Friday 25 September 2020

Wednesday 23 September 2020

Dengue immunity against COVID-19


 A new study in Brazil has found a link between the spread of the coronavirus and past outbreaks of dengue fever that suggests exposure to the mosquito-transmitted illness may provide some level of immunity against COVID-19.

Places with lower coronavirus infection rates and slower case growth were locations that had suffered intense dengue outbreaks this year or last.

This indicates that there is an immunological interaction between two viruses that nobody could have expected.

It highlights a significant correlation between lower incidence, mortality and growth rate of COVID-19 in populations in Brazil where the levels of antibodies to dengue were higher.

by,

Dr. Renju T George,

India.


Monday 21 September 2020

Iodine solution and Covid-19

 Iodine solution and Covid-19


The University of Connecticut School of Medicine suggested that iodine solution may help in preventing the spread of novel coronavirus, 

This study is published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

The reaction of the virus in three different iodine concentrations -- 0.5 per cent, 1.25 per cent, and 2.5 per cent noted.

Researchers found that all three concentrations, including the weakest 0.5, can completely inactivate the virus.

The iodine solutions inactivated the virus within 15 seconds.

The Times Now reports also found that the iodine solution is remedial against other similar infections, including SARS and MERS.

ADVANTAGES

  • This could help reduce the risk of viral spread through droplets and aerosols.
  • This will help prevent the spread of the virus in waiting rooms and common areas of the hospitals/clinics.
  • This method could reduce the risk of coronavirus positive patients developing critical symptoms of the virus.
  •  It can help decrease the viral load that travels to the lungs.

Antiviral Properties of Iodine

Iodine has always been used as an antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-fungal agent, but sadly, there is no financial interest in modern medicine in iodine.

According to a study, iodine offers a severe and effective replacement for much of the antibiotics, and it could be used safely on children.

 Iodine is mostly used as treatment and prevention of infection in wounds, ulcers, burns, cuts, and other minor injuries.

Moreover, iodine can kill Candida and other fungi and microbes.

It is a powerful disinfectant.

Also, it is prescribed together with anti thyroid medicines to prepare the thyroid gland for surgery and to treat overactive thyroid conditions.

Ultimately, iodine provides people with a safe way to strengthen the immune system against microbes and correct a nutritional deficiency, which is common to many people.

TAKEAWAY NOTE

Study concluded that Iodine solution can completely inactivate Covid-19 within 15 seconds, even in low concentration of 0.5%

For more on povidone iodine 

https://dentalclinic-palarivattom.blogspot.com/2020/07/which-is-best-preoperative-rinse-in.html

by,
Dr.Renju T George,
India.

Wednesday 16 September 2020

Oral Cancer ! EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT SAVES LIFE


 ORAL CANCER

Oral cancer or mouth cancer is a cancer of the lining of the lips, mouth, or upper throat. In the mouth.

It can affect lips, tongue, cheeks, the floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

Causes

Smoking. Cigarette, cigar, or pipe smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancers.

Smokeless tobacco users. Users of dip, snuff, or chewing tobacco products are 50 times more likely to develop cancers of the cheek, gums, and lining of the lips.

Excessive consumption of alcohol. Oral cancers are about six times more common in drinkers than in nondrinkers.

Family history of cancer.

Excessive sun exposure, especially at a young age.

Human papilloma virus (HPV)

It is important to note that over 25% of all oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and who only drink alcohol occasionally.

SYMPTOMS



 It commonly starts as a painless white patch, that thickens, develops red patches, an ulcer, and continues to grow.

  • Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth.

  • The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth oral cancer

  • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

  • Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck

  • Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks

  • A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat

  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

  • Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice

  • Ear pain

  • A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together

  • Dramatic weight loss

If you notice any of these changes, contact your dentist or health care professional immediately.


Prevention

There's no proven way to prevent mouth cancer. However, you can reduce your risk of mouth cancer if you:

  • Stop using tobacco or don't start.
    • If you use tobacco, stop. If you don't use tobacco, don't start.
    • Using tobacco, whether smoked or chewed, exposes the cells in your mouth to dangerous cancer-causing chemicals.
  • Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all.
    • Chronic excessive alcohol use can irritate the cells in your mouth, making them vulnerable to mouth cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. 
    • For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure to your lips.
    • Protect the skin on your lips from the sun by staying in the shade when possible.
    • Wear a broad-brimmed hat that effectively shades your entire face, including your mouth.
    • Apply a sunscreen lip product as part of your routine sun protection regimen.
  • See your dentist regularly.
    • As part of a routine dental exam, ask your dentist to inspect your entire mouth for abnormal areas that may indicate mouth cancer or precancerous changes.

EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT SAVES LIFE

BY,

DR.RENJU T GEORGE,

INDIA

Monday 7 September 2020

Do you know Carotid calcifications in panoramic radiographs can cause stroke or ischemic heart diseases?

 

A long-term follow-up study shows that  Carotid calcifications in panoramic radio-graphs are associated with future stroke or ischemic heart diseases in 60–96-year-old individuals.

carotid calcification on the right side


figure1


In dental practice, panoramic radiography is a frequently performed radiographic diagnostic method that can also be utilized to identify carotid artery calcifications when the area of the carotid artery bifurcates is visible.  Calcifications in the area of the carotid bifurcation are usually localized posterior and inferior to the mandibular angle adjacent to the space between the third or fourth cervical vertebrae (C3 and C4).

Data suggest that calcification identified in panoramic radiographs can be identified in 3–15% of the adult population.These signs of carotid calcifications are more frequently found in panoramic dental radiographs from older individuals .