Langerhan's cell histiocytosis is characterized by the presence of large mononucleated cells associated with inflammatory cells. We describe the clinical presentation, histopathology and some immunohistochemistry findings, in an eight-year-old female patient.

Background : The nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have been found in different environmental sources. They tend to colonize different body surfaces and secretions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the presence of NTM in the oral cavity of healthy individuals and its relationship to tap water or oral hygiene. Materials and Methods : One hundred sixty-seven healthy subjects were recruited. Three consecutive early morning mouthwashes using tap water were performed and examined for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and NTM. In addition we obtained mouthwashes from 30 control healthy individuals with good oral hygiene using sterile water and examined these for the presence of MTB and NTM. Results : NTM was isolated from the mouthwash of 44 (26.3%) subjects that used tap water. On the other hand, NTM was isolated from the mouthwash of 10 (33%) subjects that used sterile water. Age, gender, social class oral hygiene and the regular use of toothbrush made no statistically significant differences in the isolation rate of NTM. Conclusion : The rate of isolation of NTM from mouthwash is high in normal subjects. It is independent of oral hygiene, the use of tap water or teeth brushing. Smear-positive sputum could be NTM rather than M. tuberculosis . Tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction or culture confirmation is essential in developing countries to avoid the unnecessary use of antituberculosis therapy when the clinical suspicion is very low.

Ayurveda had mentioned various procedures for maintaining oral hygiene. These include procedures like gandusha, kavala, dantadhavana, and jivha lekhana (cleaning tongue). Various plants have been mentioned in Ayurveda for dantakashta. Various Ayurvedic dental formulations are available in market in the form of powders, paste, etc. Present study was conducted for evaluating the effect of one of such Ayurvedic toothpowder named UDM, in controlling plaque and reducing gum inflammation in patients of moderate gingivitis. Scaling, root planning, and polishing were done for all the patients participating in the study. Oral hygiene instructions were given that included brushing twice/day with assigned tooth powder using BASS method for tooth brushing and also massage over gum tissue with finger. All the patients were recalled after 15 days. Scores of plaque index and gingival index was recorded on day 1 and day 15 of treatment. Total of 15 patients were recruited in each group. The mean reduction in gingival index was 1.15 (P<0.05) and 1.26 (P<0.05) in positive control and UDM treatment groups, respectively. However, the mean reduction in plaque indices were found to be 2.03 (P<0.05) and 2.16 (P<0.05) in positive control and UDM groups, respectively. No significant difference was seen in both the parameters between the two groups.

Background : Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) results in loss of immunologic functions, especially those coordinated by CD4+ T-helper cells and consequent impairment of immune response. Periodontal disease has been associated with HIV infection, and HIV infection has been considered a modifier of periodontal disease. Aim: The aim of this study was to report the severity of periodontal disease in HIV-positive individuals and its association between clinical periodontal indices and CD4+T-cell count. Materials and Methods: 25 HIV-positive individuals were recruited and medical history was recorded. To evaluate periodontal disease, clinical attachment loss (CAL), oral hygiene index (OHI), and gingival bleeding index (GI) were recorded. Immune suppression was measured by peripheral blood CD4+T cells/mm ³ as analyzed by flow cytometry. Statistical Analysis: Association between CD4+ T levels and clinical parameters were determined using correlation coefficient test. Results: When all subjects were evaluated, a negative correlation was obtained between CD4+ T-cell count and clinical attachment loss (r = -0.68226). In individuals with CD4+cell counts <200 cells/ mm ³ , a negative correlation was obtained between clinical attachment loss (-0.35467) and GI (-0.35202). In patients with CD4 count <200, a negative correlation was obtained between CAL (-0.30361), GI (-0.29711), and OHI (-0.14669). Conclusion: Immune suppression in combination with risk factors may increase progression of periodontal disease. Hence, these individuals should practice better oral hygiene and regular follow-up.

