The efficacy of combining adjuvants with non-surgical periodontal therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A Bayesian network meta-analysis.

AIM: This Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessed the effect of adjuvant periodontal treatment in both periodontal and HbA1c outcomes in adult individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was done up to February 2023 comparing sub-gingival debridement (SD) in combination with local or systemic adjuvant treatment with SD alone for individuals with T2DM. The primary outcomes were changes in absolute HbA1c levels and full-mouth probing depth reported at 3- to 6-month post-treatment. RESULTS: Seventy-two eligible publications evaluating 27 adjuvant treatments were retrieved. The combination of SD and systemic antibiotic metronidazole or SD and antioxidant alpha lipoic acid provided, respectively, 1.4% (95% credible interval [CrI] 0.48; 2.20) and 2.4% (95% CrI 1.50; 3.30) more significant improvement on HbA1c levels, and 0.89 mm (95% CrI 0.23; 1.50) and 0.92 mm (95% CrI 0.02; 0.92) greater periodontal probing depth reductions. Other adjuvant treatments provided added benefit to the periodontal outcomes without discernible effects on HbA1c. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant use of metronidazole or alpha lipoic acid was the best adjunct option to provide clinically meaningful HbA1c levels and probing depth reductions. However, no strong recommendation can be drawn due to the scarcity of studies for each adjuvant treatment and the low certainty of the resultant evidence.

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.

Educational inequalities and alcohol-related consequences in Brazil.

AIMS: This study aimed to test whether the alcohol harm paradox (AHP) is observed in Brazil by investigating (i) the association between educational attainment and alcohol-related consequences (ARC) and (ii) the contribution of average alcohol volume consumed (AVC), past-month heavy episodic drinking (HED), smoking, body mass index (BMI), and depression in accounting for the disparities in ARC. METHODS: We analysed data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey, a nationally representative household survey. The composite ARC outcome was considered present when an individual reported a past-year episode of activity failure, amnesia, and concern by others due to alcohol consumption. Adjusted binary logistic regression models were fitted using a hierarchical approach to calculate the odds ratios (OR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI), and to assess the contribution of each set of variables in attenuating the educational differences in ARC. RESULTS: Those from the lowest educational strata (incomplete elementary school) exhibited higher odds of ARC than their counterparts (OR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.73-2.37). Although smoking, BMI, and depression attenuated the educational gradient (i.e. reduced the difference between reference and riskier categories) in ARC by ~13%, the adjustment for AVC and HED amplified inequalities by 0.3% and 5.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: We found evidence of the AHP in Brazil. Educational inequalities in ARC were scarcely attenuated by behavioural factors, and a suppression effect was noted when adjusting for AVC and HED.

Should supragingival scaling be performed separately prior to subgingival scaling and root planning in nonsurgical periodontal therapy? A systematic review of randomized trials.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with at least 6 months of follow-up, on whether professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) including supragingival scaling should be performed prior and separately from subgingival scaling and root planning (SRP) in nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), in terms of clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (CRD42020219759). METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, LILACS and Web of Science electronic databases, as well as grey literature sources, were searched by two independent reviewers up to May 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used for quality appraisal and GRADE for assessing the certainty of evidence. Random-effects pairwise meta-analyses compared the changes in probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BoP) of a stepwise NSPT approach (PMPR prior and separately from SRP) and conventional one-step NSPT through mean differences (MDs) and associated confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: Two RCTs were included, including data of 77 participants with severe periodontitis. One RCT presents high risk of bias and the other has some concerns. No significant differences were found between the stepwise approach and performing both steps simultaneously for any clinical outcomes, with overall very low certainty on evidence. No adverse effects were detected and there was no data on PROs. CONCLUSIONS: There is very-low certainty evidence of no significant difference on PPD and BoP reductions and CAL gain between supragingival scaling performed prior and separately from SRP and conventional one-step NSPT.

Association between oral hygiene and gingival abrasion in a rural population in southern Brazil: A multilevel secondary analysis.

