The Association between Dental Caries, Periodontal Status, and Sleep Patterns in Children.

Aim and background: Sleep quality has a significant impact on children's overall health and is associated with oral diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dental caries, periodontal status, and sleep patterns in 8-12-year-old children. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 children aged 8-12 years. The children's sleep habits questionnaire (CSHQ) was employed to evaluate sleep status. Another questionnaire was used to collect data on lifestyle habits. Dental caries status was evaluated using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) and International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) indices. Periodontal status was assessed through the plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and periodontal screening and recording (PSR). The association between oral health and sleep patterns was evaluated using Spearman's coefficient correlation, independent t-test, and the Chi-squared test. Results: The ICDAS mean was significantly higher in children with improper sleep patterns (p = 0.032). However, there was no statistically significant relationship between DMFT and sleep patterns (p = 0.346). The GI, PD, and PSR mean were significantly higher in the inappropriate sleep pattern group. There was a significant relationship between children's sleep patterns and GI, PD, and PSR indices (p = 0.033, p = 0.020, p = 0.028, respectively). However, there was no significant association between PI and sleep patterns (p = 0.277). Conclusion: Children's sleep patterns were associated with dental caries and periodontal status. Adequate sleep is required to prevent oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal diseases. Clinical significance: According to this study, it is recommended that children should be encouraged to get adequate sleep by their parents and dentists. How to cite this article: Mehdipour A, Abbasi R, Keykha E, et al. The Association between Dental Caries, Periodontal Status, and Sleep Patterns in Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(8):925-932.

The Impact of Heavy Metal Contamination in Humans and Periodontitis: A Scoping Review.

Periodontal disease, one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide, is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by dysbiotic dental biofilms that trigger the host's immune response. Periodontitis is a type of periodontal disease characterized by the destruction of tissues that support the teeth. The disease is influenced by various systemic and environmental risk factors. As heavy metals have been associated with the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, the present scoping review aimed to determine the coverage of the literature on whether human contamination by heavy metals affects periodontitis, as well as their mechanisms of action. Eight studies were selected, and two reviewers evaluated them. Most studies were cross-sectional studies involving humans and one study was performed on rats. Our review revealed a significant correlation between periodontitis and bioaccumulation of lead and cadmium. Oxidative stress generated by trace metals, characterized by elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, causes tissue damage through lipid peroxidation, enzymatic oxidation, and stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, heavy metals contamination may be a risk factor for the development of periodontitis. Oxidative stress factors seem to increase the extent of the inflammatory response.

Gingival Crevicular Fluid Biomarkers During Periodontitis Progression and After Periodontal Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To identify gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)-derived inflammatory markers of periodontitis progression and periodontal treatment impact. METHODS: Periodontally healthy (H; n = 112) and periodontitis (P; n = 302) patients were monitored bi-monthly for 1 year without therapy. Periodontitis patients were re-examined 6 months after non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Levels of 64 biomarkers were measured in the GCF samples collected at each visit from progressing (n = 12 sites in H; n = 76 in P) and stable (n = 100 in H, n = 225 in P) sites. Clinical parameters and log-transformed analyte levels were averaged within clinical groups at each time point and analysed using linear mixed models. RESULTS: During monitoring, progressing sites had significantly higher levels of IL-1ß, MMP-8, IL-12p40, EGF and VEGF. MMP-9 and Periostin were significantly more elevated in stable sites. Distinct cytokine profiles were observed based on baseline PD. Treatment led to significant reductions in Eotaxin, Flt-3L, GDF-15, GM-CSF, IL-1ß, IL-17, MIP-1d, RANTES and sCD40L, and increases in IP-10 and MMP-9. CONCLUSION: Distinct cytokine signatures observed in stable and progressing sites were maintained over time in the absence of treatment and significantly affected by NSPT.

Sleep and periodontal health.

Sleep is fundamental for health and well-being. An adequate amount and quality of sleep is a cardinal component of a healthy lifestyle at the basis of the prevention of many non-communicable chronic diseases. Recent evidence suggests that sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea, represent an emerging risk factor for periodontal health. This review article provides a critical appraisal of the existing literature concerning the association between sleep duration, sleep quality, sleep disorders in general, and obstructive sleep apnea with periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. The putative mechanisms underlying these associations are described as well as the potential clinical implications for diagnosis and treatment.

