Oral presentation of Wegener granulomatosis

Article Abstract:

Wegener's granulomatosis is a systemic disease of the head and neck area which manifests itself in granulomatous vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels), glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney), and small vessel hypersensitivity vasculitis. Untreated cases of Wegener's disease can lead to sepsis and death. Although Wegener's disease rarely affects the mouth, in some cases it appears as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). In these cases, a unique pattern is created. The patient shows an exuberant gingivitis with granular, fragile tissue, and scattered petechial areas (blood spots). No other disease is known to produce this combination of symptoms. As a result, the dentist encountering this condition in a patient should refer the patient for medical evaluation and treatment. Wegener's granulomatosis is treated with cytotoxic agents, most frequently, cyclophosphamide. In some cases, these agents are used in conjunction with glucocorticosteroids. When possible, corticosteroid therapy is tapered off, and both drugs are discontinued after one year of treatment. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Causes of, Gingivitis, Gum diseases, Wegener's granulomatosis

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Effectiveness of mechanical tongue cleaning on oral levels of volatile sulfur compounds

Article Abstract:

Tongue cleaners may not eliminate volatile sulfur compounds that can cause bad breath, according to researchers who evaluating tongue cleaning with a toothbrush, a tongue scraper, and a tongue cleaner that combines a scraper with a brush. Although the tongue cleaner was most effective in reducing volatile sulfur levels, the effect only lasted about 30 minutes.

Care and treatment, Prevention, Breath, Offensive, Bad breath, Tongue

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Oral health during pregnancy: an analysis of information collected by the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System

Article Abstract:

Many pregnant women do not seek dental treatment for any tooth or gum disease they may develop. Data from the four-state Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System show that up to one-fourth of all pregnant women develop some kind of dental problem but only half went to a dentist.

Health aspects, Surveys, Pregnant women, Tooth diseases

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