AIM: To evaluate associations between oral hygiene and gingival abrasion (GA) in a rural population from southern Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based sample representative of individuals from a rural community in southern Brazil was included. Individuals aged 15 years or older and who had five teeth or more present were selected for this analysis. GA extent was defined as the total number of abrasions per individual. An adjusted multilevel negative binomial regression analysis was used to investigate the associations between site-, tooth- and individual-level variables and GA. Mean ratios (MR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Five hundred ninety-five dentate individuals aged 15-82 years were analysed. In the adjusted models, brushing more than twice a day (MR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.02-1.26) and brushing with a hard/medium-bristle toothbrush (MR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.01-1.23) were significantly associated with more generalized GA. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of GA was independently associated with greater brushing frequency and the use of a toothbrush with harder bristles in residents of a rural area.

The alcohol harm paradox and tooth loss among Brazilian older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the association between alcohol consumption and tooth loss is modified across socioeconomic positions (SEPs) in Brazilian older adults. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis using data of The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSI-Brazil 2015-2016). Effect Measure Modification (EMM) analyses using multivariable Poisson regression models tested whether the association between heavy drinking and lack of functional dentition (FD) varies in magnitude and direction according to levels of Household Wealth index (HWI) and educational attainment, assessed by the Relative Excess Risk due to Interaction (RERI). Sensitivity analyses using lifetime exposure to alcohol were performed. RESULTS: The analytical sample comprised 8078 participants. Heavy drinkers living in low-wealth households and with lower education presented 7% (95% CI: 1.01-1.14) and 36% (95% CI: 1.28-1.44) higher prevalence of lack of FD, respectively, than their counterparts, and super-additive associations were detected [RERI for HWI: 0.12 (95% CI: 0.02-0.21); RERI for educational attainment: 0.20 (95% CI: 0.09-0.30)]. The associations were also super-additive in the sensitivity analyses when controlling for abstainer reference group bias. CONCLUSION: We suggest that alcohol consumption disproportionately impacts the prevalence of tooth loss in Brazilian older adults from lower SEP groups.

Binge drinking and oral health-related quality of life in older adults: Socioeconomic position matters.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate whether the association between binge drinking and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) differs by socioeconomic position (SEP) in Brazilian older adults. BACKGROUND: The adverse health effects of alcohol consumption disproportionately affect socioeconomically disadvantaged and older individuals. Moreover, measures of binge drinking may capture different domains of the association between alcohol misuse and health that might be independent of the traditional markers of volume or frequency of consumption. Evidence of the association between alcohol use and oral health outcomes has failed to consider binge drinking and possible effect modification by SEP. METHODS: We conducted a secondary cross-sectional analysis using the baseline data from The Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2015-2016). Effect Measure Modification analyses using multivariable Poisson regression models tested whether the association between past-month binge drinking and higher scores of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) questionnaire differed in magnitude by level of household wealth and educational attainment, assessed using Relative Excess Risk due to Interaction (RERI) and simple slope test. RESULTS: The analytical sample comprised 8857 individuals. Participants who were from low-wealth households or with lower education and reported past-month binge drinking had 27% (95% CI: 1.16 to 1.39) and 28% (95% CI: 1.18 to 1.40) higher OIDP scores, respectively, than those not binge drinkers from higher SEP, and super-additive associations were detected (RERI for household wealth: 0.12; RERI for educational attainment: 0.14). CONCLUSION: Binge drinkers from low SEP have poorer OHRQoL. Public oral health initiatives aiming to combat binge drinking are likely to disproportionately benefit vulnerable groups.

Alcohol Intake Influences the Occurrence and Progression of Periodontitis Differently According to Sex and Country Sociodemographic Development: A Two-Stage Systematic Review.

