Prevalence of angular stomatitis. Correlation with composition of food and metabolism of vitamins and iron

Oral Medicine Considerations for Older Patients

With the projected increase to 1.3 billion people aged 65 years or older by 2040, healthcare professionals are faced with significant challenges in managing this population of patients. In the oral cavity, oral mucosal disease is a significant problem found in older populations. Several facial pain conditions are more likely to be seen in this cohort of patients. Although management of this group of patients may not always be appropriate in general practice, an awareness of the range of oral medicine conditions that may be encountered in older patients is essential to allow prompt referral and treatment.

Treatment of angular cheilitis: A narrative review and authors' clinical experience

Angular cheilitis (AC) is a clinical entity first described in the XIX century, characterized by erythema, rhagades, ulcerations, and crusting of one or both lip commissures and perilabial skin, responsible of an unpleasant and painful discomfort. Aim of this manuscript was to examine and evaluate the therapeutic options actually available for AC. Despite antifungals being the first-line treatment for most of clinicians, very limited scientific evidence supports their reliability, with just two RCTs published between the 70's and the 80's. Furthermore, alternative topical treatments, various techniques of occlusal vertical dimension restoration, B-vitamin supplementation, anti-drooling prosthetic device, and photodynamic therapy have been experimented and proposed, mostly in the form of case reports or case series on a small number of individuals. Our group found in 1% isoconazole nitrate (ISN) and 0.1% diflucortolone valerate (DFV) ointment the most consistent AC treatment, due to the broad spectrum of ISN against many species of dermatohpytes and bacteria, and the anti-inflammatory properties displayed by DFV. However, further and well-designed trials on larger samples of patients are needed to assess the differential profile of consistency of the treatments outlined in literature and claimed by the authors of this paper.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among elderly population in Chennai: a survey

Introduction: The oral mucosa serves as a protective barrier against trauma, pathogens and carcinogenic agents. It can be affected by a wide variety of lesions and conditions, some of which may be harmless or with serious complications. Identification and institution of proper treatment of these lesions are an important part of total oral health care. Knowledge of clinical characteristics of oral mucosal lesions such as morphology, location, and duration helps in proper diagnosis and in identifying the type of oral mucosal lesion. The present study was designed to analyze prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in elderly population. Materials and methods: A descriptive pro forma-based study was conducted among the elderly patients visiting the Saveetha Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Elderly patients within the age 55–90 years were considered as subjects in this study. The pro forma contained basic details of patients such as name, age, sex, occupation, chief complaint, past medical and dental history, family history and personal habits (oral hygiene habits and oral habits). On intra oral examination the characteristic features of oral mucosal lesions were recorded. Result: Seventy five subjects participated in the study. In 75 subjects, there were 55 males and 20 females. The patients ranged from 55 to 90 years old and were categorised into four age groups: 55–60 years, 60–70 years, 70–80 years and 80–90 years. The most common lesions were oral submucous fibrosis (21.33%), smoker's palate (20%), leukoplakia (14.66%) and tobacco pouch keratosis (10.66%). Conclusion: The prevalence of oral habits related lesions in elderly population are more in Indian population because of more exposure to tobacco products in old age and the prevalence of non oral habits related lesions are because of vitamin, dietary deficiency and stress. Hence, proper support and care of aged individuals will help the dentist in proper diagnosis and treatment planning programs.

Prevalence of denture-related oral lesions among patients attending College of Dentistry, University of Dammam: A clinico-pathological study

Background:

Heterogeneous groups of oral lesions are likely to develop among denture wearers. The objectives of this study were to determine the exact prevalence of oral lesions among denture wearers attending the clinics of the College of Dentistry, University of Dammam.

Materials and Methods:

All denture wearers attending the dental clinics in the period between January 2012 and April 2013 were included in this study. Of the total 210 patients, 166 (79%) were males and 44 (21%) were females. Comprehensive oral examination was performed for all patients. Any denture-induced lesion was biopsied. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS program.

Results:

Oral lesions were found in 20.5% of the cases under study (43 out of the total 210 denture wearers). Denture-induced fibrous hyperplasia was the most common type of lesion detected (41.9%). A significant correlation (P = 0.004) was found between the type of denture and oral lesions in this study.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of denture-induced oral lesions was found to differ significantly from that reported in other studies. The diversity of these lesions among different studies depends on the quality and materials of dentures delivered, the techniques used, and the methods of patients’ instructions adopted.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in elderly people in Santiago, Chile

BACKGROUND

Oral prevalence studies are important to know the state of health and the needs of treatment. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and associated factors among aging Chileans.

METHODS

A random sample by age, gender, and socioeconomic status was obtained, comprising 889 individuals older than 65 years. Individuals were interviewed and examined in Santiago, the capital of Chile, according to the World Health Organization guidelines.

