The oral microbiome of patients with axial spondyloarthritis compared to healthy individuals.

Background. A loss of mucosal tolerance to the resident microbiome has been postulated in the aetiopathogenesis of spondyloarthritis, thus the purpose of these studies was to investigate microbial communities that colonise the oral cavity of patients with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) and to compare these with microbial profiles of a matched healthy population. Methods.

Genetic Association Analysis Reveals Differences in the Contribution of NOD2 Variants to the Clinical Phenotypes of Orofacial Granulomatosis.

Background: Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is a rare, inflammatory disorder of the mouth, in which some patients also have intestinal Crohn's disease (CD). The etiology remains largely unknown, although there is a high prevalence of atopy, and oral granulomas are also seen in other immune disorders particularly CD and sarcoidosis. We investigated whether genetic variants associated with an increased risk of CD, sarcoidosis, or atopy were also associated with susceptibility to OFG.

The lived experience of Sjögren's Syndrome.

Background: Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune exocrinopathy characterised by lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands in multiple sites, with dry mouth as a primary presenting symptom. Although quantitative studies have shown the negative impact of both dry mouth and Sjögren's Syndrome on patients' quality of life, no qualitative diary and interview study has been undertaken to examine the lived experience of dry mouth for Sjögren's Syndrome sufferers. The aim of this qualitative study was to provide clinicians with insight into how dry mouth can impact on the daily lives of Sjögren's Syndrome patients.

Advances in gastroenterology--opportunities and challenges for the dental practitioner.

As the oral cavity marks the beginning of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), it is not surprising that it frequently mirrors disease that occurs lower in the GIT. Increasingly, clinical signs in the oral cavity are recognized as future predictors and prognostic indicators of GIT and, indeed, other systemic disease. This paper discusses recent advances in the overlap area of Oral Medicine and Gastroenterology and the significant role of the dental practitioner in the management of these patients.

The prevalence of dysplasia and malignant lip lesions in transplant patients.

Background: Solid organ transplant patients are at an increased risk of developing lip malignancies. The role of HLA mismatch as a risk factor for such changes has only been described in skin.

Methods: Lip lesions were evaluated in 403 solid organ transplant patients (immunosuppressed for at least 3 months) and findings compared to age and sex matched, otherwise healthy patients who acted as controls.

Interventions for prevention and treatment of herpes simplex virus in cancer patients.

Data Sources: Relevant data was sourced using the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CANCERLIT, SIGLE and LILACS. Searching by hand was also carried out, reference lists checked for further trials, and authors and known specialists in the field contacted to try to identify any additional published or unpublished trials.

Study Selection: Randomised controlled trials that concerned treatment or prophylaxis of orofacial lesions [caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV)] in adults, children (or both) who were immunocompromised because of cancer were eligible for inclusion.

A case of sarcoidosis presenting with diffuse, bilateral swelling of the salivary glands.

Unlabelled: This paper reports a case of a 50-year-old male with systemic sarcoidosis presenting initially with a dry mouth and bilateral swelling of the parotid salivary glands. Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease in which there may be multiple exocrine involvement, including the salivary and lachrymal glands.

Clinical Relevance: The diagnosis and management of this case highlights important clinical issues for dental practitioners.

Subantimicrobial dose doxycycline in the treatment of recurrent oral aphthous ulceration: a pilot study.

Background: Recurrent oral aphthous ulceration (ROAU) is a common problem that can result in considerable pain and distress for patients. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the role of subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD - 20 mg doxycycline twice daily) in the management of patients with ROAU.

Methods: 50 patients with ROAU were randomly allocated to treatment with SDD or placebo for 90 days.

Oral mucosal and osseous disorders in frail elders.

Objective: This paper reviews the implications of frailty for oral health in old age due to the incidence of oral pathoses following on mucosal atrophy, tooth loss, trauma from dentures, polypharmacy, malnutrition, salivary disorders, degeneration of jawbone and cancer.

Background: Frailty as a condition of old age occurs when elders have energy levels below a critical threshold, or when the social or cultural environment is limited.

Results: Frail elders are particularly vulnerable to pathoses, but not simply because of old age per se.