AIMS: To conduct an overview and systematic evaluation of prospective cohort studies on whether alcohol intake is associated with the incidence and progression of periodontitis. METHODS: Nine databases were searched by two independent reviewers up to November 2021 according to prespecified eligibility criteria. Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions were used for risk of bias assessment and certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Random-effects pair-wise meta-analyses were performed with data from cohort studies on the effects of higher levels of alcohol intake compared with current non-drinking to determine risk ratios (RR) and confidence intervals of periodontitis. RESULTS: The four systematic reviews were at high risk of bias and concluded that alcohol intake is associated with periodontitis regardless of the study design. Five reports from seven cohort studies contributed to the meta-analyses and no statistically significant differences were found for higher levels of consumption regarding the risk of periodontitis, except for men from countries with low- and high-middle socio-demographic index (RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.13-1.46), with low certainty evidence. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of alcohol consumption seem to be part of the causal mechanism of periodontitis when cooccurring with male sex in underdeveloped countries. No conclusion can be drawn regarding alcohol use disorders or patterns of consumption.

Antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacy of medicated and non-medicated sugar-free chewing gum as adjuncts to toothbrushing: systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This network meta-analysis (NMA) assessed the antiplaque and anti-inflammatory efficacy of different sugar-free chewing gums (SFCG) as adjuncts to toothbrushing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases were searched up to February 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials, involving adults, comparing antiplaque and anti-inflammatory effects of SFCG, with different active ingredients, as adjunctive to mechanical control of biofilm, with a minimum of 7-day of follow-up. Plaque and gingival indexes were assessed. The risk of bias assessment was performed with the RoB 2.0 tool. NMA, and pairwise meta-analyses were performed for both dental plaque and gingival indexes. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included, comprising 850 (antiplaque) and 1459 (gingival inflammation) subjects randomized into 9 interventions: (1) chlorhexidine; (2) chlorhexidine + xylitol (CHX+Xyl); (3) green tea + xylitol (GT+Xyl); (4) magnolia; (5) Lactobacillus reuteri; (6) vitamin C + xylitol; (7) vitamin + carbamide; (8) eucalyptus; and (9) negative control, sorbitol, gum base only, or no chewing gum. No statistically significant differences were detected among SFCG, with different active ingredients, for both antiplaque and anti-inflammatory efficacy (p > 0.05). However, SFCG with GT+XyL outperformed negative control gums regarding antiplaque efficacy (SMD, - 2.93; 95% CrI, - 0.45 to - 5.38). The SUCRA results showed that SFCG containing GT+Xyl was ranked first, for both antiplaque and anti-inflammatory outcomes. CONCLUSION: SFCG containing GT+Xyl showed better antiplaque effect over negative controls. However, cautious interpretation is required due to the low number of direct comparisons arms. These shortcomings underscore the need for RCTs with mostly head-to-head comparison that provide more conclusive evidence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There is no robust evidence for the clinical indications of sugar-free chewing gums as adjunct to toothbrushing for the control of biofilm or the treatment of gingivitis.

Alcohol use disorders are associated with higher prevalence of periodontitis in a rural area of Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to determine whether alcohol use disorders (AUD) are independently associated with severe and extent cases of periodontitis in individuals living in a rural area of Brazil. METHODS: A representative probability sample (N = 585) was evaluated using six-site full-mouth periodontal examination. AUD was assessed using the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) and considered in its unidimensional and bidimensional factor structures. The first address hazardous alcohol consumption [HAC (overall scores ≥8)], and the second deals with two distinct constructs, harmful use [HU (items 1-3 scores ≥4 for men or ≥3 for women)], and alcohol-related consequences [ARC (items 4-10 scores ≥1)]. Periodontal outcomes were defined based on the criteria proposed by the CDC-AAP (2012) and an adaptation of the EFP-AAP (2018) definition of generalized stages III or IV periodontitis (GP). Adjusted multilevel multinomial and binary logistic regression analysis were used with a conceptual hierarchical approach to calculate the odds ratios (OR) of periodontal outcomes. RESULTS: In the adjusted model, HU (OR = 2.69; 95% CI: 1.29-5.58) and ARC (OR = 3.79; 95% CI: 1.51-9.51) were significantly associated with higher prevalence of severe periodontitis (SP). Higher occurrence of GP was detected in individuals presenting HAC (OR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.05-3.37) and ARC (OR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.61-5.24). CONCLUSION: AUD was independently associated with higher prevalence of SP and GP in individuals living in a rural area.