RESULTS

The prevalence of one or more oral mucosal lesions in the sample was 53%. Logistic regression model revealed that denture use increased the probability of one or more oral mucosal lesions by threefold, while age, gender, smoking, medication use, xerostomia, and social or cultural factors had no effect. The most common lesion was denture stomatitis (22.3%), followed by irritative hyperplasia (9.4%), oral mucosal varicosities (9%), solitary pigmented lesions (4%), traumatic ulcer (3.5%), angular cheilitis (2.9%), multiple pigmented lesions (2.8%), hemangioma (2.3%), lichen planus (2.1%), leukoplakia (1.7%), recurrent aphthous stomatitis (1.4%), nicotine stomatitis (1.3%), median rhomboid glossitis (0.9%), actinic cheilitis (0.9%), pyogenic granuloma (0.7%), oral squamous papiloma (0.6%), and mucocele (0.2%). One case of oral cancer was observed. Different factors increased the probability of specific oral mucosal pathologies.

CONCLUSIONS

We can conclude that oral mucosal lesions are common in elderly people in Santiago, suggesting the necessity for improved standards of prevention, and diagnostic and opportune treatment of these lesions.

Clinical, microbiological and ultrastructural features of angular cheilitis lesions in Southern Chinese

OBJECTIVE

To obtain baseline data on angular cheilitis in Southern Chinese.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional investigation of the clinical, microbiological and ultrastructural features of the condition.

SUBJECTS AND METHOD

Thirty six Chinese adults with angular cheilitis; 28 controls matched for age and sex, with no inflammation. Clinical examination, swabs of lesions for microbiology, impressions of lesions for ultrastructure, using replica technique.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Severity of lesions, associated signs and symptoms, incidence and type of microorganisms, ultrastructural features.

RESULTS

Of a total 68 lesions 32 were bilateral and four unilateral. Forty four (65%) were mild (Type I) and the remaining 24 (35%) moderate (Type II). Infective agents were isolated from 37 (54%) lesions; pure growth of Candida spp and Staph. aureus was noted in nine lesions each; a mixed growth of the two in II, beta-haemolytic streptococci in three and a mixed flora including coliforms in the other five. Candida spp were present in one control, beta-haemolytic streptococci in two and coliforms in four others. Scanning electron microscopy revealed natural topography of the angular skin with sparse colonisation by bacteria and yeasts.

CONCLUSIONS

Angular cheilitis in Southern Chinese seems to be characterised by a milder clinical presentation and classic infective agents of the disease: Candida spp and Staph. aureus.

Salivary yeasts, saliva, and oral mucosa in the elderly

Yeasts are commensals in the oral cavity and may not cause disease unless there are predisposing host factors, such as other disease, or when medication is being taken. The elderly are at increased risk of yeast infection. In this paper, prevalence of salivary yeasts in a group of 368 inhabitants of Helsinki aged 76, 81, and 86 years is reported. Salivary yeasts were counted by the Oricult-N dip-slide method, salivary secretion rate and buffering capacity were measured, type of dentition was noted, and signs of yeast infection and the occurrence of subjective symptoms were determined. There was no growth of yeasts in 25% of the subjects. From one to 20 colonies/slide were observed in 21%, 21-50 colonies in 21%, and over 50 colonies (a high count) in 33%. Subjects with low salivary flow rates and low buffering capacities had significantly higher yeast counts than did subjects with normal salivary flow rates and buffering capacities. High yeast counts were found in 19% of subjects with natural teeth. The corresponding percentages in those wearing partial or complete dentures were 32 and 41, respectively. High salivary yeast counts were associated with oral mucosal lesions but not with subjective complaints of oral symptoms.

Angular cheilitis in a group of Sri Lankan adults: a clinical and microbiologic study

The relative importance of various factors in the pathogenesis of angular cheilitis in a population of Sri Lankan adults was studied. Forty-nine patients with cheilitis were examined clinically and microbiologically. Only 5 of 49 patients were full denture wearers. The clinical presentation of the lesions could be categorized as mild (Type I), moderate (Type II) or severe (Type III) and the duration of the lesions ranged from 1 month to more than 4 yr. Hematologic investigations revealed 18 patients with low hemoglobin 8 of whom had hypochromic, microcytic anaemia. Pathogenic organisms were isolated from 59% of the lesions; Candida spp. in 24 patients and Staph. aureus in 11 patients. A significant positive relationship between commissural leukoplakia and an infective etiology of angles was noted. This study confirms the multifactorial etiology of angular cheilitis while highlighting the varied clinical presentation of the lesions in an Asian population.