Exploring the correlation between periodontal disease and serum biomarkers in haemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing haemodialysis are more susceptible to infectious diseases, including periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate the Correlation between periodontal disease and serum markers in Yemeni haemodialysis patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 70 haemodialysis patients. Patient interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory tests were performed to collect data. Serum levels of albumin, calcium, phosphorus, haemoglobin, ferritin, and creatinine were measured, with separate measurements for cystatin C The association between categorical variables was assessed using the chi-square test and Pearson's correlation coefficient, considering a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: Significant correlations were found between serum biomarkers and periodontal clinical parameters. Phosphorus, creatinine, albumin, ferritin, and creatinine levels correlated significantly with the Plaque Index (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.015, p = 0.018, and p = 0.03). While the Ferritin level showed significant correlations with both the Plaque Index and Miller Classes (r = 0.281, p = 0.018 and r = 0.258, p = 0.031), respectively. The Calcium level showed a significant correlation with the Gingival Index (r = 0.266, p = 0.027). Cystatin C level was statistically correlated with mobility (r = 0.258, p = 0.031). Also, the result showed a significant correlation between Creatinine levels and Periodontitis (r = 0.26, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence of a strong association between periodontal disease and chronic kidney disease in Yemeni haemodialysis patients. The findings emphasize the significance of maintaining good oral health in the care of haemodialysis patients.

The Potential Effect of Periodontal Disease on the Development of Metabolic Syndrome: A 10-Year Observational Study in a Thai Adult Cohort.

AIM: As data are sparse on the long-term association between periodontal diseases and development of metabolic syndrome (MetS), we investigated their relationship in a Thai cohort over a 10-year observational period. METHODS: Medical records and data on periodontal assessments of 2161 employees of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand collected at two time points, 2003 and 2013, were used. Experienced periodontists used standard national and international criteria to define periodontitis and MetS. The impact of baseline periodontitis on subsequent MetS incidence and its components was evaluated using regression analyses. RESULTS: The severity and extent of periodontitis significantly predicted MetS incidence over a decade, with a higher incidence of MetS in individuals with poorer periodontal health. A single percentage increase in the periodontitis extent raised the risk of MetS incidence by 0.4% and the risk of developing individual components of MetS by 0.2%. Independent of periodontal health, age of an individual emerged as a factor impacting MetS development. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the potential effect of the severity and extent of periodontitis on the increased incidence and progression of MetS. Hyperglycaemia and hypertension were the two MetS components most significantly affected by the existence of periodontitis.

Epidemiology of Periodontal Diseases in Individuals With Diabetes in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common and prevalent metabolic disorders worldwide. It affects men, women, and children and can cause severe organ damage, including kidney damage. The two most common types of DM are Type 1 DM and Type 2 DM. Similarly, periodontal disease (PD) affects a significant portion of the population and involves the tissues supporting the teeth. The bidirectional relationship between diabetes and PD is a well-established phenomenon. However, no comprehensive study on the prevalence of PD among diabetic patients has been conducted on the Saudi population. This systematic review aims to examine the current literature on the impact of these conditions on the Saudi population. A literature search was conducted from January 2001 through June 2024 using Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. An extensive search was performed, duplicates were removed, and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Nine studies were selected for review, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The retrieved studies confirm the relationship between DM and PDs in regional studies. The review highlights the need for integrated healthcare approaches to manage both conditions effectively. Further research is recommended to understand the causal mechanisms and develop comprehensive treatment strategies.

Do all individuals benefit equally from non-surgical periodontal therapy? Secondary analyses of systematic review data.

