Self-reported questionnaire on periodontal condition validated for use in Brazil

Abstract: There is a current expectation of instruments for periodontal condition surveillance worldwide. The present study aimed to validate the Oral Health Questions Set B (OHQB) for the Brazilian Portuguese and evaluate its temporal stability. This is a sequential mixed-method investigation. After the forward-backward translation process to the Brazilian Portuguese, the OHQB Brazil (OHQB-Br) was applied to 156 participants (39.5 ± 14.14 years; 51.9% males). In sequence, through a full-mouth six-sites/teeth examination and in accordance with the original instrument, the periodontal diagnosis was obtained (March 2020). In January 2021, the OHB-BR was reapplied (n = 71). Ordinal alpha and McDonald's omega tested the internal consistency of the OHQB-Br. Temporal stability was investigated [Spearman correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the Bland-Altman]. The concurrent validity was also verified, considering the periodontal clinical diagnosis (Kruskal Wallis). The ordinal alpha (0.69) and McDonald's omega (0.73) coefficients showed an adequate internal consistency of the OHQB-Br. The OHQB-Br temporal stability was high, as demonstrated by the Spearman coefficient (0.80) and ICC (0.79) and by the Bland-Altman plot. A concurrent validity showed a direct relationship between the OHQB-Br and the clinical condition of no periodontitis, mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis (p < 0.05). Because the OHQB-Br shows internal validity, temporal stability, and adequately identifies periodontal health and moderate/severe periodontitis, the instrument might represent an important tool, at the public level or other settings, for periodontal surveillance in Brazil.

Oral health-related quality of life during supportive periodontal therapy: results from a randomized clinical trial.

AIM: Assessment of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) during a randomized controlled trial of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) consisting of oral prophylaxis with oral hygiene instructions only (test) or in conjunction with subgingival instrumentation (control). METHODS: OHIP-14 was assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Data from 62 participants (50.97 ± 9.26 years, 24 smokers) were analysed by GEE and Logistic regression. OHIP-14 means, effect size, floor and ceiling effect and minimal important difference were calculated. Sum of OHIP-14 (severity), numbers of responses (extent) "fairly often" (FO) or "very often" (VO) and percentage of people (prevalence) reporting FO or VO were computed. RESULTS: At baseline, low scores of OHIP-14 were observed for test (7.67 ± 9.27) and control (6.51 ± 7.47) with a decreasing trend during SPT, without differences between or intra-groups over time. At 6 months, a difference was observed in the OHIP-14 prevalence (p = .03), without differences in severity and extent. Smoking status and plaque >15% (moderate oral hygiene) at 24 months were associated with higher OHIP-14 prevalence scores at that point of time (p = .038 and p = .034, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients submitted to two different modalities of SPT maintained low OHIP-14 scores over 2 years of care.

New tendencies in non-surgical periodontal therapy

Abstract The aim of this review was to update the evidence of new approaches to non-surgical therapy (NSPT) in the treatment of periodontitis. Preclinical and clinical studies addressing the benefits of adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, probiotics, prebiotics/synbiotics, statins, pro-resolving mediators, omega-6 and -3, ozone, and epigenetic therapy were scrutinized and discussed. Currently, the outcomes of these nine new approaches, when compared with subgingival debridement alone, did not demonstrate a significant added clinical benefit. However, some of these new alternative interventions may have the potential to improve the outcomes of NSPT alone. Future evidence based on randomized controlled clinical trials would help clinicians and patients in the selection of different adjunctive therapies.

