Impact of Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment on the Concentration and Level of MRP-8/14 (Calprotectin) as an Inflammatory Biomarker in Women with Periodontitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NS-PT) on periodontal parameters and inflammatory biomarkers in the concentration and level of calprotectin (CLP) in women with periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this quasi-experimental study, we evaluated 30 women (mean age: 52.0 ± 5.8 years) with periodontitis and RA who had been diagnosed and treated for RA for more than 3 years and whose activity markers remained at similar values without significant reduction over three consecutive months. Patients underwent NS-PT, which included plaque control, scaling, and root planing. Serum and saliva samples, periodontal indices, RA activity markers, Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and the C-reactive protein (CRP) and CLP contents were measured at the beginning of the study and 6 and 12 weeks after NS-PT. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used in the analysis. The mean age was 52.0 ± 5.8 years. Compared to the baseline results, all periodontal indices were significantly reduced 6 and 12 weeks after NS-PT (p < 0.001). DAS28 was also significantly reduced after 12 weeks (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the serum CLP concentration decreased 6 and 12 weeks after NS-PT (p < 0.0001). Of the patients, 100% presented lower levels of CRP and ESR (p < 0.0001). Overall, NS-PT reduced inflammation and disease activity, highlighting the importance of oral health in the control and treatment of systemic diseases such as RA and confirming that NS-PT effectively reduces periodontitis activity and plays a key role in modulating RA activity. Therefore, NS-PT should be considered as an adjunct treatment for RA.

The Distribution of Eight Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus gordonii Strains Isolated from Dental Plaque as Oral Commensals.

It has been proposed that oral commensal bacteria are potential reservoirs of a wide variety of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and could be the source of pathogenic bacteria; however, there is scarce information regarding this. In this study, three common streptococci of the mitis group (S. oralis, S. sanguinis, and S. gordonii) isolated from dental plaque (DP) were screened to identify if they were frequent reservoirs of specific ARGs (blaTEM, cfxA, tetM, tetW, tetQ, ermA, ermB, and ermC). DP samples were collected from 80 adults; one part of the sample was cultured, and from the other part DNA was obtained for first screening of the three streptococci species and the ARGs of interest. Selected samples were plated and colonies were selected for molecular identification. Thirty identified species were screened for the presence of the ARGs. From those selected, all of the S. sanguinis and S. oralis carried at least three, while only 30% of S. gordonii strains carried three or more. The most prevalent were tetM in 73%, and blaTEM and tetW both in 66.6%. On the other hand, ermA and cfxA were not present. Oral streptococci from the mitis group could be considered frequent reservoirs of specifically tetM, blaTEM, and tetW. In contrast, these three species appear not to be reservoirs of ermA and cfxA.

Anti-Adherence and Antimicrobial Activities of Silver Nanoparticles against Serotypes C and K of Streptococcus mutans on Orthodontic Appliances.

Background and Objectives: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the main microorganism associated with the presence of dental caries and specific serotypes of this bacteria have been related to several systemic diseases limiting general health. In orthodontics, white spot lesions (WSL), represent a great challenge for clinicians due to the great fluctuation of their prevalence and incidence during conventional orthodontic treatments. Although silver nanoparticles (AgNP) have been demonstrated to have great antimicrobial properties in several microorganisms, including S. mutans bacteria, there is no available information about anti adherence and antimicrobial properties of AgNP exposed to two of the most relevant serotypes of S. mutans adhered on orthodontic materials used for conventional therapeutics. The objective of this study was to determine anti-adherence and antimicrobial levels of AgNP against serotypes c and k of S. mutans on conventional orthodontic appliances. Materials and Methods: An AgNP solution was prepared and characterized using dispersion light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Antimicrobial and anti-adherence activities of AgNP were determined using minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and bacterial adherence testing against serotypes c and k of S. mutans clinically isolated and confirmed by PCR assay. Results: The prepared AgNP had spherical shapes with a good size distribution (29.3 ± 0.7 nm) with negative and well-defined electrical charges (−36.5 ± 5.7 mV). AgNP had good bacterial growth (55.7 ± 19.3 µg/mL for serotype c, and 111.4 ± 38.6 µg/mL for serotype k) and adherence inhibitions for all bacterial strains and orthodontic wires (p < 0.05). The serotype k showed statistically the highest microbial adherence (p < 0.05). The SS wires promoted more bacterial adhesion (149.0 ± 253.6 UFC/mL × 104) than CuNiTi (3.3 ± 6.0 UFC/mL × 104) and NiTi (101.1 ± 108.5 UFC/mL × 104) arches. SEM analysis suggests CuNiTi wires demonstrated better topographical conditions for bacterial adherence while AFM evaluation determined cell wall irregularities in bacterial cells exposed to AgNP. Conclusions: This study suggests the widespread use of AgNP as a potential anti-adherent and antimicrobial agent for the prevention of WSL during conventional orthodontic therapies and, collaterally, other systemic diseases.