AIMS: This study aimed to assess the variability and treatment effect heterogeneity in response to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). METHODS: Data from randomized controlled trials included in two recent systematic reviews on the effect of NSPT on mean clinical attachment loss (CAL), mean probing pocket depth (PPD), percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (%BOP), PPD ≤3 mm (%PD ≤3 mm), and C-reactive protein levels (CRP) at 3-12-month follow-up among adults with systemic diseases or conditions were used. In these trials, the control arms received no treatment, hygiene advice, or supragingival scaling. The Bayesian meta-regression models were utilized to assess the variability ratios between NSPT and control groups. RESULTS: Data from 36 trials on mean PPD, 32 trials on mean CAL, eight trials on %PD ≤3 mm, 31 trials on %BOP and 19 trials on CRP were used. Variability in mean CAL and CRP was approximately 10% higher in the NSPT arms than in the control arms, hinting that there may be room for treatment effect heterogeneity. Instead, variability in mean PPD, %BOP, and %PD ≤3 mm was lower in the NSPT arms than in the control arms. CONCLUSION: Potential treatment effect heterogeneity in response to NSPT was observed for CRP and mean CAL. However, substantial measurement error in CAL and natural variation in CRP may contribute to these findings. Conversely, treatment effect heterogeneity appears less pronounced for mean PPD, %BOP, and %PD ≤3 mm, potentially due to greater treatment effects in patients with more severe periodontitis and reduced measurement error in these parameters.

Is Starch Intake Associated With Periodontal Status? An 11-Year Longitudinal Analysis Among Finnish Adults.

AIM: To evaluate the association between baseline starch intake (amount and sources) and changes in periodontal status over 11 years in adults. METHODS: Adults aged 30-82 years, who participated in the Finnish Health 2000 survey and were re-examined in 2004/2005 and/or 2011 were included in the study. The consumption of total starch and six relevant food groups (potatoes, fried potatoes, roots and tubers, pasta, wholegrains and legumes) over the past year was determined at baseline with a validated food frequency questionnaire. The number of teeth with periodontal pocketing ≥ 4 mm (NTPP) was recorded during clinical examinations in 2000, 2004/2005 and 2011. The association between baseline starch intake and the 11-year change in the NTPP was tested in mixed-effects negative binomial regression models, adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: A total of 1369 adults were included in the analysis. The mean NTPP was 4.1 ± 5.6, 6.3 ± 5.6, and 4.8 ± 5.9 in waves 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Baseline starch intake (in g/day or % energy intake) was not associated with changes in the NTPP after adjustment for covariates. In analysis by food groups, the baseline intake of wholegrains was negatively associated with the NTPP at baseline. CONCLUSION: This study found no evidence of an association between baseline starch intake and changes in periodontal status. Baseline intake of wholegrains was associated with better periodontal status at baseline.

Comparative evaluation of serum and gingival crevicular fluid levels of interleukin 21 in periodontally diseased and healthy patients.

Background: Periodontitis is an inflammatory reaction to subgingival pathogenic microorganisms that causes gradual deterioration of the gingiva, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Interleukin (IL)-21 is the most recently found member of type I cytokine family that is upregulated during inflammation. The current study aims to investigate the biological plausibility of IL-21 as a biomarker for chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional clinico-biochemical investigation included 15 systemically healthy, 15 periodontally healthy, 15 chronic gingivitis, and 15 chronic periodontitis subjects aged 25 to 60 years. Following subject enrollment, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and blood samples were then taken from each subject. The concentration of IL-21 in all samples was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The data was examined using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Spearman correlation test. Results: Serum IL-21 levels in chronic periodontitis patients were substantially greater than in periodontally healthy individuals. GCF IL-21 levels were substantially greater in gingivitis and chronic periodontitis patients compared to periodontally healthy individuals. In terms of clinical indicators, serum IL-21 levels correlated significantly with bleeding index (BI) in the chronic periodontitis group. In chronic periodontitis group, disease severity as evaluated by probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) did not correlate with serum or GCF IL-21 levels. Conclusion: According to the current study's findings, periodontally involved patients had higher IL-21 levels than periodontally healthy patients, suggesting it can be used as biomarker. Further studies with larger sample size can shed more light on the clinical advantage of IL-21 as a possible marker for disease activity and progression.

