliva, congenital deformities like CLP, oral prostheses such as dentures/palatal obturators and fixed orthodontic appliances (FOAs) were identified. All these factors may directly affect the growth of Candida in the oral cavity. Although numerous studies have pointed a positive correlation between Oral Candidal colonization and local host factors such as oral prostheses, FOA, and oral mucosal barrier only one study has been done, in the Indian subcontinent with respect to the correlation of candidal colonization and CLP. After the evaluation of all the factors mentioned in various case studies, it can be concluded that the presence of local host factors such as orofacial clefts, dental prostheses, FOA, xerostomia, and atrophy of the oral mucous membrane lead to significant increase in candidal colonization, but since very few studies in regard to CLP have been done worldwide and in India, in particular, further studies are warranted.

High prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in elderly: Call for revolutionizing geriatric dental care strategies

Context:

World'spopulation is ageing and increase in geriatric population demands improved oral health care. Previous epidemiologic studies in general population of India and particularly in Kerala (state with maximum proportion of elderly) provided very little information about oral mucosal lesions in elderly.

Aims:

To find out the prevalence, pattern and distribution of oral mucosal lesions in geriatric patients and to explore their association with different study variables.

Settings and Design:

A descriptive, hospital-based, cross sectional study was conducted for a period of 9 months in the out-patient clinic, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Government Dental College, Kozhikode (tertiary healthcare centre in Kerala, India).

Methods and Materials:

Participants aged 60 and above were selected by consecutive sampling. Data were collected through clinical examination and by using a structured proforma.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Descriptive statistics with tests of significance of associations were done.

Results:

The geriatric population (N=750, 66.89 ± 6.07, M: F=1.4:1), was recruited by screening 43,180, and 447 (67.29 ± 6.15, M: F=2:1) were identified having oral mucosal lesions withprevalence of 59.6% (95% CI=56.05–63.05). Most common lesion group was red and white (73.2%), followed by pigmented (15.5%). Oral mucosal lesions were significantly associated with age over 65, male gender, presence of habit and denture usage (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in geriatric people is high. Hence setting up of geriatric dental clinics, with appropriate preventive and palliative intervention strategies is mandatory.

Oral submucous fibrosis: a contemporary narrative review with a proposed inter-professional approach for an early diagnosis and clinical management

Oral Submucous fibrosis (OSMF) has traditionally been described as “a chronic, insidious, scarring disease of the oral cavity, often with involvement of the pharynx and the upper esophagus”. Millions of individuals are affected, especially in South and South East Asian countries. The main risk factor is areca nut chewing. Due to its high morbidity and high malignant transformation rate, constant efforts have been made to develop effective management. Despite this, there have been no significant improvements in prognosis for decades. This expert opinion paper updates the literature and provides a critique of diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls common in developing countries and of deficiencies in management. An inter-professional model is proposed to avoid these pitfalls and to reduce these deficiencies.

Reasons for Initiation of Areca Nut and Related Products in Patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis within an Endemic Area in Gujarat, India

Background: While the patterns of consumption of areca nut and its by-products (ANBP) vary across South Asia and the rest of the world, all users share the probable severe outcome of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), and this is well reported. The role of psychosocial drivers of habit initiation and addiction is reported less. Objective: To reveal the burden of ANBP abuse, exploring the psychosocial relationship between sex, age at first exposure (AFE), the reason for initiation (RFI) with the type of habit (TOH). Methodology: Data came from the prospective hospital-based study conducted at K.M. Shah Dental College and Hospital covering years 2017 and 2018. Patients with oral lesions were assessed with complete history recording demographics, TOH, AFE, RFI, duration of habit, and clinical diagnosis of any oral and systemic diseases. Patients with a history of scleroderma, facial burns, and oral malignancy were excluded. Results: Of the 13,874 patients, 9.89% reported ANBP. We included 1000 OSMF patients. The mean age of the study cohort was 38.97 ± 14.29 years, with a range of 17-75 years. Males constituted the majority (80.1%). The most common TOH reported was regular use of gutkha (60.1%) followed by mawa (31.4%) with tension and stress (30.3%) being the most common RFI among the cohort. TOH was notably different in relation to AFE. Interestingly, mawa chewing (38.69%) was observed more in females. Importance: This study reveals the burden of ANBP abuse and reports the complex psychosocial relationships between sex, AFE, and RFI with TOH in OSMF patients in this high incidence population.