Effect of herbal mouthrinses on dental plaque formation and gingival inflammation: A systematic review.

To evaluate the effect of herbal mouthrinses as an adjuvant to oral hygiene on dental plaque and gingival inflammation in subjects with gingivitis. Searches were conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane-CENTRAL, EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS/BIREME, Clinical Trials Registry and grey literature for Randomised Clinical Trials (RCTs) published up to April 2018 without language restrictions. From 4,013 paper found, 20 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. The herbal mouthrinses achieved significant reductions in dental plaque and gingival inflammation compared to placebo rinses. Five herbal products (Camelia sinensis, Azadirachta indica, Anacardium occidentale Linn, Schinus terebinthifolius and Curcuma longa) showed better results than chlorhexidine in dental plaque and gingival inflammation reductions. However, the unclear risk of bias of most included RCTs precludes definitive conclusions. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the design of future RCT in other reduced potential bias that may affect the degree of precision of treatment outcomes in order to evaluate the effect size and clinical relevance of herbal mouthrinses.

Do breastfed children have a lower chance of developing mouth breathing? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the association between breastfeeding and the development of mouth breathing in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven databases were searched for studies investigating the association between the type of feeding and the development of the breathing pattern in children. Descriptive analysis and meta-analysis were performed, with the calculation of the prevalence and likelihood (odds ratios (95% CI)) of mouth breathing according to the duration of breastfeeding. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of mouth breathing was 44% (95% CI: 38-49) (N total = 1182). Breastfeeding was a protection factor against the development of mouth breathing (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.41-0.93). The likelihood of developing mouth breathing was 41% and 34% lower among children that were breastfed for more than 12 and more than 24 months, respectively. No association was found between exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months and the occurrence of mouth breathing (OR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.31-1.18). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the scarcity of cohort studies that met the inclusion criteria and the low certainty of the evidence, no strong evidence-based conclusion can be drawn. However, breastfeeding should be encouraged due to its possible protective effect, evidenced by the substantial reduction in the prevalence of mouth breathing pattern when performed for up to 2 years. Exclusive breastfeeding was not associated with the development of the breathing pattern. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results reveal that breastfeeding can protect children from the development of mouth breathing. Thus, healthcare providers should offer support so that mothers feel prepared and encouraged to perform breastfeeding. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registry: CRD42017062172.

Use of crack cocaine increases tooth loss.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the occurrence of tooth loss among crack cocaine users. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 106 crack cocaine users and 106 controls matched for age, gender, and tobacco use. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, drug use, use of dental services, dental caries, periodontal disease, and the outcome (tooth loss). RESULTS: Crack cocaine users had a greater frequency of tooth loss (55.7% vs. 36.8%), severity of dental caries and periodontal disease and less use of dental services than the controls (P< 0.05). After adjustments, tooth loss was 46% more frequent among crack cocaine users (PR= 1.46; 95%, CI: 1.10-1.93) as well as significantly more frequent among non-whites, those older than 24 years of age and those with high dental caries severity. Occurrence of tooth loss was significantly higher among crack cocaine users. These findings can contribute to the planning and implementation of prevention strategies and oral health care for individuals with a chemical dependence. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of crack cocaine had a negative impact on the oral health of its users, leading to tooth loss and a greater severity of dental caries. These findings should be considered when planning prevention strategies to improve oral health in individuals addicted to crack cocaine.

