Forensic entomology is the study of insects/arthropods in criminal investigation. Right from the early stages insects are attracted to the decomposing body and may lay eggs in it. By studying the insect population and the developing larval stages, forensic scientists can estimate the postmortem index, any change in position of the corpse as well as the cause of death. Forensic odontologists are called upon more frequently to collaborate in criminal investigations and hence should be aware of the possibilities that forensic entomology have to offer and use it as an adjunct to the conventional means of forensic investigation.

Oral erythema multiforme (EM) is considered as a third category of EM other than EM minor and major. Patients present with oral and lip ulcerations typical of EM but without any skin target lesions. It has been reported that primary attacks of oral EM is confined to the oral mucosa but the subsequent attacks can produce more severe forms of EM involving the skin. Hence, it is important to identify and distinguish them from other ulcerative disorders involving oral cavity for early management. This article reports two cases of oral EM that presented with oral and lip ulcerations typical of EM without any skin lesions and highlights the importance of early diagnosis and proper management.

Linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) dermatosis (LAD) is a rare autoimmune disorder that presents as a vesiculo-bullous lesion with cutaneous manifestations, but rare oral mucosal involvement. Here we discuss a case of a vesiculobullous lesion with severe oral and ocular mucosal involvement mimicking pemphigoid with histopathological evidence of subepithelial blisters. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) confirmed the lesion as LAD of adult variant, although with atypical clinical features.

Context:A huge number of people carry dental fillings which contain either mercury-based amalgam and/or the recently introduced methacrylate-based resins. It has been shown that both these materials are known to be leached into the oral cavity and induce genotoxic alterations in the buccal mucosal cells. Because of its low cost and ease of manipulation, dental amalgam is still widely used as a restorative material in developing countries. The health risks associated with the components of this restorative material has always been a matter of concern. The present study was designed to assess the frequency of micronuclei (MN) in oral mucosal cells as it is a promising tool for studying the genotoxic effect of clastogenic agents on them.Aims:The aim of this study is to evaluate the genotoxic effects of silver amalgam and composite restorations by measuring the mean number of MN in oral exfoliated cells.Materials and Methods:The present study was a prospective cohort study which includes a study group consisting of 110 participants. The study sample was equally divided into 55 participants requiring only amalgam restoration and 55 participants requiring only composite restoration in any permanent molar teeth. The same participants before the restoration formed the control group. Smears were obtained from each patient before and 10 days after restoration and were stained with DNA-specific Feulgen stain. The number of cells containing MN out of 500 cells were counted and recorded. After the evaluation of the slides, the results were compiled and subjected to statistical analysis.Results:There was a statistically significant (P < 0.01) variation in the mean number of MN after the restoration in both amalgam (5.41 ± 1.25) and composite (2.83 ± 0.85) restorations when compared to before the restoration. However, the mean number of MN in composite restoration was significantly less when compared to amalgam restoration. There was also a statistically significant difference in the mean number of MN in subjects with single restoration when compared with multiple restorations in both amalgam and composite restorations.Conclusions:The observations from the present study showed the genotoxic effect of amalgam and composite restorations on the oral cavity. However, composite restorations were least cytotoxic when compared to amalgam restoration. Future research and technical advancements are needed for developing safer materials for use in humans.

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