Dental students' self-Perception: health and academics during COVID-19 quarantine / Autopercepción de los estudiantes de Odontología: salud y vida académica durante la cuarentena por COVID-19

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to analyze the self-perceived general health, oral care, stress, academic environment, and harmful habits of Mexican dental students during the COVID-19 quarantine period. This descriptive observational study consisted of a self-perception survey that was sent to dental students undergoing virtual classes. Five sections were analyzed: General Health, Oral Health, Stress, Academic Environment and Habits. For each question, students were asked to rate their perception prior to, and during the contingency, which allowed a comparison to be made between both times for each inquiry. The answers were collected into Microsoft Excel and the statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v.20. A statistically significant difference was observed between the academic years for the variables: "physical exercise" prior to quarantine, "emotional problems" and "work-load" during quarantine, and "academic efficiency" for both times. A trend towards unfavorable perception in relation to general health, academic environment, and harmful habits was observed among dental students during social isolation derived from the pandemic. It is notable that 1st-year students presented a greater impact on all the variables of interest.

RESUMEN: El propósito de este estudio fue analizar la autopercepción sobre salud general, cuidado oral, estrés, ambiente académico y hábitos nocivos de estudiantes de Odontología en México durante el periodo de cuarentena por COVID-19. Estudio descriptivo observacional que consistió en una encuesta de autopercepción enviada a estudiantes de Odontología que cursaban clases virtuales. Fueron analizadas cinco secciones: Salud General, Salud Oral, Estrés, Ambiente Académico y Hábitos. Para cada pregunta, se les pidió a los estudiantes que calificaran su percepción antes de, y durante la contingencia, lo que permitió realizar una comparación entre ambos tiempos para cada cuestión. Las respuestas fueron recolectadas en Microsoft Excel y los análisis estadísticos se realizaron empleando SPSS v.20. Una diferencia estadísticamente significativa fue observada entre los grados académicos, para las variables: "ejercicio físico" antes de la cuarentena, "problemas emocionales" y "carga de trabajo" durante la cuarentena, y "eficiencia académica" para ambos tiempos. Se observó una tendencia hacia una percepción desfavorable con relación a la salud general, ambiente académico y hábitos nocivos entre los estudiantes de Odontología, durante el aislamiento social derivado de la pandemia. Es notable que los alumnos de 1er año presentaron un mayor impacto en todas las variables de interés.

Antibiotic Resistance Decreases the Efficacy of Endodontic Filling Pastes for Root Canal Treatment in Children's Teeth.

The antibacterial efficacy of antimicrobial filling pastes (AFP) used in the root canal treatment of primary teeth has been widely reported. However, antibiotic resistance as an emerging global problem could impact their current efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two common AFP on susceptible or resistant bacteria isolated from primary necrotic molars. Microbiological samples were obtained and cultured from the root canals of 34 children. In total, 96 colony-forming units were obtained to determine their resistance to tetracycline, rifampicin, and chloramphenicol. They were identified as S. mutans or E. faecalis using polymerase chain reaction. The antimicrobial activity of CTZ paste (chloramphenicol, tetracycline, zinc oxide, and eugenol) and Guedes-Pinto modified (GPM) paste (rifampicin, prednisolone, iodoform, and camphorated paramonochlorophenol) were tested against the identified and selected microorganisms. Larger size inhibition zones were observed in both species when the tested strains were susceptible to the antibiotics in the AFP preparation. The efficacy of AFP containing antibiotics depends on the antibiotic resistance profile of the strain. Antibiotic resistance and its effect on the AFP were shown, which calls into question the use of simplified endodontic techniques that depend on antibiotics, since in these cases these techniques could not clinically eliminate resistant bacteria from the root canal.