Bifid mandibular condyle with ankylosis is an extremely rare condition and may arise as a developmental or traumatic defect. It may be associated with ankylosis. We here report a case of unilateral bifid mandibular condyle with ankylosis in a 3-year-old child. This is the youngest patient reported with the condition making it one of its first kind in the literature. The detailed description of the case, its radiological findings, and the literature on bifid condyles are reviewed.

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a form of severe skin adhesion defect due to the disruption of the dermal- epidermal junction. It is classified into simplex and dystrophic forms depending on the level at which the junction is compromised. Repeated ulcerations and bullae formation in the mouth lead to scarring that brings about various changes in the oral cavity. These include loss of sulcular depth, ankyloglossia, limited mouth opening and other dentoalveolar changes. At present while there is no cure for EB, the therapeutic approaches are essentially aimed at controlling the infections and maintaining an acceptable quality of life. Dental management should aim at maintaining a functional dentition that would help in mastication and favour nutrition. Oral manifestations and dental management in a child diagnosed with dystrophic EB since birth are presented here.

Epidermal nevi are hamartomatous lesions that are typically present at birth, but can occur anytime during childhood and may rarely appear in adulthood. An estimated one-third of individuals with epidermal nevi have involvement of other organ systems; hence, this condition is considered to be an epidermal nevus syndrome. There are four distinct epidermal nevus syndromes recognizable by the different types of associated epithelial nevi: linear sebaceous nevi, linear nevus comedonicus, linear epidermal nevus, and inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus (ILVEN). Each type may be regarded as a part of a syndrome with other systemic manifestations. We report a rare case of ILVEN syndrome in a 23-year-old female patient with a wide spectrum of mucosal, cutaneous, and skeletal abnormalities, demonstrating the polymorphic presentation of this condition.

Background: The inability of the normal adult population to perform adequate tooth brushing has led to the search for chemotherapeutic agents in order to improve plaque control. This 6 month, single center, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to assess the clinical and microbiological effects of a dentifrice containing only amine fluoride (AF) as the active ingredient on gingivitis. Materials and Methods: Ninety subjects diagnosed with chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided in three groups: Group 1 - placebo toothpaste, Group 2 - AF containing toothpaste, and Group 3 - triclosan containing toothpaste with polymer and fluoride. Clinical evaluation was undertaken using the gingival index of Loe and Silness and the plaque index and microbiological counts were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. A subjective evaluation was also undertaken by a questionnaire. Results: AF containing toothpaste showed significant improvement in gingival and plaque index scores as well as microbiologic counts compared with placebo dentifrice. These improvements were comparable to triclosan containing toothpaste. Conclusions: AF containing toothpaste may be a useful formulation for chemical plaque control agent and improvement in plaque and gingival status and add to the list of various therapeutic agents used for maintenance of gingival health.

A 34-year-old female patient with the chief complaint of burning sensation in the oral cavity associated with generalized pruritis, scalp and skin lesions diagnosed as Bullous lichen planus and treated with systemic prednisolone, levamisole, benzydamine oral rinse. Patient is in follow up since 1 year and free of lesions. Here we report the case and review current modalities in the management of oral lichen planus.

Intraoral fibrous overgrowths of the soft tissues are relatively common and may be benign reactive or neoplastic lesions. A series of 10 lesions is presented which included pyogenic granuloma, fibroma and peripheral ossifying fibroma. Almost all the lesions occurred in the second and third decades and were present in the anterior segment of the jaws, with a distinct female predilection. Majority of these lesions were asymptomatic and the patients reported for treatment only due to the discomfort during function. Histopathologic examinations were done for diagnosis of these lesions. Surgical excision along with removal of causative irritants remains the treatment of choice. The extent of excision should depend on the severity of the lesion, as some of these lesions have a tendency for recurrence. All the patients in this series were closely followed up for a period of 2 years and showed no signs of recurrence.