ABSTRACT Objective To report an uncommon case of oral chemical burn caused by occupational exposure to potassium hydroxide (KOH) managed with photobiomodulation (PBM). Case Report A 50‐year‐old man experienced occupational exposure to KOH while working in a food factory. The accident occurred during maintenance of a pipeline that should have been empty; however, it was still carrying a 50% KOH solution. The patient presented with severe pain and impaired speech, nutrition, and hydration due to the extent of the lesions. Clinical examination revealed diffuse ulcerations affecting the lower labial semimucosa, upper and lower labial mucosa, and dorsal tongue. A clinical diagnosis of KOH‐induced chemical burn was established, and daily PBM therapy was initiated using red (660 nm) and infrared (850 nm) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide pain control and promote mucosal repair. Rapid improvement of signs and symptoms was observed throughout treatment, with complete mucosal healing achieved after eight sessions of PBM. Conclusion This report describes, to the best of our knowledge, the first documented case of oral burn caused by KOH in an occupational setting, highlighting the severity of alkali‐induced lesions and the therapeutic potential of PBM therapy.
ABSTRACT Aims To compare intraoral (IO) and extraoral (EO) photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for preventing oral mucositis (OM) in pediatric patients receiving high‐dose methotrexate (HD‐MTX). Methods and Results This prospective, open‐label, randomized clinical trial included 75 HD‐MTX treatment episodes from 31 pediatric patients aged 1–18 years. Each episode was randomized to IO‐PBMT or EO‐PBMT with red light at 660 nm. Preventive PBMT was initiated before HD‐MTX infusion and administered daily until discharge. OM was assessed at baseline and on days 3, 5, and 10 using the World Health Organization scale. Pain, salivary pH, and salivary biochemical profiles were secondary or exploratory outcomes. Cumulative OM occurred in 22/37 IO‐PBMT episodes (59.5%) and 12/38 EO‐PBMT episodes (31.6%). After accounting for repeated episodes within patients, OM risk was higher with IO‐PBMT (risk ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.07–3.19; p = 0.029). Pain scores, salivary pH, and biochemical profiles did not differ significantly between groups. EO‐PBMT required substantially less application time, and no adverse effects were reported. Conclusion EO‐PBMT was associated with lower cumulative OM occurrence, shorter application time, and good tolerability, supporting its use as a promising, less burdensome preventive strategy in pediatric oncology.
ABSTRACT Background Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is accompanied by poor oral health outcomes for children with ASD. Aim To assess the occurrence of non‐metric dental traits (NMDTs), dental caries experience, parents’ perception, and oral hygiene status of children with ASD. Methodology A cross‐sectional study was conducted among 150 children with ASD and their biological parents. Children with severe sensory or behavioural difficulties who were unable to cooperate for oral examination were excluded. A pre‐validated questionnaire was used to assess parental perception. Oral hygiene index‐Simplified (OHI‐S), Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth index (DMFT) for permanent and primary dentition was used to assess oral hygiene status and dental caries in children with ASD. Non‐metric dental trait (NMDT) was assessed using ASUDAS (Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System). Chi‐square test and multiple linear regression analysis were done. Results Most parents, 126 (84.0%) had a neutral perception score. The mean OHI(S) score for the children with ASD was 1.86 (SD 0.95). The prevalence of dental caries was 16% in deciduous dentition and 48% in permanent dentition. A statistically significant association was observed between palatogingival groove, cusp of Carabelli, and poorer oral hygiene status. Regression analysis showed that children with ASD whose mothers were employed showed a negative association with oral hygiene status ( B = –0.533, p = 0.015). Higher maternal education was associated with lower DMFT scores (DMFT, B = – 1.044, p = 0.040 and for D, B = –1.319, p = 0.003). Conclusion Parents’ perceptions regarding oral health among children with ASD are neutral with both behavioral limitations and oral hygiene practices affecting oral health. This study recommends early NMDTs identification and a multidisciplinary approach involving dental professionals, along with targeted parental education and regular follow‐up, that may improve oral health outcomes.