Dental plaque microbiota of pet owners and their dogs as a shared source and reservoir of antimicrobial resistance genes.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation aimed to detect coincidences in the antimicrobial resistance genes (ARG) profiles between members of a group living in a household and to compare them between other groups in order to establish if an exchange of ARG occurs and if dental plaque microbiota can be considered as a source and reservoir of ARG that can be shared between humans and pets. METHODS: One hundred sixty dental plaque samples were obtained from four groups: Shelter dogs group (n=20), adult pet owners and dogs group (AD group, n=40), adult pet owners, children and dogs group (ACD group, n=60), and adult non-pet owners and children group (AC group, n=40). DNA was obtained, and specific primers with polymerase chain reaction for ARG detection were used. RESULTS: The AD group exhibited the most coincidences in their ARG profiles, 14 (70%) of the 20 profiles coincided in 100% followed by the ACD group with 9 (45%) coincidences. While the AC group was the less coincident group, only 7 (35%) of the 20 profiles coincided. tetM was the most prevalent with 53.1%, followed by tetQ with 52.5% and cfxA with 51.2%, while the less prevalent were tetW with 31.8%, blaTEM-1 with 27.5%, and ermC with 18.7%. CONCLUSION: Dental plaque microbiota can be considered as a source and reservoir of ARG that can be shared between humans and dogs living in a household. The dogs seem to play an important role in the transference of ARG, and the children appear to be the most affected by carrying the most significant number of ARG.

Prevalence of Candida albicans in primary endodontic infections associated with a higher frequency of apical periodontitis in type two diabetes mellitus patients.

To identify the prevalence of C. albicans in primary endodontic infections of type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and compare their clinical and radiographical characteristics with a non-diabetic control group, establishing the possible relationship between primary endodontic infection, T2DM, and C. albicans, since diabetes mellitus (DM), influences the development, course, and response to the treatment of apical periodontitis, but the presence of Candida albicans (C. albicans) has not been considered before. A total of 120 patients were selected and divided into two groups: 60 T2DM diagnosed patients and 60 non-diabetic controls. A clinical examination and radiographic analysis were performed to establish a periapical index score (PAI). Root canal samples were taken. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted, and specific primers were used to identify C. albicans by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A twofold increase in the prevalence of C. albicans in T2DM patients was observed in contrast to control patients (p = 0.0251). Sixty-five percent of T2DM patients with positive C. albicans scored a ≥ 3 PAI, while only 27% of the patients without C. albicans had a ≥ 3 PAI score (p = 0.0065). Long-term DM patients presented C. albicans more frequently (p < 0.0001). In this study, long-term T2DM patients carried C. albicans in their root canals more frequently when having a primary endodontic infection. Furthermore, this C. albicans presence seems to be related to a higher frequency of apical periodontitis.

Filifactor alocis and Dialister pneumosintes in a Mexican population affected by periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis: An exploratory study.

Filifactor alocis and Dialister pneumosintes have been associated with the initiation and progression of periodontitis (PE). We determined and compared the frequency of both bacteria in patients with PE, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and PE/RA simultaneously. Detection was performed by polymerase chain reaction in the subgingival biofilm. Bacteria were more frequent in patients with PE, and clinical periodontal parameters such as pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were significantly higher in patients with PE/RA. F. alocis and D. pneumosintes could influence PD and CAL, hence participating in the initiation and progression of PE in patients with RA.

