Background:The aim of the study was to determine the microbial presence and type in the biofilms present on the surface of oral squamous cell carcinomas and benign lesions of oral mucosa.Methods: Thirty new (untreated) patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma were examined. The control group consisted of thirty subjects with benign lesions of oral mucosa. Swab samples were taken from the superficial layer of the carcinoma and benign lesions for bacteriological examination. Swabs were transported within 2 hours and immediately sown and incubated. Oral health index was assessed in all patients. Results:The prevalence of pathological bacterial microflora was significantly higher in cancer patients (p<0.01). No significant associations were found between bacterial presence and gender, localization, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and denture wearing (p>0.05). Poor oral hygiene was also registered in cancer patients. Conclusion:Possibility of microflora retention on irregular oral carcinoma surface possibly contributes to chronic inflammation often observed on the surface of oral carcinomas.

Applying VAS in the evaluation of acute and chronic pain can indicate progression or regression of pathological state under clinical conditions. This study showed that VAS, as a method for follow-up of pathological state, is more applicable and efficient when applied in chronic pain evaluation.

The last few years have brought many changes in daily habits and overall lifestyle of human population, which is accompanied by increased exposure to acidic substances and increased consumption of acidic food. Regardless of the numerous warnings given by the World Health Organization about the harmful effects of carbonated beverages on general health, popularity and frequency of Coca-Cola usage have been growing steadily. Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated its potential negative effects on tooth structure. Good health education in developed countries has improved the awareness of the importance of oral hygiene; on the other hand, greater consumption of soft drinks has increased the incidence of dental erosions. Effective prevention and monitoring of dental erosions mostly depend on the knowledge about the etiology and early recognition of signs and symptoms of these lesions in clinical practice