Global Research Trends in the Links between Periodontal Disease and Cancer: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Both periodontal disease and cancer are prevalent conditions with significant impacts on individuals and society. Extensive research has suggested a potential link between these two diseases. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis using the Thomson Reuters Web of Science Core Collection database, focusing on publications from 2014 to 2023. The analysis included data extraction and examination of authors, affiliations, publication dates, journals, countries, citation counts, keywords, and the H-index. A total of 253 relevant articles were identified, showing an increasing trend in both publications and citations over the years. The analysis highlighted the most productive authors, institutions, and countries/regions, with Michaud DS and Abnet CC leading in the number of publications. Highly cited articles emphasized the role of specific oral microbiota, particularly F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis, in various cancers, suggesting their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. Four key thematic clusters emerged from the keyword analysis: the broader health implications of periodontal disease, the microbiome's role in carcinogenesis, inflammation, and specific bacteria in cancer, and epidemiological methods in studying the disease-cancer association. This bibliometric analysis underscores the growing interest in the connection between periodontal disease and cancer. Future research should adopt interdisciplinary approaches, focus on large-scale microbiome studies and longitudinal research to understand the systemic effects of periodontal disease, identify cancer-associated bacterial profiles, and investigate the molecular mechanisms of bacterial carcinogenesis. Additionally, public health interventions aimed at improving oral hygiene and reducing cancer risk factors are recommended.

Assessment of Oral Health Status among the Sevayats of Shree Sakhigopal Temple, Puri - A Cross-sectional Study.

Aim: To assess the oral health status of the Sevayats of Sakhigopal temple, Puri, Odisha. Methodology: An assessment of the oral health status of 111 Sevayats at the Sakhigopal temple in Puri was carried out using a cross-sectional survey. The World Health Organization oral health assessment form for adults (2013) was used to collect data. Chi-square test and one-way analysis of variance were the statistical tests used for the investigation using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 27 version. When the P value was less than 0.05, it was deemed statistically significant. Results: The mean DMFT of all the participants was 3.70 ± 1.71. The prevalence of caries was 91%. Bleeding and periodontal pocket were present in 82.9% and 83.8% of Sevayats, respectively. Conclusion: There was a higher prevalence of dental caries and periodontal disease among the subjects.

Diabetes and Oral Health: Advancements in Prevention, Screening and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases.

Diabetes is a pervasive metabolic disorder that notably impacts various body systems, including oral health. One of the critical manifestations of diabetes in oral health is its exacerbating effect on periodontal diseases. Recent advancements in the prevention, screening, and treatment of periodontal diseases have become increasingly significant due to the bidirectional link between periodontal health and diabetes management. This review explores contemporary strategies and technological innovations in the comprehensive management of periodontal diseases among diabetic patients. It highlights the integration of digital dentistry tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and teledentistry in enhancing diagnostic precision and treatment outcomes. Preventive measures, including new pharmacological formulations and lifestyle interventions tailored for diabetic individuals, are discussed. Additionally, the review underscores the importance of routine screening protocols that incorporate glycemic control status to refine treatment plans for periodontal therapies. Furthermore, advancements in regenerative therapies, including the application of growth factors and stem cell therapy, are examined for their potential to restore periodontal tissue integrity, offering promising directions for future research and clinical practice. Through a synthesis of recent literature, this review aims to provide insights into effective periodontal disease management strategies that are critical for improving the overall health and quality of life of individuals with diabetes.

Patients' Perspectives and Attitudes About the Relationship Between Fixed Orthodontic Treatment and Oral Hygiene.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate patients' attitudes and perspectives on the relationship between fixed orthodontic treatment and oral hygiene. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 175 patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Data was collected through questionnaires that included patient demographics, oral hygiene behaviours, perspectives on white spot lesions (WSL) and periodontal problems, and attitudes towards orthodontic treatment. The chi-square test was used to analyse the relationship between categorical data. The significance level was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients (109 males, 66 females) was 17.8±6.4 years. Most of the patients who received orthodontic treatment brushed their teeth twice a day. Traditional and orthodontic toothbrushes were preferred over electric ones. The most common oral hygiene tools were toothbrushes and interdental brushes. A total of 151 patients (86.28%) indicated that their primary source of oral hygiene guidance was the orthodontist. A total of 113 patients (64.57%) had no knowledge of dental plaque, while 117 patients (66.85%) had no knowledge of WSL. While 80 patients (84%) with knowledge about periodontal problems believed that the primary cause of periodontal problems was inadequate oral hygiene, 43 patients (74.85%) with knowledge about WSL attributed the main cause of WSL to the use of braces. Negative attitudes towards orthodontic treatment and oral hygiene were more prevalent among adolescents (p<0.05), with no difference in gender or treatment duration. Patients who received information about WSL and periodontal problems exhibited a more positive attitude towards treatment and oral hygiene (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the limited patient awareness of plaque and WSL during fixed orthodontic treatment. Physician guidance has a significant impact on patient attitudes, and specific educational programmes are required in orthodontic treatment.