Histopathology, immunology, and serology of oral yeast infections. Diagnosis of oral candidosis

For diagnostic purposes it is normally not important to obtain a biopsy specimen, since an oral smear from the lesion will yield blastospores and pseudohyphae in abundance. However, in lesions that respond poorly to antimycotic treatment a biopsy should be carried out to detect possible malignant changes in the epithelium. Assessment of cell-mediated immunity against Candida albicans and other antigens may be important in patients with severe chronic candidosis to assess the degree of immunocompetence and prognosis. Usually, patients with oral candidosis show only moderately elevated antibody titers in serum and saliva against C. albicans, and serologic tests are normally not a diagnostic tool for oral candidosis. However, such tests may be a prognostic instrument in patients with severe oral candidosis who respond poorly to antimycotic therapy.

Etiology, pathogenesis, therapy, and prophylaxis of oral yeast infections

Etiologic factors in oral candidosis are immature antimicrobial host defenses, acquired suppression of immune defense mechanisms (AIDS, immunosuppressive or radiation therapy), or changes of the environmental conditions of the oral cavity (antibiotics, dentures, epithelial changes). After colonization and adhesion of Candida to the epithelial surface the subsequent mucosal lesion is due to tissue destruction by potent proteolytic enzymes or toxins and an inflammatory response to Candida antigens. Topical antimycotic treatment with nystatin, amphotericin B, or miconazole is important especially to prevent spread of the infection. Chronic Candida infections require long-term antifungal therapy, and patient compliance may be difficult to obtain. In denture stomatitis colonization of the fitting denture surface by Candida should be controlled by, for example, using a chlorhexidine solution as a denture disinfectant. However, recurrences are frequent if the local or the systemic predisposing conditions are not corrected. Fluconazole, a new bis-triazole, may be important for long-term treatment of immunocompromised patients.

Phenotypic characterization of mononuclear cells and class II antigen expression in angular cheilitis infected by Candida albicans or Staphylococcus aureus

In the present study we characterized the phenotypes of infiltrating mononuclear cells in angular cheilitis lesions to further explore the pathogenesis of this disorder. Frozen sections from lesions infected by Candida albicans and/or Staphylococcus aureus were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis utilizing monoclonal antibodies directed to subsets of T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes, and macrophages. In addition, the expression of Class II antigens (HLA-DP, -DQ, -DR), the interleukin 2- and transferrin-receptors was studied on resident and infiltrating cells. An intense infiltration of T-lymphocytes was accompanied by expression of Class II antigens on the epidermal keratinocytes in lesion infected by Candida albicans. The Staphylococcus aureus infected lesions displayed a diffuse infiltration of T-lymphocytes but virtually no expression of Class II antigen by epidermal keratinocytes. These observations suggest that the cell-mediated arm of the immune system is involved in the inflammatory reaction of lesions infected by Candida albicans. In addition, the present study confirms that epidermal expression of Class II antigens is closely related to the type and magnitude of the infiltrating T-lymphocyte. Finally, these findings indicate that the type of inflammatory reaction in angular cheilitis is primarily dependent on the isolated microorganism, although the clinical pictures of the disorder are virtually identical.

Recurrence of angular cheilitis

The incidence of recurrence of angular cheilitis following a successful antimicrobial treatment was studied in 48 patients. Clinical assessments including a microbial examination were carried out 8 months and 5 yr after termination of treatment. Eighty percent of the patients reported recurrence of their angular cheilitis on one or more occasions during the observation period. Patients with cutaneous disorders associated with dry skin or intraoral leukoplakia had an increased incidence of recrudescence. Neither the presence of denture stomatitis nor the type of microorganisms isolated from the original lesions of angular cheilitis, i.e. Candida albicans and/or Staphylococcus aureus, were associated with the number of recurrences. The present observations indicate that treatment of the majority of patients with angular cheilitis should be considered in a longer perspective than previously supposed, due to the short lasting therapeutic effects of the antimicrobial therapy.

Denture stomatitis: a review

Denture stomatitis has been reported in 11-67% of complete denture wearers. It is more common on the palatal mucosa and in female patients. In Newton's type I denture stomatitis, where the inflammation remains focal, trauma seems to be responsible. In Newton's types II and III denture stomatitis, where the denture-bearing mucosa is diffusely involved, most workers assert that the aetiology is multi-factorial. Evidence is presented incriminating Candida albicans colonization of the fitting surface of the prosthesis in many cases of denture stomatitis promoted by continuous denture wearing. Allergic and primary irritant reactions to the denture base material, systemic predisposing factors including dietary deficiency and haematological disorders, also play a part. In most cases of denture stomatitis, elimination of denture faults, control of denture plaque and discontinuous denture wearing are sufficient treatment. The routine use of antiseptic or antimycotic drugs seems unnecessary.

