Forensic odontology and anthropology play an important role in the identification of humans/victims in mass disasters (accidents and earthquakes) and criminal cases (homicide, rape and suicide) even if less available human remains or samples. Forensic also helps in the identification of age, sex, stature estimation and race identification using photographs, bite marks, lip prints, palatal rugae, radiographs and dental DNA identification if antemortem records are available. Here, we review the available methods of human identification. Cone-beam computed tomography of the skull showed superiority in comparison of both facial skeletal and soft tissue to examine the teeth, occlusion, palatal rugae, soft tissue thickness and other unique features.

A strong and healthy microbiome is responsible for homeostasis between the host and microbiota which is necessary to achieve the normal functioning of the body. Dysbiosis provokes prevalence of pathogenic microbes, leading to alterations in gene expression profiles and metabolic processes. This in turn results in anomalous immune responses of the host. Dysbiosis may be associated with a wide variety of diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, allergic conditions, bronchitis, asthma, heart diseases and oncogenesis. Presently, the links between oral microbial consortia and their functions, not only in the preservation of homeostasis but also pathogenesis of several malignancies have gained much awareness from the scientific community. The primary intent of this review is to highlight the dynamic role of oral microbiome in oncogenesis and its progression through various mechanisms. A literature search was conducted using multiple databases comprising of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane electronic databases with keywords including microbiome, microbiota, carcinogenesis, tumorigenesis, and immunosuppression. Current and the past literature has pointed out the role of microorganisms in oncogenesis. It may be put forth that both the commensal and pathogenic strains of oral microbiome play an undeniably conspicuous role in carcinogenesis at different body sites.

Background: Basal metabolic index (BMI) is a unique anthropometric indicator used to define the relative amount of body fat on an individual’s frame. There are many diseases and conditions associated with obesity and underweight. Recent research trials suggest that there is a significant association between oral health indicators and BMI as both are attributed to common risk factors such as dietary, genetic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle issues. Objectives: The main objective of this review paper is to emphasize the association between BMI and oral health with available literature evidence. Methodology: A literature search was conducted using multiple databases comprising of MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, and Web of Science. The terms used for the search were “body mass index”, “periodontitis”, “dental caries”, and “tooth loss”. Results: In total, 2839 articles were obtained from the analysis of the databases. Unrelated articles from the available full text of 1135 articles were excluded. The main reasons for excluding the articles were: they were dietary guidelines and policy statements. A total of 66 studies were finally included in the review. Conclusion: The presence of dental caries, periodontitis and tooth loss may be associated with a higher BMI or obesity, whereas, improved oral health might be associated with lower BMI. Promoting general and oral health should be a hand in hand feature, as common risk factors can be embattled.

The scope of dentistry is ever-changing and dynamic in all fields of dentistry including periodontal health and disease. Recent studies show that oral health and systemic health are interdependent, particularly in the way that poor oral hygiene and periodontal health affect the systemic health of an individual and vice versa. Periodontal diseases are multifactorial in nature in which the role of bacterial infections is inevitable. Furthermore, high-throughput sequencing technologies have shed light on the dysregulation of the growth of oral microbial flora and their environment, including those that are associated with periodontitis and other oral and non-oral diseases. Under such circumstances, it becomes important to explore oral microbiota and understand the effects of periodontal pathogens in the pathogenesis of systemic diseases. In addition, it may strengthen our view that a better understanding of oral microbial flora and proper examination of the oral cavity may aid in the early diagnosis and possible treatment of systemic diseases and conditions. This will eventually lead to providing better care to our patients. Therefore, in this research, we attempt to outline the periodontal pathophysiology along with the role of periodontal pathogens in some commonly encountered systemic conditions.

with history of wound in mouth, causing nasal regurgitation of food for a period of 4 weeks. Examination revealed, a 3 × 3 cm oval ulcer at the junction of hard and soft palate in the midline, covered with extensive pseudomembrane and associated with foul smell. The ulcer was tender, with well-defined borders and everted margins [Figure 1]. Occlusal radiographs showed evidence of communication with the nasal cavity. Routine blood investigations along with serology (VDRL for syphilis and ELISA for HIV) were negative. Histopathology demonstrated candidal hyphae, while pus culture and antibiogram showed isolated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Accordingly, local debridement was done, along with parenteral vancomycin 1 g/day administered 8 hourly and oral fluconazole 150 mg once daily for a week. The patient was referred for surgical management of the fistula after satisfactory healing.