Efficacy of different protocols of non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of the present systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of different protocols of NSPT without any adjunctive therapy in subjects with type 2 diabetes, by considering clinical and patient-centered outcomes. For the purposes of the study randomized controlled clinical trials with more than 3-month follow-up were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central. Then the articles were screened for inclusion and considered based on the protocols adopted, the outcome measure, follow-up, and the level of glycemic control. A total of 23 articles about 22 studies were included. NSPT was more effective than just oral hygiene measures/no treatment in reducing periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) at 3 months (0.47 mm [0.29-0.65 mm] and 0.50 mm [0.24-0.76 mm], respectively) and 6 months (0.56 mm [0.28-0.84 mm] and 0.45 mm [0.13-0.77 mm], respectively for PPD and CAL) follow-up (very low and low level of evidence). The meta-analysis found no evidence of a difference between full-mouth disinfection versus quadrant protocol clinical outcomes (very low level of evidence). One study found no evidence of a difference in periodontal clinical response between good versus poor glycemic control. Based on the results of the present research NSPT protocols could be considered more efficacious than others in terms of clinical outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, NSPT resulted in efficacious improvement of periodontal parameters and HbA1c levels compared to no treatment or oral hygiene instructions alone.

Periodontitis and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: To investigate the association between periodontitis and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in adults, and to compare OHRQoL across different severities of the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Searches were conducted in five electronic databases up to December 2023. Observational studies that provided a clear definition of periodontitis and used validated measures of OHRQoL were included. Meta-analyses were performed both overall and based on factors that could explain heterogeneity between studies. RESULTS: Sixty studies comprising 14,851 individuals were included in the review. Meta-analyses showed that periodontitis was associated with impaired OHRQoL: any OHRQoL instruments (n = 33 studies; SMD: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.53-0.93), solely using the OHIP-14 (n = 26 studies; MD: 5.14, 95% CI: 3.64-6.64), and risk assessment (n = 9 studies; adjusted RR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12-1.78). Stages III-IV periodontitis had a greater impact than Stages I-II periodontitis. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses indicated smaller effect size estimates for individuals with comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis negatively impacts OHRQoL, with a positive score-response relationship found between periodontitis severity and poorer OHRQoL. However, the magnitude of this association appears to be diminished in individuals with comorbidities.

Study of microRNAs in Gingival Crevicular Fluid as Periodontal Diseases Biomarkers: Systematic Review.

AIM: The aim of this review was to identify the microRNAs (miRNAs) present in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) that can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of periodontal diseases, and to determine which of them has a higher diagnostic yield for periodontitis. METHODS: The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (reference number CRD42024544648). The Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched for clinical studies conducted in humans investigating periodontal diseases and miRNAs in GCF. The methodological quality of the articles was measured with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: A total of 3222 references were identified in the initial literature search, and 16 articles were finally included in the review. The design of the studies was heterogeneous, which prevented a meta-analysis of the data. Most of the studies compared miRNA expression levels between patients with periodontitis and healthy controls. The most widely researched miRNA in periodontal diseases was miR-200b-3p and miR-146a. CONCLUSIONS: the miRNAs most studied are miR-146a, miR-200b, miR-223, miR-23a, and miR-203, and all of them except miR-203 have an acceptable diagnostic plausibility for periodontitis.

Periodontitis and Diabetes Complications: A Danish Population-Based Study.

