Salivary Metalloproteinase-8 and Metalloproteinase-9 Evaluation in Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment before and after Periodontal Therapy.

(1) Background: Metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) are members of a family of proteases of major importance during orthodontic tooth movement. Their levels increase during orthodontic therapy and in periodontally affected tissues. Orthodontic fixed appliances retain dental plaque and can cause gingival inflammation. When gingival inflammation is present, the forces produced during orthodontic tooth movement can aggravate tissue reaction and cause the destruction of supportive periodontal tissue. This study aimed to identify biomarkers that facilitate the assessment of periodontal status during orthodontic treatment. (2) Methods: Our study was conducted on 111 patients who were about to receive fixed orthodontic treatment. We determined the salivary levels of MMP-8 and MMP-9 and bleeding on probing (BOP) before applying the orthodontic fixed appliance (T1), one week after appliance placement (T2), and during orthodontic treatment, one month after non-surgical periodontal treatment (T3). (3) Results: Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment show a significant increase in BOP, MMP-8, and MMP-9 levels one week after orthodontic appliance placement (T2) and a decrease in these parameters one month after periodontal treatment (T3). Statistically significant correlations were found between MMP-8 levels and BOP values at T1, T2, and T3. (4) Conclusion: In our study patients undergoing orthodontic treatment show a significant increase in BOP, MMP-8, and MMP-9 levels one week after orthodontic appliance placement and a decrease in these parameters one month after periodontal treatment. Strong positive statistically significant correlations were found between MMP-8 levels and BOP and medium positive statistically significant correlations between MMP-9 and BOP values before and after orthodontic treatment and periodontal treatment. MMP-8, MMP-9, and BOP could be used to assess the periodontal status of orthodontic patients.

Periodontal effects of two innovative oral rinsing substances in oncologic patients.

Chemotherapy often presents side effects, including oral adverse effects that may interfere with the completion of the oncology treatment, threatening the outcome of the treatment and significantly affecting the quality of life of the patient. The aim of the present study was to evaluate two antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifungal substances that may be used in order to achieve improved oral hygiene and to lower the prevalence of side effects during chemotherapy. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: Placebo, oral rinse with cetrimide and mouth coating with a pharmacy-made compound (nystatin, neomycin and metronidazole). Their oral hygiene and periodontal parameters were determined at baseline and 14 days of use. It was revealed that the most effective clinical results were achieved in the group that used cetrimide mouth rinse that highlighted the best improvements of parameter values, whereas the control and coating-using group did not obtain statistically significant improvements. Cetrimide oral rinse was demonstrated to be an efficient adjunct method in achieving better oral hygiene and improved periodontal parameters in chemotherapy patients. The present study offers an alternative to the commonly used compounds that may present unwanted side effects in patients during chemotherapy, it promotes the importance of good oral hygiene in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral adverse effects and improves the quality of life of the patient.