Background: Women's health undergoes physiological, pathological and psychological changes after menopause. Reduced estrogen levels have been implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Estrogen is also known to affect the salivary gland functions. To understand the association between serum estrogen, osteoporosis and salivary calcium, the present cross-sectional study was undertaken. Aim: The aim of this study is to determine salivary calcium levels and its use for the diagnosis of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Methodology: Ninety individuals divided into three groups of healthy controls, pregnant women and postmenopausal women were selected. Serum estrogen, salivary calcium and bone mineral density (BMD) at the heel region were estimated. Statistical analysis using the Mann–Whitney U-test was done to compare the results within the groups. Results: Mean estrogen levels were 115.8 ± 80.18 pg/mmol in control group, 7729.4 ± 907.6 pg/mmol in pregnant group and 51.2 ± 74.51 pg/mmol in postmenopausal group, respectively. The mean salivary calcium in control, pregnant and postmenopausal groups was 3.12 ± 0.63, 3.19 ± 0.62 and 7.12 ± 0.79 μg/dl, respectively. Paired comparison within the groups showed high statistical significance ( P = 0.0000) in the salivary calcium levels. The mean BMD of −2.3 (standard deviation [SD] ± 0.83) in the postmenopausal group was significantly lower than −0.6 (SD ± 0.99) and −0.2 (SD ± 1.42) of pregnant and control groups, respectively. Conclusion: A negative correlation was found between estrogen and bone density. A significant difference in salivary calcium was noted in the study groups, highlighting the role of salivary calcium in the detection of early bone changes in postmenopausal women.

No abstract

No abstract

Background: Effective oral hygiene is a crucial factor in maintaining good oral health, which is associated with overall health and health-related quality of life. The control of biofilm is the common pillar of the prevention and control of periodontal disease. The interdental brush (IDB) currently represents the primary and most effective method available for interproximal cleaning compared with brushing alone or the combined use of tooth brushing and dental floss. Methods: A total of 40 participants, with 10 each in control and test group, participated in the study. Clinical examination of gingival index, full mouth bleeding scores and plaque index were recorded supra gingival scaling was performed. Test group- interdental brushes were given and oral hygiene instructions were given through Touch-to Teach method (TOP). At 4 week and 6 week follow up oral hygiene instructions were repeated to respective groups. After 3 months, clinical examination was done and exit survey on patient-reported outcome measures was administered. Results: Intergroup comparison of gingival index, plaque index and pocket probing depth showed statistically significant difference between test and control group. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, we concluded that the appropriate use of interdental brushes along with effective oral hygiene maintenance using TOP permitted proper cleaning of the area with a significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis.

Localized gingival hyperplasia associated with pregnancy is a polypoid form of capillary hemangioma seen as a small, deep red or purplish lesion with a pedunculated base and a lobulated surface, which grows up to several centimeters in size. Its significant incidence of occurrence (1.5-8%) during pregnancy warrants the need for a meticulous oral hygiene care so as to reduce and eliminate the exuberant tissue response to local irritation or trauma seen in such cases. The manuscript highlights one such case report seen in our department.