The presence of xerostomia and hyposalivation is frequent among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. It is not clear if the presence of xerostomia and hyposalivation is greater in DM than non-DM patients. The aims of this systematic review are (1) to compare the prevalence rates of xerostomia, (2) to evaluate the salivary flow rate, and (3) to compare the prevalence rates of hyposalivation in DM versus non-DM population. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA group guidelines by performing systematic literature searches in biomedical databases from 1970 until January 18th, 2016. All studies showed higher prevalence of xerostomia in DM patients in relation to non-DM population, 12.5%–53.5% versus 0–30%. Studies that analyzed the quantity of saliva in DM population in relation to non-DM patients reported higher flow rates in non-DM than in DM patients. The variation flow rate among different studies in each group (DM/CG) is very large. Only one existing study showed higher hyposalivation prevalence in DM than non-DM patients (45% versus 2.5%). In addition, quality assessment showed the low quality of the existing studies. We recommend new studies that use more precise and current definitions concerning the determination and diagnosis of DM patients and salivary flow collection.

BackgroundSince its appearance in the dental area, the laser has become a treatment of choice in the removal of lesions in the oral soft tissues, due to the numerous advantages they offer, being one of the most used currently the diode laser. The aim of this review was to determine the efficacy and predictability of diode laser as a treatment of soft tissue injuries compared to other surgical methods.Material and MethodsA literature review of articles published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library databases between 2007 and 2017 was performed. “Diode laser”, “soft tissue”, “oral cavity” and “oral surgery” were employed for the search strategy. Only articles published English or Spanish were selected.ResultsThe diode laser is a minimally invasive technology that offers great advantages, superior to those of the conventional scalpel, such as reduction of bleeding, inflammation and the lower probability of scars. Its effectiveness is comparable to that of other types of lasers, in addition to being an option of lower cost and greater ease of use. Its application in the soft tissues has been evaluated, being a safe and effective method for the excision of lesions like fibromas, epulis fissuratum and the accomplishment of frenectomies.ConclusionsThe diode laser can be used with very good results for the removal of lesions in soft tissues, being used in small exophytic lesions due to their easy application, adequate coagulation, no need to suture and the slightest inflammation and pain. Key words:Diode laser, soft tissues, oral cavity, oral surgery.

The aim of this study was to determine whether there exists a higher prevalence of tinnitus in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) than in patients without TMDs. A systematic review was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE for articles published between January 1992 and April 2018 in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Studies were included in this review only if they assessed TMDs using the research diagnostic criteria (RDC)/TMD or DC/TMD. A total of five studies were included in the systematic review, and a random-effects meta-analysis of three of the studies was conducted. In all of the selected studies, the prevalence of tinnitus was higher in patients with TMDs (35.8% to 60.7%) than in patients without TMDs (9.7% to 26.0%). The odds ratio of suffering from tinnitus among patients with TMDs was 4.45 (95% CI 1.64-12.11. P = 0.003). Thus, despite the limitations of the included studies, this review demonstrates that the prevalence of tinnitus in TMD patients is significantly higher than that in patients without TMD.

BackgroundWe want to assess quality of life in elderly patients in relation to the number of remaining teeth, the number of ingested drugs and xerostomía and to determine the correlation between an increased intake of drugs and a greater feeling of dry mouth and to know the most commonly used measures to control xerostomia.Material and Methods30 subjects aged between 65 and 95 years (14 males, 16 females) completed the OHIP questionnaire to determine quality of life. For oral status, the number of remaining teeth according to WHO criteria and xerostomia using the xerostomia index (XI) were studied. In cases of dry mouth sensation, the measures to alleviate it were asked.ResultsThe average quality of life according to the OHIP rate is 19.23 (Dt = 10.58), being 56 the worst quality of life. The Pearson correlation coefficient indicates that quality of life is not related to the number of remaining teeth (r = -0.046; p = 0.810) nor the number of ingested drugs (r = 0.226; p = 0.23) but a greater sensation of dry mouth is related to a poorer quality of life (r = 0.678; p = 0.230). There is no association between the number of ingested drugs and the xerostomia index (r = 0.144; p = 0.447). The most frequently measures used against dry mouth were drinking water (21 subjects) and sugarless candies (15 subjects).ConclusionsQuality of life is not related to the number of remaining teeth nor the number of ingested drugs. However, a higher level of xerostomia was significantly associated with a poorer quality of life. There is no association between the number of drugs ingested and xerostomia index. Sugarless candies and drinking water are the more frequently used measures to alleviate dry mouth. Key words:Quality of life, oral health, elderly.

BackgroundSjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease related to two common symptoms: dry mouth and eyes. Although, xerostomia and hyposialia have been frequently reported in these patients, not many studies have evaluated other oral manifestations. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate prevalence rates of oral lesions (OL) in SS patients and to compare it to a control group (CG), when available.Material and MethodsAn exhaustive search of the published literature of the Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) for relevant studies that met our eligibility criteria (up to September 1st 2017).ResultsSeventeen cross-sectional studies and one cohort study were finally included. The results showed that SS patients presented more OL compared to non-SS patients. The most frequent types of OL registered in primary and secondary SS were angular cheilitis, atrophic glossitis, recurrent oral ulcerations and grooves or fissurations of the tongue, also when compared to a CG.ConclusionsOL are common and more frequent in SS patients when compared to a CG. This may be a consequence of low levels of saliva. More studies where these OL and all the possible cofounding factors are taken into account are needed. Key words:Sjögren’s syndrome, oral lesions, oral diseases, oral manifestations, oral disorders, systematic review.