Oral and maxillofacial lesions in older individuals and associated factors: A retrospective analysis of cases retrieved in two different services

BACKGROUND

Studies on the oral and maxillofacial lesions (OMLs) in older people usually assess data of laboratory services and data from oral medicine clinic have been poorly described. The aim of this study was to describe and to compare OMLs in older individuals considering two data sources, besides to assess associated factors with the three most frequent lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted with individuals aged 60 years or older. Data of individuals and lesions reported in both services were collected. Univariate analysis was used to test the association between the occurrence of the lesion and the independent variables. The level of significance was set at 5%.

RESULTS

A total of 1,695 (37.3%) records were from the Oral Medicine clinic and 2,848 (62.7%) from the Laboratory service. Inflammatory/reactive lesion group was the most frequent in both services (40.4% in Oral Medicine Clinic and in 44.2% Laboratory). The second and third groups of lesions in the Oral Medicine clinic were infectious diseases (18.5%), and variations of normality (10.8%), while in the laboratorial service were the malignant neoplasms (17.6%) and potentially malignant disorders (13.3%). Differences between services regarding the frequency of lesion groups occurred (p<0.05), except for pigmented (p=0.054) and infectious (p=0.054) groups. Females (OR: 2.08; CI: 1.81-2.39) and individuals who wore a removable prosthesis (OR: 3.99; CI: 2.83-5.62) were also likely to have inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia. Old-old individuals (OR: 1.70; CI: 1.30-2.21), male (OR: 3.63; CI: 3.00-4.39), smoking (OR: 6.05; CI: 4.84-7.56) or alcohol use (OR: 3.95; CI: 3.12-5.01) were likely to have squamous cell carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed different frequencies of OMLs in older individuals according to the data sources and age group. The findings are important to direct public policies for this age group. Key words:Oral medicine, laboratory service, older adult, oral diagnosis, oral and maxillofacial pathology.

Stomatological disorders in older people: An epidemiological study in the Brazil southern

BACKGROUND

The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional and observational study was to perform a survey of the stomatological conditions of elderly patients seen in a period of 40 years at a Stomatology Service in Southern Brazil.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 24,347 medical records were reviewed, of which 5,063 belonged to elderly patients aged 60 to 97 years. The stomatological conditions, systemic conditions, and smoking and alcohol drinking habits as well were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 69.29 years, 67.1% were female and 32.9% were male. Variations of normality accounted for 44.5% of the cases. The most prevalent disorders were fungal infections (26.1%), reactive inflammatory lesions (24.6%), burning mouth syndrome (14.9%), benign neoplasms (12.4%), autoimmune disorders (12.3%), premalignant lesions (10.2%) and malignant epithelial neoplasms (7.2%). Regarding biopsied lesions, squamous cell carcinoma was the most prevalent at 30.2%, followed by hyperplasic lesions (28.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of these physiological and pathological conditions in the oral cavity of the older people is essential for early diagnosis and preventive and therapeutic measures when necessary.

Oral mucosal lesions and risk factors in elderly dental patients

Background. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral lesions in terms of sex, age, educational status, medication use, systemic diseases, the duration of denture use and tobacco or alcohol use.

Methods. A total of 709 voluntary patients (375 males and 334 females), aged ≥60 years, were interviewed by one investigator for demographic data, systemic diseases, tobacco or alcohol use, denture use and the duration of denture use.

Results. The majority of the participants (87.6%) had one or more oral mucosal lesions. The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was 46.3% in males and 41.3% in females (P=0.76). The most common oral mucosal lesion was a sublingual varicosity in both males and females. A statistically significant difference was observed between the three age groups (60–64, 65–69, and ≥70 years) with regard to the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions (P=0.02). There was a significant relationship between the presence of systemic diseases and oral mucosal lesions (P=0.01). There was also a significant relationship between denture use and oral mucosal lesions (P=0.001). Smoking and a history of smoking were also significant predictive factors for oral mucosal lesions (OR: 3.385, P=0.045).

Conclusion. Although the majority of oral mucosal lesions detected in the present study were benign, there were some patients with premalignant and malignant lesions. Therefore, periodic oral examinations for detection of precancerous and cancerous lesions are important, especially in the elderly, smokers and denture users.

Evaluation of the Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions in a Population of Eastern Coast of South India

Objective/Aim

The aim of this study is to measure the association between oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) and habit of tobacco and alcohol in the population of Guntur city, Andhra Pradesh, South India.

Material and Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 participants in Guntur city with the habit of tobacco and alcohol consumption in various forms who were selected by stratified cluster random sampling technique. Guntur city was divided into four zones, that is, North, East, South, and West; and two administrative wards were randomly selected from each zone as clusters. Information was obtained by interviewing the participant regarding various tobacco-related habits followed by standardized clinical examination in the field. Clinical data were collected using a modified 1980 WHO Pro forma where the basis for diagnosis was established as per the criteria provided by the epidemiology guide for the diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases (WHO). Statistical tests such as Pearson Chi-square were exercised to test the significance, using SPSS version 19.0 with 0.05 as cutoff level of significance.