Are oral hygiene instructions with aid of plaque-disclosing methods effective in improving self-performed dental plaque control? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically evaluate the literature on whether plaque-disclosing (PD) methods, applied by dental professionals (FQ1) or at-home (FQ2), combined with verbal oral hygiene instructions and brushing demonstration (standard OHI) lead to improvements in self-performed dental plaque control in comparison to standard OHI alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven databases were searched by two independent reviewers according to pre-specified eligibility criteria up to September 2020. No restrictions regarding language, date and type of report were imposed. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used for quality appraisal. Multiple comparisons referring to a single study were included if the articles evaluated different PD agents. Narrative synthesis using evidence tables were performed. RESULTS: Seven eligible studies were retrieved, including data of 430 individuals (159 wearers of orthodontic appliances). The studies exhibited considerable heterogeneity regarding outcome assessments and follow-up. Eleven (eight corresponding to FQ1 and three to FQ2) out of 13 relevant comparisons found no significant difference between techniques for dental plaque outcomes and three (two corresponding to FQ1 and one to FQ2) out of five comparisons indicated a positive effect of standard OHI with aid of PD methods on gingival inflammation scores. With respect specifically to orthodontic patients, three out of four comparisons indicated significant improvements on gingival inflammation scores for individuals instructed with PD methods. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should consider PD agents as adjunct to standard OHI in orthodontic patients. For those without appliances, PD methods can be used as an alternative.

Histological and inflammatory analysis to diagnostic method of proximal gingivitis by flossing.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess with histological and inflammatory analysis the use of flossing as a diagnostic method for detecting proximal gingivitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a diagnostic accuracy paper composed of two different studies. In the first study, three groups were identified based on papilla status: bleeding (+) with both methods (N = 26); bleeding (+) with dental floss, but no bleeding (-) with probing (N = 26); and no bleeding (-) with either method (N = 26). One papilla from all 78 participants was biopsied and analyzed for the determination of inflammatory infiltrate and percentage of collagen fibers. Sensibility, specificity, positive and negative predictive, and accuracy values were analyzed. In the second study, the volume of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was analyzed in 49 participants with flossing+/probing- and flossing-/probing- at contralateral proximal sites. The GCF volume was compared between these sites (n = 172). RESULTS: Significantly greater frequencies of moderate/intense inflammation were found in the flossing+/probing+ (100%) and flossing+/probing- (92.3%) groups compared to those in the flossing-/probing- (0%) group. Significantly different percentages of collagen fibers were found among the three groups (flossing+/probing+ (40.90 ± 3.68); flossing+/probing- (45.78 ± 4.55); flossing-/probing- (60.01 ± 36.66)) (P < 0.001). Dental floss increased the balance between sensitivity and specificity values and showed highest positive predictive (100%) and accuracy (97%) values. Among the 172 sites evaluated, positive bleeding sites had a significantly greater volume of GCF (38 (27-68)) than negative sites (25 (16-51)) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that flossing can be used as a diagnostic method for proximal gingivitis in subjects with no history of periodontitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dental floss can be used as a complementary diagnostic method for proximal gingivitis in adults without clinical attachment loss in clinical practice as well as epidemiology studies.

Melaleuca alternifolia and its application against dental plaque and periodontal diseases: A systematic review.

This is a systematic review of clinical and laboratory studies evaluating the effect of Melaleuca alternifolia on periodontopathogens, dental plaque, gingivitis, periodontitis, and inflammatory responses. The PubMed, Cochrane, Web of science, Bireme, Lilacs, Prospero, Open Grey, and Clinical Trials databases were searched to identify potentially eligible studies through October 2016. Of 1,654 potentially eligible studies, 25 were included in the systematic review. Their methodology was evaluated through the Cochrane Handbook for clinical studies and the GRADE system for in vivo/in vitro studies. Although clinical studies must be interpreted with caution due to methodological limitations, laboratory studies have found promising results. In vitro evidences showed that M. alternifolia has bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects against the most prevalent periodontopathogens. Clinical studies found comparable effects to chlorhexidine 0.12% in reducing gingival inflammation, although the antiplaque effect was lower. M. alternifolia also showed antioxidant properties, which are beneficial to the host, allied to the reduction on immune-inflammatory responses to pathogens. This systematic review suggests that the M. alternifolia has potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can be easily applied to the periodontal tissues. However, further clinical trials are needed to elucidate the clinical relevance of its application.

