Orofacial Tuberculosis: A Global Public Health Menace

Tuberculosis is a chronic multi-systemic disease caused mostly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its history can be traced back to the ages of Vedas and has been mentioned by Chakra and Sushruta as early as 600 B.C. Lungs are the primary site of involvement, although extra pulmonary cases have also been documented. Oral lesions contribute to a fraction of extra pulmonary lesions. The oral lesions usually have atypical signs and symptoms, thus delaying accurate diagnosis and treatment. Thus, the dentist should be familiar with the varied oral manifestations of tuberculosis. Wide array of conventional and recent diagnostic aids fastens the early and accurate diagnosis. Anti tubercular regimen forms the mainstay of treatment, although a number of recent drugs are also in clinical trial phase. This book aims to highlight the etio-pathogenesis, clinical and oral features of tuberculosis, diagnostic tools and management protocol for tuberculosis. There is also a brief mention on the various policies taken into account by World Health Organization (WHO) to combat this dreaded disorder.