Introduction: Salivary matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is an established diagnostic biomarker for detection and prognosis of oral cancer. Objectives: The current study aimed to estimate salivary MMP-9 in oral leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), which are considered as oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Material and methods: A comparative observational study of 60 subjects was conducted, including 20 patients diagnosed with OSMF (group A, n = 20), 20 diagnosed with oral leukoplakia (group B, n = 20), and 20 as healthy controls (group C, n = 20) according to standard criteria. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected for evaluation of MMP-9 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was applied for comparison of groups. Bonferroni-adjusted one-way ANOVA test was performed for intra-group comparison. Results: Descriptive statistics of the data revealed that mean age of study participants in group A, group B, and group C were 50.30 ± 9.96 years, 46.70 ± 12.59 years, and 33.30 ± 4.70 years, respectively. Mean salivary MMP-9 level in OSMF, oral leukoplakia, and control group were 9.42 ng/ml, 10.59 ng/ml, and 2.96 ng/ml, respectively, with a p-value < 0.001 between OSMF and oral leukoplakia when compared with controls. Conclusions: A significant difference was noted in salivary MMP-9 levels among patients with OPMD's compared to controls. A slightly higher value of MMP-9 was observed in oral leukoplakia. Estimation of salivary MMP-9 level is a non-invasive and a reliable biomarker in diagnosis of OPMD's and in accessing their malignant transformation.

Background: The root canal treatment is one of the common dental or endodontic therapies associated with high levels of patient anxiety. Yoga therapy (YT) is reported in medical literature as an effective modality in bringing down anxiety in clinical scenarios; however, the reports of the same for dental settings are fewer. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of YT on biopsychosocial parameters in patients undergoing root canal therapy. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 50 participants who underwent dental root canal therapy. The sample was divided into two groups: Yoga group (Group A; n = 25) who received YT and control group (Group B; n = 25) who were subjected to self-relaxation during dental procedure. The state of anxiety was measured by a 5-point single-item Likert scale and the cardiovascular (CV) parameters (systolic blood pressure [SBP], diastolic blood pressure [DBP], heart rate [HR]) and CV indices (pulse pressure [PP], mean arterial pressure [MAP], rate-pressure product [RPP], and double product [DoP]) were derived and compared between both the groups. Results: The intergroup comparison showed statistically significant differences in anxiety score ( P < 0.001), SBP ( P < 0.001), MAP ( P < 0.001), RPP ( P < 0.001), DoP ( P < 0.001), HR ( P < 0.029), DBP ( P < 0.003), and PP ( P < 0.116). Conclusion: A significant reduction was recorded in terms of anxiety and primary and derived CV parameters in the yoga group. The YT can be adopted as an interventional tool for anxiety management in patients indicated for dental root canal therapy.

Background:Forensic facial reconstruction is a combination of both artistic skill and scientific methods.It can be used to reconstruct the soft tissues onto the skull in order to obtain the image of an individual for her/his recognition and identification . Some reviewers considered that forensic facial reconstruction is a method of facial approximation, i.e. various facial patterns can be established from the same skull. Main body: The review aimed to describe CBCT is the better investigating tool for the facial recognition for forensic identification A search in PubMed,Google Scholar,and Scopus electronic databases from 2010 to 2020 was conducted to include studies according to PRISMA guidelines.12 studies were eligible for the review. Conclusions: .Cone beam CT images of the face using routine scanning protocols are a reliable method of measuring the soft tissue thickness in the facial region and give a good representation of the facial soft tissues.