Latex allergy (LA) is a common occupational issue among health care workers, with a sensitization rate of 5-17% among the exposed. Although the incidence of LA has decreased dramatically in the United States and Europe over the past few years, 150,000-1 million health care workers and more than 15 million people worldwide still suffer from LA.^[1]

How to cite this article: Gad A, Riad A, Patel J. Latex allergy – A neglected hazard of COVID-19 response. J Oral Dis Markers 2020;4:1-2.

Received: 26 August 2020;

Accepted: 29 August 2020

Among the fungi, Candida albicans is the most common microorganism to pose a possible risk factor for the malignant transformation (MT) in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). The presence of candidal infection may increase the risk of a OPMDs malignant potential. Histologically diagnosed fungal infection of the oral mucosa has been shown to exhibit epithelial dysplasia and vice versa. The rate of MT in leukoplakia with candidal infection is higher than that in uninfected leukoplakia. If left untreated, candida leukoplakia has a higher rate of neoplastic changes as compared to non-candida leukoplakia. Strong evidence of the fungal involvement in MT of oral leukoplakia is displayed by this higher rate of conversion. The current article reviews the potential role of candida infection in the MT of oral leukoplakia.

Keywords: Candida, Leukoplakia, Malignant transformation

How to cite this article: Rathod P, Waingade M, Mahajan M, Jangam DK. Candida in malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia: A review. J Oral Dis Markers 2020;4(1):3-6.

Received: 12 August 2020;

Accepted: 02 September 2020

The use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has been exponentially increasing worldwide. These electronic vaping devices are widely available and are being marketed as a smoking cessation tool and a safer alternative to conventional tobacco cigarettes. However, there is inadequate evidence to support these safety marketing claims. The oral cavity is the first encounter of the e-cigarettes smoke and aerosols, yet data regarding the effects of e-cigarettes on oral health are still limited and controversial. Dental professionals may have a major role in raising public awareness about the potential hazards of e-cigarettes on the oral mucosa, teeth, and their supporting structures. Moreover, dental records may serve as a leading repertoire for observations and follow-up data for future studies. The aim of this review is to provide dental professionals with an updated overview of the available data regarding the effects of e-cigarettes on oral health.

Keywords: E-cigarettes, Oral health, Vaping

How to cite this article: Alshafei N, Kandil SE, Wahba M, Iskaros MA, Kolaib YM, Mokhtar R, Helwa I. E-cigarettes and oral health - What do dental professionals need to know? J Oral Dis Markers 2020;4(1):7-13.

Received: 03 December 2020;

Accepted: 27 December 2020

The recent times have envisaged a mammoth global threat in the form of the novel coronavirus infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS Cov 2) virus. This deadly virus has been found to possess a spike glycoprotein in its structural assembly that it uses to penetrate the host tissues. The oral cavity has been found to be a vulnerable portal of entry of the SARS Cov 2 virus due to the expression of the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 enzyme. Moreover, oral diseases such as periodontitis and oral cancer make the oral tissues more vulnerable to SARS Cov2 entry due to the overexpression of molecules such as Cathepsin L and Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) which are used by the virus for binding and entry. Melatonin an endogenous indoleamine has been found to be synthesized in the oral cavity and has been found to be protective against the SARS Cov 2 entry due to its modulatory effects on Cathepsin L and EMMPRIN. This paper highlights the mechanisms involved and suggests the adjunctive use of melatonin as a supplement in the form of gels, mouth washes, and lozenges to prevent SARS Cov 2 viral entry into the oral cavity.

Key words: Melatonin, Oral cavity, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

How to cite this article: Shanmugam JB, Siroraj P, Varadarajan S, Sridhar LP, Raghunathan J, Rajamanickam KD, Ganesh S, Balaji TM. The expression of melatonin and its receptors in the oral cavity could protect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 entry. J Oral Dis Markers 2020;4(1):1-3.

Received: 06-01-2021;

Accepted: 01-04-2021

Fibroepithelial polyp is the most common epithelial tumor and a proliferative fibrous lesion that causes unesthetic and functional discrepancies. These are commonly present in the buccal mucosa, labial mucosa, and tongue. In this case, the patient had a solitary swelling of size approximately 10 cm extending from the labial to the lingual aspect (in between 42 and 43), up to the floor of the mouth. The lesion was surgically excised and sent for biopsy, which confirmed it to be a fibroepithelial polyp. These types of lesions are commonly traumatic in origin and are difficult for proper diagnosis. They pose practical difficulty for the dentist in treatment planning like any fabrication of prosthetic appliance. Thus, the recurrence of such lesions can be avoided by successful surgical excision by the dentist.

Keywords: Case report, Fibroepithelial polyp, Proliferative fibrous growth, Solitary swelling

How to cite this article: Bhuvaneswari B, Catherine J, Vikram V, Jagannathan R, Balaji TM. A bizarre presentation of fibroepithelial polyp - A case report. J Oral Dis Markers 2020;4(1):17-19.

Received: 05-01-2021;

Accepted: 16-05-2021

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of diode laser in gingivectomy procedure following fixed orthodontic treatment in terms of post-operative bleeding and pain.

Materials and Methods: A total of 15 patients undergoing fixed orthodontic appliance treatment were recruited for the study. Complete intraoral examination 1 month before the termination of their orthodontic treatment was done and patients were enrolled for the study. A 970 nm diode laser (SIROLaser, SIRONA, Germany) with a 320 µm fiber at 1.2 W power was used to perform a gingivectomy procedure. Post-operative bleeding time was assessed. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain during the procedure.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 19 ± 2.3 years. No adverse effects were reported by any of the patients. Only 1 out of the 15 patients experienced mild pain during the procedure and required injecting a local anesthetic agent.

Conclusion: The use of laser for gingivectomy after fixed orthodontic treatment was well accepted by the patient. Future studies employing a split-mouth design to compare laser gingivectomy and other conventional methods will help make laser a part of our day-to-day clinical practice.

Clinical Significance: Laser gingivectomy provides minimal bleeding, clean operative site low pain postoperatively with the added benefit of avoiding injection of local anesthetic agent.

Keywords: Gingivectomy, Laser dentistry, Orthodontic treatment

How to cite this article: Rajendran S, Jagannathan R, Sridhar LP, Balaji TM, Varadarajan S, Bhuvaneswari B, Catherine J, Vikram V. Nine hundred and seventy nanometer diode laser in the management of gingival hyperplasia following fixed orthodontic treatment. J Oral Dis Markers 2020;4(1):20-23.

Received: 20-01-2021;

Accepted: 18-05-2021