This article presents oral mucosal lesions findings from a state oral health survey of Karnataka, India. A total of 46,579 subjects aged 1-4 to 65+ years were selected by using multistage-cluster-stratified random sampling method and subjects were examined by 32 dentists trained in standardized clinical diagnostic criteria for oral mucosal lesions. In the present study, 7.53% of subjects had one or more oral mucosal lesions, in which, male subjects (9.41 %) had a significantly higher prevalence of lesions compared to female subjects (4.38%); urban subjects (11.61%) had a significantly higher prevalence than rural subjects (5.01 %) and the Christian subjects had a significantly higher prevalence of lesions than the Hindus, Muslims and others (F=211.594, <0.001, S). The observed prevalence of oral mucosal lesions increased with age (r=0.8174, P<0.05, S), which is statistically significant. The most prevalent lesions observed were Leukoplakia (1.73%), Lichen planus (2.02%) Ulceration (0.73%), Candidiasis (0.94%) and Abscess (1.05%). The maximum number of lesions was seen in sulci (7.33%) and the minimum number of lesions was seen in lips (0.02%). Differences in prevalence were analyzed by sex, religion, location and geographical area.

A study was conducted to assess the prevalence of psychosocial disorders in patients with TMD, and to establish correlation between these, and symptoms and physical signs of TMD. Thirty patients were included in the study. TMD history and TMJ examination findings were recorded. Subsequently psychosocial assessment was carried out. Eighteen patients were in psychiatric morbid (PM) group and 12 were in psychiatric nonmorbid (PNM) group. Symptoms and signs of TMD were compared between PM and PNM group. Strong association was evident between presence of psychiatric morbidity and certain parameters viz. pain duration, VAS, bruxism, mouth opening.

Any treatment modality has its pro & cons, the good or the bad, the need to the need not to. Same is with TMD where the patient comes to the clinic with intense pain. We as clinicians, will agree that the malady of pain in TMJ is on the rise. How do we deal with it, should we be conservative in our approach or should we go ahead with treatment modality, which have yet not been well documented. To do or not to do, Two clinicians from the field of oral medicine put forth their views.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic insidious disease of multifactorial etiology. The habit of chewing arecanut is thought to be one of the most important etiologic factors. Copper and iron are elements in the human body that form part of important enzymes. We estimated the serum copper and iron in patients with OSMF as well as normal controls and discuss the role of these elements in the etiology of OSMF.

The alarming increased use of botanical products by the common man for various ailments, raises a question regarding its pharmacological activity and role in drug interactions. Lack of proof of efficiency, unknown mechanism of action and unidentified active ingredients, raise doubt regarding its safety??

This is a serious section designed to test your diagnostic skill. Periodically we will bring to you clinical and radiographic pictures for you to test your diagnostic acumen. So remember to come back and see what's new in the Grey Area 's.

A talon cusp is an accessory cusp which commonly occurs on the lingual surface of incisors. The unusual location of this cusp on the facial surface can pose a challenge in the correct diagnosis and management. A case report of the same with a review of literature has been presented here.

Two cases with the typical features of Pyknodystosis have been described with characteristic clinical and radiographic features. The patients with this syndrome should be differentiated from other closely related syndromes as cleidocranial dysostosis and osteopetrosis. Such patients should be managed conservatively to prevent complications like iatrogenic fractures and development of osteomyelitis which is difficult to control.

Florid osseous dysplasia is a disease with a spectrum ranging from localised periapical involvement to an exuberant multiquadrant process. This article presents a case of florid osseous dysplasia with bilateral involvement of the mandibular molar region and the right side showing symptoms of secondary infection. The mass on the infected side was surgically excised.

We describe the symptoms, signs and the appearance of mandibular condensing osteitis in spiral computed tomography based multiplanar and three dimentional reconstruction using computer graphics.

A rare case of peg shaped, permanent mandibular central incisor is presented. A female patient being a receptionist by occupation was upset regarding her unpleasant smile and desired for appropriate treatment. The tooth had a typical morphology suggesting a peg shaped incisor. Conservative treatment was advised and a "Smile worth a million dollars" was obtained.

Congenital epulis or gingival granular cell tumor of the newborn is a rare benign tumor which is commonly seen in female infants in the maxillary anterior region. Here is a short case report of the same and review.

True anodontia or congenital absence of the teeth may be of 2 types-total and partial. Total anodontia may involve both the deciduous and the permanent dentition. The earliest recorded case is probably that of Elisabeth Cook, whose epitaph read, "Elisabeth Cook, a poor woman, aged 86, and never had a tooth, was buried June 11, 1798. '' Following is a report of 2 cases of anodontia.

Geographic tongue is a benign condition, which primarily affects the tongue. This condition is common among the adult population, but not so common in children. Usually asymptomatic and detected under routine dental examination. Here is a case report presentation of geographic tongue in a 4 year old female patient who had come for a routine dental check up.

With advances in the world of scientific and professional presentation, digital media can be used effectively to assist and enhance communication without losing sight of the objective. This article discusses the use of computers, computer programs and other computerized equipment to assist and enhance audiovisual presentations.