Herpesviruses in chronic and aggressive periodontitis patients in an Indian population.

Many recent studies have assessed the prevalence and role of herpesviruses in the etiopathogenesis of periodontal diseases, which has led to the realization of intricate interactions between viruses and bacteria within periodontal pockets. It has also been shown that the occurrence of herpesviruses may vary depending upon the age of the patient and the race of the population studied. Thus, the present study aimed at detecting herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 (HSV 1 and 2), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in periodontal pockets of Indian patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis.

Vaccination against periodontitis: the saga continues.

Periodontal disease can be considered to be one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases inflicting humans. With the advent of advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, a better understanding of the role of specific pathogens and the contributory role of the host immune response in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease has been possible - although not completely. However, successful vaccine development that fully utilizes the current level of understanding has not yet occurred for human use.

End stage renal disease and its dental management.

In recent years, the incidence of renal disease has become more common in middle-aged to geriatric patients. This has led to greater exposure of dental surgeons to patients with renal disease and on hemodialysis. This article highlights the clinical features of patients with end-stage renal disease, the oral manifestations and the precautions to be taken while managing them in a dental setting.

Gingival recession and pathologic migration due to an unusual habit.

Various etiologies are implicated as causes of gingival recession and pathological tooth migration, most prevalent among these being the tissue destruction caused by periodontal pathogens. One of the least documented causes is a parafunctional habit, such as digit-sucking or sucking on objects like pencils, pens or toothpicks, all of which can lead to adverse effects on the dentition and the periodontal tissues resulting in midline diastema, alveolar bone loss, gingival recession, mobility, and ultimately tooth loss. This case report describes the periodontal injury caused by an unusual habit of placing a coin between the mandibular anterior teeth.