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Background:Anxiety-related traits have been attributed to sequence variability in the genes coding for serotonin transmission in  the brain. Two alleles, termed long (L) and short (S) differing by 44 base pairs, are found in a polymorphism identified in the promoter region of serotonin transporter gene. The presence of the short allele  and SS and LS genotypes is found to be associated with the reduced expression of this gene decreasing the uptake of serotonin in the brain leading to various anxiety-related traits. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is an oral mucosal disease with varied etiology including the presence of stress, anxiety, and genetic influences. The present study aimed to determine this serotonin transporter gene polymorphism in patients with RAS and compare it with normal individuals.Materials and Methods:This study included 20 subjects with various forms of RAS and 20 normal healthy age- and gender-matched individuals. Desquamated oral mucosal cells were collected for DNA extraction and subjected to polymerase chain reaction for studying insertion/deletion in the 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphic region. Cross tabulations followed by Chi-square tests were performed to compare the significance of findings, P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The LS genotype was the most common genotype found in the subjects with aphthous stomatitis (60%) and controls (40%). The total percentage of LS and SS genotypes and the frequency of S allele were found to be higher in the subjects with aphthous stomatitis as compared to the control group although a statistically significant correlation could not be established, P = 0.144 and 0.371, respectively.Conclusion:Within the limitations of this study, occurrence of RAS was not found to be associated with polymorphic promoter region in serotonin transporter gene.

Oral cavity harbors wide variety of microorganisms; these are considered crucial for the dental caries initiation and progression. Plaque-induced caries is a local disease; therefore, dentifrices are the most ideal vehicle for the daily delivery of antibacterial agents. In recent years, adjuncts to fluorides such as probiotics chlorhexidine have been proposed to in view of antiplaque and anticariogenic properties by means of reduction of bacterial count. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the anticariogenic activity and improvement in the oral health status of participants over a period of 45 days. Materials and Methods: A single blinded, parallel group, randomized controlled clinical study was conducted among healthy adults. Thirty individuals were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 15): Group I -probiotic dentifrice (test group) Group II -no intervention (control group) Saliva samples were evaluated for Streptococcus mutans colony forming unit (CFU/ml of saliva) at baseline, 15th, 30th, 45 th day of follow-up. Paired t-test and one-way. ANOVA were used to compare the mean differences of salivary S. mutans counts at the three time periods. Results: The mean S. mutans counts in saliva samples were significantly reduced in the treatment group at the 45th day of follow-up. Conclusion:The test group exhibited antimicrobial activity by bringing about a significant reduction in the mean S. mutans colony counts at the 30th day & 45 th day of follow-up.

To evaluate the clinical efficacy, and safety of a healing oral gel containing hyaluronic acid, CPC and lignocaine as active ingredients in the management of oral ulcers. Materials and Methods: The healing oral gel was evaluated in 10 subjects during a 7 day daily application in the mouth. Clinical efficacy was investigated in the form of changes in ulcer size, pain intensity, erythema, and exudation at days 0, 3 and 7 of study inclusion. Results: There was upto 86 % reduction in erythema, 88% reduction in ulcer size and upto 100% reduction seen with regard to pain intensity and exudation. Conclusion:The hyaluronic acid based gel proved to be effective in topical management of ulcers. It was also found to be was superior in decreasing ulcer size, erythema, and exudation. Also brought faster healing in ulcers.

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