Showing papers by "A.M. Idris published in 2016"

Relative Frequency of Oral Malignancies and Oral Precancer in the Biopsy Service of Jazan Province, 2009-2014.

Abstract: Background The objective of this study was to report the types and relative frequency of oral malignancies and precancer in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia during the period 2009-2014. Materials and methods Pathology reports were retrieved from the archives of Histopathology Department, King Fahd hospital in Jazan. Demographic data on tobacco habits, clinical presentation and histologic grading of oral precancer and cancer cases were transcribed from the files. Results 303 (42.7%) oral pre-malignant and malignant cases were found out of 714 oral biopsy lesions. A pathology diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (85.1%) was most frequent, followed by premalignant lesions/epithelial dysplasia (8.6%), verrucous carcinoma (3.3%) and malignancy of other histological types (3%) such as ameloblastic carcinoma, salivary gland malignancy and sarcomas. Oral squamous cell carcinoma was predominant in females with a male to female ratio of 1:1.9. Patient age ranged from 22 to 100 years with a mean of 65±13.9. Almost 44.6% of oral cancer had occurred after 65 years of age. Only 16.3% cases were reported in patients younger than 50 years, predominantly females. The majority of female patients had the habit of using shammah with a long duration of usage for more than 45 years. Bucco- alveolar mucosa (52.3%) was the common site of involvement followed by tongue/ floor of the mouth (47.7%) and clinically presented mostly as ulceration/swelling clinically. Moderately differentiated tumours (53.9%) were common followed by well differentiated (32.2%) and poorly differentiated tumours (5.8%). The prevalence of oral verrucous carcinoma (3.3%) was comparatively low with an equal distribution in both males and females. Both bucco-alveolar mucosa and tongue were predominantly affected. Oral precancer/epithelial dysplasia (8.6%) was common in females with a shammah habit. Bucco-alveolar mucosa was commonly involved and clinically presented mostly as white/red patches. Most cases were mild followed by moderate and severe dysplasia. Tumours of other histological types (3%) include 1 ameloblastic carcinoma, 3 malignant salivary gland tumours and 5 sarcomas. Conclusions In this study, it was found that oral cancers reported in the pathology service to be a common occurrence. This study reconfirms previous reports of the high burden of oral cancer in this population This indicates that conventional preventive programs focused on oral cancer are in need of revision. In addition, further research into identifying new risk factors and molecular markers for oral cancer are needed for screening high risk individuals.

Analysis of sugars and pH in commercially available soft drinks in Saudi Arabia with a brief review on their dental implications

Abstract: Objective: To determine the amount of sugar and pH in commercially available soft drinks in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. This was further compared with their labeled values in order to inform the regulations. The effects of these drinks on teeth is reviewed. Materials and Methods: Ten brands of popular soft drinks including 6 regular carbonated drinks and 4 energy drinks were obtained from the local markets. Their pH was determined using a pH meter. The amount of total sugar, glucose, fructose, and sucrose was estimated using high performance liquid chromatography (using Dionex ICS 5000 ion chromatography) at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Descriptive statistics was done to obtain the mean and standard deviation. Intergroup comparison was performed using independent t-test, and the labeled and estimated values within the group were compared with paired t-test. Results: The labeled and estimated sugar in energy drinks (14.3 ± 0.48 and 15.6 ± 2.3, respectively) were higher than the carbonated drinks (11.2 ± 0.46 and 12.8 ± 0.99), which was statistically significant. In addition, there was a significant difference in the concentration of glucose in energy drinks (5.7 ± 1.7) compared to carbonated drinks (4.1 ± 1.4). The pH of these drinks ranged from 2.4 to 3.2. The differences between the estimated and labeled sugar in carbonated drinks showed statistical significance. Mild variation was observed in total sugar, glucose, fructose, and sucrose levels among different bottles of the same brand of these drinks. Conclusion: The low pH and high sugar content in these drinks are detrimental to dental health. Comparison of the estimated sugar with their labeled values showed variation in most of the brands. Preventive strategies should be implemented to reduce the health risks posed by these soft drinks.

Assessment of Calcium, Magnesium, and Fluoride in Bottled and Natural Drinking Water from Jazan Province of Saudi Arabia and a Brief Review on Their Role in Tooth

Abstract: Background: The minerals in the drinking water play a critical role in tooth remineralization apart from their systemic effects. This study estimated the quantity of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and fluoride (F) of commercially available bottled waters and natural drinking water in Jazan and compared them with their labeled values. The role of these minerals on tooth remineralization is briefly reviewed. Materials and Methods: The concentration of Ca, Mg, and F was determined for 12 local brands and 6 imported brands of bottled water along with 8 sources of natural drinking water. Their concentrations were determined on the basis of analytical ion chromatography using a Dionex ICS 5000 ion chromatography system at the Food and Drug Authority laboratory, Saudi Arabia. Result: The mean Ca concentration in local brands of bottled water (11.4 ± 9.8) is significantly less compared to imported brands (51.7 ± 18.7) and natural water (47.4 ± 58.5) and also below the optimum level (40-80 mg/dl). Similarly, the level of Mg is also lower in local brands (4.6 ± 5.6), but their differences with regard to imported brands (15.1 ± 14.6) and natural source (16.7 ± 27.1) are not statistically significant. The F content in local brand (0.9 ± 0.1) is in the optimum range (0.5-1.0 mg/dl) higher than imported brands (0.4 ± 0.6) and natural sources (0.3 ± 0.4). There is no significant difference between the labeled and estimated Ca, Mg, and F levels among the local and imported brands. Conclusion: The local bottled water has suboptimal Ca and Mg with optimal F content. Although the imported bottled water and natural water have sufficient Ca and Mg, their F concentration is very minimal. Drinking water with an optimum level of Ca, Mg, and provides a favorable environment to enhance the regeneration processes of the mineralized tissue in tooth carious process. Knowledge of the mineral content of the drinking water and their health significance is essential to both public and health-care professionals.