BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Few studies have been conducted in the Saudi population on oral mucosal lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the type and extent of oral lesions in a study among dental patients at a college of dentistry in Saudi Arabia.PATIENTS AND METHODS:Over a 3-year period, 2552 dental outpatients were interviewed and investigated clinically for the presence of oral mucosal conditions. A thorough oral clinical examination was performed, including a radiographic examination. The diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically when necessary.RESULTS:Of 383 (15.0%) patients found to have oral mucosal lesions, females constituted 57.7% (n=221) and males 42.3% (n=162). The age range of the patients was between 15 to 73 years with a mean age of 38.2 years. The most commonly affected age group was 31 to 40 years, which comprised 21.4% (n=82) of all affected individuals. The least affected age group were individuals older than 61 years. The most common lesion was Fordyce granules (3.8%; n=98), followed by leukoedema (3.4%; n=86) and traumatic lesions (ulcer, erosion) in 1.9% (n=48). Tongue abnormalities were present in 4.0% (n=101) of all oral conditions observed, ranging from 1.4% (n=36) for fissured tongue to 0.1% (n=2) for bifid tongue. Other findings detected were torous platinus (1.3%; n=34), mandibular tori (0.1%; n=2) aphthous ulcer (0.4%; n=10), herpes simplex (0.3%; n=7), frictional hyperkeratosis (0.9%; n=23), melanosis (0.6%; n=14), lichen planus (0.3%; n=9) and nicotinic stomatitis (0.5%; n=13).CONCLUSION:The findings of this study provide information on the types and prevalence of oral lesions among Saudi dental patients. This provides baseline data for future studies about the prevalence of oral lesions in the general population.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe the oral health status among psychiatric patients as compared to psychologically normal controls. Method: A convenience sample of 100 patients who regularly attended a psychiatric clinic in King Saud University, King Khalid Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was selected as the study group. The control group consisted of 84 age-and gender-matched volunteers. All controls were screened using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and five persons were excluded based on this. All the participants were interviewed and a comprehensive review questionnaire designed for this survey was completed, then they were examined. The examination involved an extra-oral examination as well as examination of teeth and soft tissues using the decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index, the Silness and Löe plaque index and the bleeding index. Results: The study group had more tenderness in the masticatory muscles, especially the temporalis muscle. Temporomandbular joint findings showed no significant differences between groups. Decayed, missing, filled teeth index, plaque and bleeding indices were higher among the study group. The incidence of scalloped tongue was significantly higher among psychiatric patients. Conclusion: Oral health status is worse among psychiatric patients, who are more likely to develop some oral conditions, such as temporomandibular disorder and dental caries. It is necessary for both dental and mental healthcare providers to be aware of patients' needs and preventive measures to be instituted for them.

Aim:To evaluate the effect of myrrh compared with chlorhexidine gluconate-and tetracyclinecontaining mouthwashes on wound healing over time in an animal model. Methods: A unilateral incision on the right buccal mucosa was made, and the wound was irrigated with myrrh-, chlorhexidine gluconate-, or tetracycline-based mouthwashes at various time intervals. Clinical and histological examination was performed for all the groups. Results: It was found that the myrrh suspension promotes healing and repair of damaged tissue when used over a short period of time (less than 2 weeks) and in a low-concentration suspension; however, it can have harmful effects if used in excess or over a long period of time. Conclusion: Further studies will also be required to study these effects and their mechanism of action in detail.

AimTo evaluate the effect of myrrh compared with chlorhexidine gluconate- and tetracycline-containing mouthwashes on wound healing over time in an animal model.MethodsA unilateral incision on the right buccal mucosa was made, and the wound was irrigated with myrrh-, chlorhexidine gluconate-, or tetracycline-based mouthwashes at various time intervals. Clinical and histological examination was performed for all the groups.ResultsIt was found that the myrrh suspension promotes healing and repair of damaged tissue when used over a short period of time (less than 2 weeks) and in a low-concentration suspension; however, it can have harmful effects if used in excess or over a long period of time.ConclusionFurther studies will also be required to study these effects and their mechanism of action in detail.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess patient-dentist communication and to evaluate the factors affecting it among Saudi patients and its effect on satisfaction. Materials and Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was designed for this survey with 5-scale Likert-type statements. Results: Patients' main concern was the courtesy followed by information interaction, moral support, explaining the procedure and understanding of the patient's feelings. These were the factors that contributed positively to good communication and satisfaction. Conclusion: It could be concluded that Saudi dentist possess a satisfactory ability to communicate with their patients.