Introduction Periostin, a secreted adhesion molecule, is a matricellular protein secreted most in periodontal ligament and periosteum. This periostin is needed for integrity and maturation of periodontal tissue. The present study was conducted to estimate and compare the gingival crevicular fluid and serum periostin levels in subjects having chronic periodontitis, gingivitis and healthy periodontium. Methods Ninety patients belonging to both sexes were categorized into three groups, 30 patients each as healthy periodontium (Group I), chronic gingivitis (Group II) and generalised chronic periodontitis (Group III). The clinical parameters included assessment of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum samples were collected and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to estimate periostin levels. Results Periostin levels in GCF were comparatively low in the chronic periodontitis than in the gingivitis and healthy periodontium groups and the difference was statistically significant. No statistical difference was found for serum periostin levels among Group I, Group II and Group III. On comparison of clinical parameters, significant difference was noticed among the three groups. GCF periostin levels were correlated inversely with the clinical parameters in chronic periodontitis patients. Conclusion GCF periostin levels were gradually reduced with the increase in severity of periodontal disease. This novel biomarker has role in maintaining normal periodontal tissue function and may be used as a potential marker in periodontal disease activity evaluation.

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Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a precancerous condition including oral mucosa, oropharynx, and rarely the larynx resulting from habits like areca nut chewing, pan masala chewing, smoking and consumption of hot and spicy food like chillies. The various treatment modalities are used to provide symptomatic relief. This article is the collection of published literature on the adjuvant therapies in treating OSMF. The literature suggest the use of curcumin, tulsi, aloe vera, spirulina, sesame oil and lycopene as treatment modalities for OSMF. The relevant literature proves that these adjuvant modalities promise a natural and cost-effective treatment option along with lifestyle modification will help in curing the disease. Though studies need to be evaluated to enhance its awareness and use by patients as a primary noninvasive therapeutic modality.

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Pain is an undesirable sensation that any person would never want to experience. Dental pain is unbearable as the inflammation of the dental pulp is encased by hard dentin and cementum unlike other parts of the body and that deteriorates the normal lifestyle of the person experiencing it. Patients experience extreme pain till the commencement of any dental treatment. Though the right treatment procedure relieves the cause of the pain, post-operative pain exists till the complete healing occurs. This proves to us the importance of dental analgesics. There are many analgesics available and not everything will be appropriate. Proper selection of analgesics helps in the betterment of the patient’s status. This article reviews the commonly available analgesics and their pharmacological aspects which help in managing dental pain.