J Public Health Dent. 2002 Summer; 62(3): 158-62.

The association between Viadent use and oral leukoplakia--results of a matched case-control study.

Mascarenhas AK, Allen CM, Moeschberger ML.

Ohio State University College of Dentistry, USA. [email protected]

OBJECTIVES: Several oral pathologists have described oral leukoplakia of the maxillary vestibule in patients with no traditional risk factors for the condition. On questioning these patients, it was determined that Viadent mouthrinse or Viadent toothpaste was commonly used by them. A hypothesis was developed that Viadent or a component of Viadent caused the lesions. This paper evaluates the association between oral leukoplakia and use of Viadent products. METHODS: A matched case-control study was designed to test the hypothesis that use of Viadent products increases an individual's risk of oral leukoplakia. Cases included 58 patients diagnosed with oral leukoplakia identified through the biopsy service at the Ohio State University, College of Dentistry, Oral Pathology Section. The matched control was a friend or relative of the patient. Cases and controls were administered a questionnaire about their use of Viadent, and other known risk factors for leukoplakia such as tobacco and excessive alcohol use. RESULTS: An age difference was seen between cases and controls, the cases being older (P < .001). After controlling for confounding factors, results of exact conditional logistic regression analyses showed that use of Viadent products was a risk indicator for oral leukoplakia (odds ratio = 10.0; 95% confidence interval = 2.0, 89.2). CONCLUSIONS: Viadent use is a risk indicator for oral leukoplakia, confirming our previous findings.