The frequency and severity of dental caries, and counts of cariogenic bacteria in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are more likely to exhibit periodontitis than patients without RA. However, the frequency and severity of dental caries in patients with RA is still unknown. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate whether higher counts of cariogenic bacteria are present in RA patients in contrast to healthy subjects, and to ascertain whether the frequency and severity of dental caries are increased in RA patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 160 adults: an RA group (n = 80) and a control group matched by age and gender (n = 80). The participants' dental status scores were determined based on the following indices: the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, the Filled and Sound Teeth (FS-T) index, Treatment Needs Index (TNI), Care Index (CI), and Integrative Dental Caries Index (IDCI). DNA copies of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus) were quantified using realtime polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The IDCI showed that the RA group was more affected, mainly presenting moderate to severe dental caries. The RA group also had higher global DMFT scores than the control group and scored higher on the decayed component of the DMFT index. The TNI and CI indicated that RA patients required more dental attention and appropriate treatment. The Streptococcus mutans count was significantly higher in the RA group. CONCLUSIONS: A complete basic oral examination, along with oral health instruction including adequate oral and dental hygiene, is crucial to prevent dental caries and associated complications in RA patients, since they appear to be more vulnerable than the non-RA population.

Distribution of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotypes in patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the distribution of Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotypes in patients affected by Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 394 subjects divided into four groups, RA, PE, RA and PE and healthy subjects. PE was diagnosed by using clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing depth (PD) indexes. Presence of P. gingivalis and its genotypes was identified by polymerase chain reaction in subgingival biofilm. RESULTS: P. gingivalis was more frequent in patients with RA (82.69%), and fimA II genotype was the most frequent in all groups, especially in PE/RA (76.71%). There was statistical difference (p < .05) regarding the frequency of P. gingivalis genotypes such as fimA Ib, II and III. CONCLUSIONS: Distribution of P. gingivalis fimA II genotypes was different among groups, it could play a critical role in the presence of PE in RA patients.

Dental Decay and Oral Findings in Children and Adolescents Affected by Different Types of Cerebral Palsy: A Comparative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare dental caries and oral findings in patients affected by different types of Cerebral Palsy (CP). STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study involved 120 children and adolescents with a diagnosis of CP. WHO diagnostic criteria were used to determine DMFT (caries diagnosis), the pocket depth and attachment level (periodontitis diagnosis). Additionally, the study evaluated dental erosion, traumatic dental injuries, treatment needs index (TNI), oral habits, malocclusions, gingival overgrowth, and dental fluorosis. RESULTS: The most frequent CP type was spastic (62.5%), followed by mixed (18.3%), ataxic (10%), and athetoid (9.1). Patients affected by mixed CP showed a higher prevalence in decayed, DMFT index and TNI compared with the other types of CP (p<0.05). The frequency of malocclusion in the clinical evaluation was 87.5% and in plaster models was 49.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries was an important issue in mixed and athetoid CP groups. Oral habits and malocclusions were the most significant oral health problems in individuals with CP.

Association of cytokines polymorphisms with chronic peridontitis and rheumatoid arthritis in a Mexican population.

OBJECTIVE: Historically, it has been shown that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PE) share pathophysiological similarities and possibly a genetic background. In order to elucidate the genetic background between both diseases, we evaluated the distributions of five SNPs genotypes and all the possible haplotypes composed in subjects with isolated RA, PE, combined diseases and healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 280 Mexican subjects. Genomic DNA was isolated from buccal epithelial cells collected by cheek scrapings and analyzed for the determination of the following SNPs: IL-1α + 4845 (rs17561), IL-1α -889 (rs1800587), IL-1ß + 3954 (rs1143634), IL-1ß -511(rs16944) and TNF-α -308 (rs1800629). RESULTS: After adjustment for age, sex and smoking status, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a no significant association in the genotype frequencies of TNF-α -308 and IL-1α + 4845 SNPs. Otherwise a significant association was observed in IL-1ß + 3954 and IL-1ß -511 (p < 0.05) while IL-1α -889 was of borderline statistical significance (p = 0.054). Also, we found three negative associated haplotypes with PE: IL-1α + 4845 G/IL-1ß -511 A, IL-1ß + 3954 C/IL-1ß -511 A and interestingly IL-1α -889 C/IL-1ß -511 A also with a positive association with RA. CONCLUSIONS: Some genotypes and haplotypes are associated with the diseases. But it seems that the genetic background of the association between RA and PE needs to be explored deeper.