Xerostomia significantly disrupts nutritional status, increases oral complications, and reduces quality of life in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. This systematic review aimed to determine the best dietary interventions for the management of xerostomia in HNC patients by examining available therapies and their effects. A search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was conducted for randomised controlled trials, interventional, and observational studies published between December 2000 and December 2021. English articles involving adult HNC patients undergoing or having completed anti-cancer therapy were included. Non-HNC xerostomia causes and abstracts were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. Fifteen studies were included out of 533 articles. Acidic candy, ginger extract, chewing gum, vitamin C/E supplements, and thyme honey were identified as helpful in reducing xerostomia. Dietary counselling and awareness of diet modifications improved symptoms, nutrition, and quality of life. Acidic candy was particularly effective in stimulating salivary f low but may cause dental enamel erosion, and timing precautions were necessary for thyroid patients’ post-radioactive ablation. Hydration techniques were commonly adopted by patients for symptom alleviation. Dietary modifications show promise in managing xerostomia in HNC patients, although further large-scale, randomised trials are needed to confirm these findings and explore new interventions.
Synovial sarcoma (SS) is rare in the head and neck region, accounting for only 10% of all SS, and less than 0.1% of all head and neck malignancies. Head and neck SS in paediatrics is extremely rare, with only a few cases reported worldwide. Here, we report a case of right cheek SS in a child who presented to us with a 5-month history of painless right cheek swelling. On examination, there was a palpable right cheek mass measuring 4 cm x 4 cm in size, firm in consistency, with a smooth surface and a well-defined margin. Examination of the ear, nose, throat, and head and neck was normal. Imaging showed a welldefined enhancing lesion with calcifications, with no involvement of the paranasal sinuses, intraorbital, and intracranial extension. Fine needle aspiration for cytology showed a spindle cell lesion. Excision of the right cheek tumour was done via a sublabial approach. Histopathological diagnosis of biphasic synovial sarcoma was made. Post-operatively, the patient was referred to an oncologist for adjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The patient recovered well, and no recurrence was found during the follow-up at six months.
Yeast is a ubiquitous microorganism commonly found in various parts of the human body, including the oral cavity. In healthy individuals, they typically exist as commensals; however, under specific conditions, they can transition to a pathogenic state, contributing to the onset and progression of diseases such as periodontitis. This study aimed to compare the composition and density of yeast species in the subgingival dental plaque of periodontitis patients and healthy subjects. Subgingival dental plaque samples were collected from 15 periodontitis patients and 15 healthy subjects. The samples were cultured in TYI-S-33 medium, and 16 viable isolates were analysed. Species identification was conducted using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and yeast density was estimated using the McFarland method. Six species of yeast were identified among the isolates. A comparative analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in yeast species composition and density between the two groups. These findings highlight the diversity, prevalence, and density of yeast species in the oral cavities of periodontitis patients compared to those of healthy subjects, although their specific role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis remains inconclusive. Future research should focus on exploring the interactions between yeasts and other components of the oral microbiome to better understand their role in oral health and disease progression.
In bone tissue engineering, scaffold-based approaches offer great potential for regenerating damaged or lost bone tissue. Composite scaffolds have gained popularity because they combine the beneficial properties of two or more materials, providing promising biomimetic properties for tissue regeneration. In our study, combining the biocompatibility of bioactive glass with the mechanical qualities of polycaprolactone provides tailored properties and scaffold architecture conducive to alveolar bone regeneration. This study aims to develop a bone substitute using bioactive glass/polycaprolactone (BG/PCL) composites and to evaluate its biocompatibility for potential applications in alveolar bone regeneration. BG/PCL scaffolds were fabricated using a solvent-casting method at three different weight percentages (wt.%) ratios (10:90, 20:80, and 30:70). The scaffolds were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and methyl tetrazolium (MTT) (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) Assay to evaluate their physical, chemical, and biocompatibility properties. Among the three BG:PCL composite ratios tested (10:90, 20:80, and 30:70), the 10:90 ratio demonstrated the most favourable properties. SEM analysis of this composition revealed optimal surface roughness and well-distributed interconnected pores, which are conducive to cell attachment, enhanced cellular infiltration, and efficient nutrient diffusion. FTIR spectra displayed characteristic absorption bands corresponding to the functional groups of BG and PCL components while the biocompatibility test confirmed the viability and proliferation of periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblast cells when cultured with the scaffolds. This study demonstrates that the developed BG/PCL composite, especially at the 10:90 ratio, possesses suitable properties and biocompatibility, highlighting its potential for use in alveolar bone regeneration.
Canine impaction is a frequent problem, ranking third in occurrence behind the impaction of the mandibular and maxillary third molars. Palatally displaced canines (PDCs) require more comprehensive treatment and are more challenging to manage. This case report describes the management of a rotated palatally impacted permanent maxillary right canine using the open palatal flap window method and the multiloop edgewise arch wire (MEAW) technique. A 19-year-old female patient presented with dental misalignment, which included a skeletal Class I relationship with Angle Class I malocclusion, a protruding lower jaw, anterior crossbite, and the upper left canine being palatally impacted. The panoramic radiograph indicated the existence of a Type II impaction of the canine teeth (Yamamoto classification). The treatment employed the MEAW technique to expand the maxilla and handle an anterior crossbite. The palatal window flap technique was utilized to achieve access to the maxillary right canine by using a button chain and ligation to the upper archwire. The posttreatment outcomes demonstrated satisfactory eruption and alignment of the maxillary right canine, correction of the anterior crossbite at the maxillary right lateral incisor, and realignment of the midline. One year after retention, a satisfactory occlusion was maintained without recurrence of the anterior crossbite. The use of the open palatal window flap technique and button chain application is effective in correcting PDCs and achieving adequate tooth alignment within the dental arch.