Angular cheilitis: a clinical and microbial study

The purpose of this prospective study was to re-examine the relative importance of various factors in the pathogenesis of angular cheilitis. Sixty-four patients with cheilitis were examined clinically and microbiologically. In addition, a subsample of 23 patients was examined for serum iron and transferrin. The clinical appearance of the lip lesions fell into 4 categories. A ground rhagad at the corner of the mouth involving adjacent skin, was the most frequent type among dentate patients, whereas among denture wearers a deep lesion following the labial marginal sulcus was frequently observed. Dentate patients and denture wearers with cheilitis often had atopic constitution or cutaneous diseases. Pathogenic microorganisms were cultured from the lesions in all 64 patients; Staphylococcus aureus in 40 patients and Candida albicans in 45. The results of this study indicate a correlation between angular cheilitis and pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, among dentate patients, a correlation exists between cutaneous discomfort and angular cheilitis. Other etiological factors suggested for this disorder were found to be of subordinate importance.

Surgical treatment of angular cheilosis

A surgical method to treat angular cheilosis is described, which does not react favourably to conservative methods. 17 operations have been performed on 13 patients. Successful results were obtained in 9 patients. 4 patients had to be reoperated, with improved results, except in 1 case with total relapse. The observation time varied from 1 to 6 years.

A combined clinical, mycological and histological study of denture stomatitis

The clinical and histological appearance of the different types of denture stomatitis are in many respects very similar and confluent. In order to study the correlation between clinical and histological appearance and amount of yeasts, 48 patients with denture stomatitis and 24 with a healthy palatal mucosa were examined. The terms atrophic and hyperplastic denture stomatitis were introduced. The intensity of the palatal erythema and the growth of yeasts were most prominent among patients with hyperplastic lesions. Dryness and soreness of the mouth, angular cheilitis, spontaneous hemorrhage, glossitis and leukoplakias were found to a varying extent. No statistical evidence of correlation between the intensity of clinical erythema, amount of yeasts and grade of subepithelial inflammation could be found. The disease has most certainly a background other than solely increased growth of yeasts.

Change in recurrent headache and mandibular dysfunction after treatment with new complete dentures

The changes in headache and mandibular dysfunction were studied in a group of forty-three complete denture wearers 6 months after treatment with new complete dentures. All patients completed a questionnaire and all were subjected to clinical examination of the function of the masticatory system. Eleven of the seventeen patients with recurrent headache reported less frequent headache 6 months after treatment and nine reported that the headache was less severe. There was also a statistically significant reduction of clinical signs of dysfunction of the masticatory system.

Oral mucosal lesions associated with the wearing of removable dentures

Lesions of the oral mucosa associated with wearing of removable dentures may represent acute or chronic reactions to microbial denture plaque, a reaction to constituents of the denture base material, or a mechanical denture injury. The lesions constitute a heterogeneous group with regard to pathogenesis. They include denture stomatitis, angular cheilitis, traumatic ulcers, denture irritation hyperplasia, flabby ridges, and oral carcinomas. Denture stomatitis is the most common condition which affects the palatal mucosa in about 50% of wearers of complete or partial removable dentures. Most of the lesions caused by chronic infection (Candida albicans) or mechanical injury whereas allergic reactions to the denture base materials are uncommon. Angular cheilitis (lesions of the angles of the mouth) is characterized by maceration, erythema and crust formation. The prevalence is about 15% among wearers of complete dentures. The lesions have an infectious origin but several local, including prosthetic, or systemic predisposing conditions are usually present. Traumatic ulcers caused by dentures with overextended or unbalanced occlusion are seen in about 5% of denture wearers. Denture irritation hyperplasia, which is caused by chronic injury of the tissue in contact with the denture border, is present in about 12% of denture wearers. Flabby ridge, which is replacement of alveolar bone by fibrous tissue, is present in 10-20%. Finally, there is evidence that chronic injury of the oral mucosa by dentures in rare instances may predispose to development of carcinomas. Most types of lesions are benign and quite symptomless. However, diagnosis may be difficult and the more severe and dramatic tissue reactions to dentures may indicate underlying systemic diseases. In order to prevent or minimize the extent of the lesions, denture wearers should be recalled regularly for an examination of the oral cavity and the dentures. It is important that the examination is carried out by a person who has adequate medical knowledge.

Surgery in the treatment of denture-related inflammatory papillary hyperplasia of the plate

Twenty patients with denture-related papillary hyperplasia of the palate were surgically treated after careful instruction in oral and denture hygiene, insertion of new dentures and nutritional information. A tissue conditioner was used to cause detumescence of the palatal mucosa presurgically and to act as a wound dressing postsurgically. A knife with a semicircular blade made it possible to cut and plane off the papillary hyperplasia in all regions of the palate and accurately to control and vary the thickness of the extirpated tissue. The advantages of this gentle planning surgery were a short healing time (mean 12 days), no bleeding and no pain that necessitated the use of analgetics. After surgery a persistent erythema of the palatal mucosa appeared in five patients. Such a low rate of postsurgical erythema has not previously been reported. A microscopic examination of the extirpated tissue was performed and the findings are discussed.