Removal of black stains from teeth by photodynamic therapy: clinical and microbiological analysis.

Black-pigmented bacteria (BPB) are Gram-negative anaerobic, non-motile, proteolytic rods strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Although pigments are produced in vitro, black pigmentation is rarely found clinically. However, it may compromise aesthetics and contribute to gingival inflammation.

Oral manifestations associated with systemic complications of prune belly syndrome.

Prune belly syndrome (PBS) is a rare congenital malformation of unknown etiology characterized by congenital abnormalities including abdominal wall flaccidity, urinary tract alterations, and bilateral cryptorchidism. The incidence of the syndrome is between 1/35000 and 1/50000 live births and there is little information about the oral findings. The present case describes the oral manifestations of a 15-year-old boy diagnosed with PBS.

Periodontal disease as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease: suggestion of a further link in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Due to either infection or disease activity, elevated levels of inflammatory markers and up-regulation of the autoimmune process can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in SLE patients. Periodontal diseases are among the most prevalent chronic infections in humans and are characterized by pathogen-induced oral inflammatory disease affecting the supporting tissues of teeth.

Periodontal infection in adult-onset Still's disease patient: clinical and haematological considerations.

In this case report, the authors described the first case of a patient with adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) who presents advanced periodontal infection. AOSD is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology, characterised by spiking fever, usually exceeding 39°C, an evanescent salmon pink rash, arthritis and multiorgan involvement. Periodontal infection is a pathogen-induced oral inflammatory disease affecting the supporting tissues of teeth and is currently considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Myiasis infestation in advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral myiasis is a rare manifestation in humans and is vulnerable to attack in conditions leading to persistent mouth opening along with poor oral hygiene, suppurating lesions and cancerous wound, mainly in tropical countries. Myiasis is diagnosed clinically based on the presence of maggots and traditional management is the mechanical removal of the larvae. This is a case report of myiasis in a 44-year-old man diagnosed with invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Clinical aspects of congenital syphilis with Hutchinson's triad.

Congenital syphilis is an infectious disease caused by Treponema pallidum transmitted by infected mother to her baby during pregnancy. Late congenital syphilis is recognised with 2 or more years after birth. One of the main aspects is observed with the triad of Hutchinson, characterised by the presence of interstitial keratitis, eighth nerve deafness and Hutchinson's teeth.

Prevalence of smoking among dentists in the Federal District of Brasília, Brazil.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of smoking among dentists in the Federal District of Brasília, Brazil.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey, involving 446 dentists residing in the Federal District, was conducted in the second semester of 2004. Data regarding the smoking habit were obtained using a World Health Organization questionnaire that was translated and validated for use in Brazil by the Brazilian National Cancer Institute.