Antimicrobial activity of Melaleuca alternifolia nanoparticles in polymicrobial biofilm in situ.

Microbial biofilms represent a challenge in the treatment of infections, due to the low efficacy of the antimicrobials. This study evaluated the antimicrobial effect of nanoparticles of Melaleuca alternifolia (TTO) in dental biofilm. Thirty-eight volunteers used an oral device in situ in situ including four bovine enamel specimens for 07 days. From the fifth day four solutions were applied randomly for each specimen: Physiological Saline Solution (0.85% NaCl) (C+), Chlorhexidine 0.12% (CHX), M. alternifolia oil 0.3% (TTO), and a nanoparticle solution of 0.3% M. alternifolia oil (NPTTO). The nanoparticles of TTO were characterized for pH, IPD, medium size, zeta potential and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by viable microorganisms count and the structure of the biofilm by atomic force microscopy. The NPTTO presented pH 6.4, particle diameter of 197.9 ± 1 nm, polydispersion index of 0.242 ± 0.005, zeta potential of -7.12 mV and ±0:27 spherical shape. The C+ resulted in 100% of bacterial vitality, while CHX, TTO and NPTTO showed 34.2%, 51.4% and 25.8%, respectively. The AFM images showed biofilms with an average roughness of 350 nm for C+, 275 nm for CHX, 500 nm for TTO and 100 nm for NPTTO. The NPTTO demonstrated excellent antimicrobial activity in the biofilm formed in situ and will possibly be used in future for the treatment/prevention of oral biofilms.

Gingival enlargement in orthodontic patients: Effect of treatment duration.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of the duration of fixed orthodontic treatment on gingival enlargement (GE) in adolescents and young adults. METHODS: The sample consisted of 260 subjects (ages, 10-30 years) divided into 4 groups: patients with no fixed orthodontic appliances (G0) and patients undergoing orthodontic treatment for 1 year (G1), 2 years (G2), or 3 years (G3). Participants completed a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and oral hygiene habits. Clinical examinations were conducted by a calibrated examiner and included the plaque index, the gingival index, and the Seymour index. Poisson regression models were used to assess the association between group and GE. RESULTS: We observed increasing means of plaque, gingivitis, and GE in G0, G1, and G2. No significant differences were observed between G2 and G3. Adjusted Poisson regression analysis showed that patients undergoing orthodontic treatment had a 20 to 28-fold increased risk for GE than did those without orthodontic appliances (G1, rate ratio [RR] = 20.2, 95% CI = 9.0-45.3; G2, RR = 27.0, 95% CI = 12.1-60.3; G3 = 28.1; 95% CI = 12.6-62.5). CONCLUSIONS: The duration of orthodontic treatment significantly influenced the occurrence of GE. Oral hygiene instructions and motivational activities should target adolescents and young adults undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Systemic antimicrobials adjuvant to periodontal therapy in diabetic subjects: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Adjuvant antibiotics have been suggested to improve periodontal therapy in diabetic subjects. AIM: The aim of this study was to systematically review randomized clinical trials assessing systemic antimicrobial use adjuvant to scaling and root planing (SRP) versus SRP alone in diabetic subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, TRIP, Web of Science and LILACS databases and the grey literature were searched through May 2015. Of 2534 potentially eligible studies, 13 were included in the systematic review. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) in probing depth (PD) reduction and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain (primary outcomes), and plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) reductions, were estimated using a random effect model. RESULTS: The WMD in PD reduction [-0.15 mm, n = 11, p = 0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.24, -0.06] favoured antibiotic use. WMDs in CAL gain, PI and BOP reductions (-0.14 mm, n = 9, p = 0.11, 95% CI -0.32, 0.03; 4.01%, n = 7, p = 0.05, 95% CI -0.04, 8.07; and -1.91%, n = 7, p = 0.39, 95% CI -6.32, 2.51 respectively) did not favour adjunctive antibiotic use. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive therapy may improve the efficacy of SRP in reducing PD in diabetic subjects.