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Background and Objectives: Brushing the teeth with fibrous husk of Cocos nucifera (coconut) is a common oral hygiene practice among people of rural areas of South India. However, the probable antimicrobial properties of this plant material against common oral pathogens have not been proved scientifically. Therefore, the present study was designed. Materials and Methods: Alcoholic extract of the husk of Cocos nucifera was prepared and the antimicrobial properties against common oral pathogens like cariogenic bacteria, periodontal pathogens, and candidal organisms were performed by the Agar Well Diffusion Method. The results obtained were then subjected to statistical analysis using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD). Results: The alcoholic extract of Cocos nucifera showed a significant concentration-dependent antimicrobial activity, expressed as a zone of inhibition with respect to all tested organisms except Actinomyces species. The inhibitory effect was more significant, with a majority of cariogenic organisms and Candida, with a zone of inhibition ranging from 4.6 mm to 16.3 mm. However, the effect was lesser with Cocos nucifera compared to chlorhexidine. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 50 mg/ml to 75 mg/ml. Conclusion: Cocos nucifera has a significant inhibitory action against common oral pathogens, indicating the presence of highly effective antimicrobial compounds. Therefore, it is proved that its use can contribute to oral health to a great extent. Identification of these active compounds provides the scope for incorporating it into a modern oral care system, so as to control oral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma of jaw bones is a rare lesion. Abundance of clear cells in an intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma may complicate its histopathologic diagnosis. It becomes extremely important to distinguish this lesion from other clear cell lesions of jaw region. Here, we report a case of clear cell variant of intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the mandible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proto-oncogene bcl-2 is associated with follicular lymphoma involving translocation t (14; 18) (q32; q21) and is also over expressed in various neoplasms. Investigations into the sequential over expression of this oncoprotein in precancerous and cancerous lesions of the oral mucosa are lacking, and the possible role of bcl-2 in oral tumour progression remains unknown. Objectives: Objectives of the study were to evaluate the expression of bcl-2 oncoprotein in severe epithelial dysplasia and different grades of Oral squamous cell carcinoma. Methods : Immunohistochemical analysis were carried out in 10 cases of severe epithelial dysplasia & 10 cases each of well differentiated, moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated oral squamous cell carcinomas. Results & Conclusion: - Over expression of this oncoprotein was seen in severe epithelial dysplasia involving entire thickness of the epithelium with its down regulation in differentiating carcinomas, suggesting the role of this oncoprotein in early stages of tumour progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of many lesions of the oral cavity is challenging to most clinicians because of their uncommon prevalence. A number of cystic, metabolic, osteodystrophic, microbial, tumour and tumour like lesions of the oral cavity present with characteristic giant cell lesions; which makes their diagnosis and study simpler. We have attempted to classify the common giant cell lesions of the oral cavity, giving a brief account of their clinical, histological and diagnostic features, along with their recent treatment modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The histologic pattern of OKC is distinct and hence the cyst has potential for more aggressive behaviour than other cysts of the jaws. When inflammation is present within the cyst wall of an OKC, the character of the cyst lining changes from the classical pattern to a non-keratinized stratified squamous lining typical of other inflammatory cysts. This transformation often occurred quite abruptly at the margin of inflammed and noninflammed tissue. These findings prompted us to investigate the association of inflammation with OKC lining changes and explore its possible relationship to clinical behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ameloblastic fibroma is a rare mixed odontogenic tumour. Its usual site of occurrence is the posterior mandible, with very few cases being reported from the maxilla. The true nature of the lesion - hamartomatous or neoplastic - is still a point of debate. Here, we report a case of ameloblastic fibroma in the anterior maxilla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]