This study was designed to obtain and compare the nasalance scores produced by normal Malay children and those with repaired palatal cleft. Data from 103 noncleft children and 27 children with repaired clefts were included. All children were of Malay origin with the Malay language (Kelantan dialect) as their first language. Two short and simple test stimuli were constructed in the Malay language; one resembled the Nasal Sentences and the other resembled the Zoo Passage (oral passage) used in nasometer testing. Nasalance scores were obtained with the Nasometer II model 6400 by Kay Elemetrics. Calibration of the nasometer and collection of data followed the recommended protocol outlined in the manual. Nasalance scores for the Oral Passage was significantly higher (p < 0.001) for the children with repaired palatal clefts when compared to scores for children without clefts. However, no differences in nasalance scores were detected between both groups for the Nasal Passage. The normative nasalance scores for Malay children with Kelantan dialect was established, which can be used as an objective reference in the management of Malay patients with resonance disorders.

Prevalence of dysphagia is one of the important epidemiological data which will contribute to the proper planning and support the setting up of a swallowing rehabilitation clinic at this hospital. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Hospital USM) from 2001-2010. In this institutional retrospective study, a total of 66 records were obtained comprising of 86.4% Malay patients, 9.1% Chinese, 1.5% Indians, and 3% other ethnic groups. These data were taken from the database of HNC patients seen at the dental clinic, Hospital USM between 2001 and 2010. Difficulty swallowing, frequent coughing during meal, choking, diet modification, and non-oral nutritional support were identified as signs and symptoms associated with dysphagia. Results showed that 59.1% of patients have had dysphagia before, during, or after the treatment of HNC. Data from the present study would be instrumental in increasing awareness among clinicians involved in patient care and it may help in planning the outline of management of dysphagia. Furthermore, it is anticipated to have implications for further research in swallowing and dysphagia.
Deglutition Disorders ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; Prevalence ; Deglutition

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and severity of chronic periodontitis (CP) and the relationship between periodontal status and dry mouth condition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A cross-sectional study was conducted on 66 controlled T2DM patients, determined by HbA1c level ≤ 9%. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded. Subjects were given questionnaire for self-evaluation of dry mouth followed by collection of saliva. Data were analysed using SPSS version 22.0. Results showed that the prevalence of CP was 93.9% with severity ranging from mild (41.9%), moderate (30.6%), to severe (27.5%). Most subjects (74.2%) had normal stimulated salivary flow rate although 15.9% reported having less saliva. There was no significant association between periodontal parameters and salivary flow rate. In conclusion, T2DM patients exhibited high prevalence of CP despite having controlled glycaemic status. Dry mouth condition was not a common symptom and was also not associated with periodontitis. To ensure appropriate management of diabetics, collaboration between medical colleagues and dental practitioners is important to control progression of periodontal disease.