Conflicting evidence suggests a link between diabetes-related microvascular complications and periodontitis. Reliable estimates have been hindered by small sample sizes and residual confounding. Moreover, the combined effects of microvascular complications and dyslipidemia on periodontitis have not been explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between individual and combined diabetic microvascular complications (i.e., neuropathy and retinopathy) and moderate/severe periodontitis in a Danish population-based study. In addition, we assessed whether dyslipidemia modified these associations. This study comprised 15,922 participants with type 2 diabetes from the Health in Central Denmark study. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for individual and joint microvascular diabetes complications. The models adjusted for potential confounders, including sociodemographic factors, lifestyle behaviors, and health conditions. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) balanced measured confounders between periodontitis and nonperiodontitis participants. Sensitivity analyses tested the findings' robustness by estimating E-values for unmeasured confounding and varying microvascular complication definitions. After IPTW, adjusted models revealed that diabetic neuropathy (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.63) and retinopathy (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.43) were significantly associated with moderate/severe periodontitis. Moreover, the coexistence of microvascular complications increased the odds 1.5-fold for moderate/severe periodontitis (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.85). An effect modification of dyslipidemia on an additive scale was found, indicated by a positive relative excess risk due to interaction of 0.24 for neuropathy, 0.11 for retinopathy, and 0.44 for both complications. Sensitivity analysis ruled out unmeasured confounders and microvascular complication definitions as explanatory factors. Diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy, individually and combined, were associated with moderate/severe periodontitis. In addition, dyslipidemia had an additive positive effect modification on diabetic microvascular complications, elevating the odds of moderate/severe periodontitis. These findings may aid in identifying at-risk subgroups for diabetes-related microvascular complications and periodontitis, optimizing efforts to mitigate disease burden.

Association Between Periodontal Diseases and Hypothyroidism: A Case-Control Study.

Objective: Periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory disorders influenced by systemic health of the individual. This study aimed to investigate the association between hypothyroidism and periodontal disease in a cohort of adult Saudi population. Methods: This case-control study included 201 adults with hypothyroidism on hormone replacement therapy and 188 healthy controls. The medical files of patients were reviewed to check thyroid stimulation hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels. Participants completed a questionnaire on demographic and health information, followed by a comprehensive periodontal examination. Pearson chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses determined associations, with a significance set at p ≤0.05. Results: Gingivitis was found in 20.9% of cases and 58% of controls. Periodontitis stages I, II, III and IV were in general higher in cases compared to controls (23.4%, 27.9%, 21.9%, 6% in cases versus 13.8%, 17%, 9.6%, 1.6% in controls, respectively). Mean PPD and CAL values were higher in cases (5.54 ± 2.5 and 3.88 ± 3.1) than in controls (4.03 ± 1.6 and 1.72 ± 2.4). Significant associations between periodontal status and hypothyroidism were found (p < 0.0001). The periodontal status in hypothyroid cases correlated significantly with hormone replacement therapy dose and duration (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The findings of the current study showed that, in a cohort of adult Saudi subjects, patients with hypothyroidism have higher prevalence and more severe periodontal disease symptoms compared to controls, suggesting significant association.

Effects of Mint Oils on the Human Oral Microbiome: A Pilot Study.

The oral microbiome is a diverse and complex ecosystem essential for maintaining oral and systemic health. Our study is the first to define the oral microbial community in Egyptian young adults and investigate the effects of natural antimicrobials on the oral microbiome. SuperMint (SM) is a proprietary blend of peppermint, Japanese mint, bergamot mint, and spearmint essential oils encapsulated in a tiny soft beadlet. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of SM beadlets on the oral microbiome. This study recruited twenty healthy participants. A baseline investigation of the oral microbiome of the selected participants was performed by collecting saliva and swab samples before treatment. Treatment included chewing four SM beadlets twice a day for 7 days, and then, post-administration saliva and swab samples were collected at the end of treatment. The oral microbiome samples were analyzed by the high-throughput amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments, and the community composition was determined. The results showed that the abundance of some microbial genera and families decreased after using SM, including Prevotella, Streptococcus, Neisseria, and Haemophilus. However, some genera showed inconsistent patterns. We also found that the subject's gender and SM usage were significantly associated with diverse microbial composition. The results suggest that SM treatment decreased the abundance of several bacteria associated with halitosis and periodontal diseases, such as Actinomyces and Streptococcus. Furthermore, Corynebacterium species increased and Streptococcus decreased after SM usage. More research is needed to fully understand the antimicrobial effects of mint oils and their potential applications in maintaining good oral health.