Results

Overall oral soft-tissue lesions were found in 42.4% of the study participants including nicotinic stomatitis, tobacco pouch keratosis, smokers melanosis, mild keratosis of the palate, and chewer's mucosa. In this study, nicotinic stomatitis was found to be the most common soft-tissue lesion among men, while leukoplakia was found to be the most common premalignant lesion with the prevalence being 5.7%. While oral submucous fibrosis was found to be the most common premalignant condition among women. It was found that 13.2% of illiterates (53) were having leukoplakia. In the present study, the lower labial mucosa and buccal mucosa were found to be the most common sites of occurrence of leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis.

Conclusion

This study gives information on the association of OML in smokers, chewers, alcoholics, and those with mixed habits. This study highlighted six habit-related OML which included potentially malignant disorders such as leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis. Future case-control or cohort studies for individual lesions and with larger sample size are necessary to evaluate the risk for OML including potentially malignant conditions and oral cancer resulting from smoking and chewing habits.

Prevalence and Distribution of Oral Mucosal Lesions by Sex and Age Categories: A Retrospective Study of Patients Attending Lebanese School of Dentistry

Background

Prevalence and distribution of oral mucosal lesions in a sample of Lebanese population attending the School of Dentistry of Lebanese University is necessary to evaluate their oral health situation.

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and distribution of oral mucosal lesions of patients attending the School of Dentistry.

Methods

A descriptive study was carried out by retrospectively examining a total of 231 medical and clinical examination record files of patients, attending the School of Dentistry Lebanese University for multidisciplinary dental treatments. 178 medical records were retained. Each medical and clinical examination record was done by an undergraduate student and then evaluated by a doctor. The record file included a civil status, chief complaint, medical history, and extraoral and intraoral clinical examination during the period between October 2014 and May 2015. Exclusion criteria were lack of written information in their medical and clinical examination record and being nonevaluated by a doctor. Data regarding age, gender, socioeconomic status, chief complaint, systemic diseases, and drugs intake were collected by using a questionnaire while the type of extraoral and oral mucosal lesions by clinical examination.

Results

The sample consisted of 102 (57.3%) females and 76 (42.7%) males. The age ranged from 10 to 92 years with a mean age of 40.1 years. Among these subjects, 110 (61.8%) presented with one or more lesions. All patients were Lebanese. The most common lesion diagnosed was coated/hairy tongue affecting 17.4% of the subjects, followed by melanotic macule (11.2%), gingivitis (9.6), linea alba (6.2%), tongue depapillation (5.1), leukoplakia (5.1), traumatic fibroma (4.5), frictional keratosis (3.9%), fissured tongue (3.9%), hemangiomas (3.9%), Fordyce granules (3.9%), dry mucosa (3.4), angular cheilitis (2.2), gingival hyperplasia (2.2), and crenulated tongue (1.7%). Overall, the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions did not significantly differ between sex and age groups.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of oral mucosal lesions necessitates adequate awareness and management of these lesions in the general population. Dental clinicians should be knowledgeable and familiar with the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these lesions.

A cross-sectional study on oral health status of battery factory workers in Chennai city

Aim and Objective:

Some occupational exposures are associated with oral changes in both hard and soft tissues. Presence of oral lesions can interfere with speech, swallowing, and general health of a patient. The present cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the oral health status of battery factory workers in Chennai city.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 600 subjects were selected in battery factory out of 3500 workers using statistical sample selection formula 4pq/l² and divided into study and control groups based on acid exposure. The data were recorded on a modified World Health Organization 1997 pro forma. The data were evaluated using Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U-test.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 600 subjects were selected in battery factory out of 3500 workers using statistical sample selection formula 4pq/l² and divided into study and control groups based on acid exposure. The data were recorded on a modified World Health Organization 1997 pro forma. The data were evaluated using Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U-test.

Results:

Oral symptoms such as disturbed taste, dry mouth, oral ulcers, and foul breath were statistically significant between the groups (<0.001). Dental erosion was statistically significant with the duration of working years. Dental erosion was significant among study group compared to control (0.001).

Conclusion:

The present study showed that selected samples had various oral conditions due to exposure to acids from battery. It was observed that oral health problems were directly related to the duration of acid exposure in the study group. Implementing exhaust ventilation and monitoring the devices help in reducing the acid exposure. Implementation of oral hygiene education and nutritional supplementation helps in improving their oral health.