Impact of smoking on gingival inflammation in representative samples of three South American cities.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of smoking on gingival inflammation in a representative sample of 1,650 adults from Santiago (Chile), Porto Alegre (Brazil), and Tucumán (Argentina). A questionnaire was administered to participants to gather demographic and behavioral characteristics, including smoking habits. The participants were clinically examined to obtain gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), visible plaque index (VPI), and calculus presence values. Gingival inflammation was defined as a mean GI > 0.5. Heavy smokers presented significantly lower levels of gingival inflammation, as reflected by both GI and GBI, than both light and moderate smokers, despite their having increased amounts of plaque and calculus. Being 50 years old or older [odds ratio (OR), 1.93], a VPI ≥ 30% (OR, 28.1), and self-reported diabetes (OR, 2.79) were positively associated with detection of gingival inflammation. In conclusion, the occurrence of clinically detectable gingival inflammation was lower in heavy smokers than light and moderate smokers. Older age, diabetes, and visible plaque emerged as risk indicators of gingivitis. Plaque and gingival indices are significantly associated regardless of the smoking status.

Supportive periodontal therapy in moderate-to-severe periodontitis patients: A two-year randomized clinical trial.

AIM: Evaluate supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) consisting of oral prophylaxis with oral hygiene instructions as sole intervention (test) or combined with subgingival instrumentation removing/disrupting the subgingival biofilm (control). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-two treated periodontitis patients (50.97 ± 9.26 years, 24 smokers) were randomly assigned to receive, every 3 months during 2 years, either test or control treatment. Examination included periodontal probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Generalized estimating equations were used for analyses. RESULTS: Baseline demographics and smoking were similar between groups. However, at baseline, mean PPD was greater in test group than in control group (2.32 mm vs. 2.17 mm, p = .03), but similar after 2 years (2.23 mm vs. 2.15 mm, respectively). With time, significant PPD and BOP decrease and CAL increase were observed although without significant differences between groups. At sites ≥ 5 mm, PPD decrease was greater in test group than in control group irrespective of sex and smoking habit (p = .034). The distribution of sites gaining or losing attachment ±2 mm was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Oral prophylaxis with oral hygiene instructions alone or in combination with subgingival instrumentation was able to maintain the previously obtained periodontal condition to a comparable extent during 2 years of SPT.

Impact of smoking on gingival inflammation in representative samples of three South American cities

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of smoking on gingival inflammation in a representative sample of 1,650 adults from Santiago (Chile), Porto Alegre (Brazil), and Tucumán (Argentina). A questionnaire was administered to participants to gather demographic and behavioral characteristics, including smoking habits. The participants were clinically examined to obtain gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), visible plaque index (VPI), and calculus presence values. Gingival inflammation was defined as a mean GI > 0.5. Heavy smokers presented significantly lower levels of gingival inflammation, as reflected by both GI and GBI, than both light and moderate smokers, despite their having increased amounts of plaque and calculus. Being 50 years old or older [odds ratio (OR), 1.93], a VPI ≥ 30% (OR, 28.1), and self-reported diabetes (OR, 2.79) were positively associated with detection of gingival inflammation. In conclusion, the occurrence of clinically detectable gingival inflammation was lower in heavy smokers than light and moderate smokers. Older age, diabetes, and visible plaque emerged as risk indicators of gingivitis. Plaque and gingival indices are significantly associated regardless of the smoking status.

A multicenter study of oral health behavior among adult subjects from three South American cities

Abstract The aims of this study were to describe the self-reported oral hygiene habits, dental visit frequency, and gingival bleeding perception in adult populations from three South American cities, and also to assess the association of these variables with sociodemographic data and with the clinical presence of plaque and gingival inflammation. Five-hundred and fifty adult subjects from each city (Porto Alegre, Brazil; Tucumán, Argentina; Santiago, Chile) received full mouth examinations to determine visible plaque and gingival index. A structured questionnaire on demographics, habits, attitudes and knowledge of oral health was also administered. The data were analyzed according to dental visit frequency, toothbrushing frequency, interproximal tooth cleaning frequency, subjects' perception of gum bleeding, and proportion of subject sites with VP and bleeding sites. Analysis of the association among the variables was performed using either a chi-square test or Fischer's exact test. Toothbrushing twice a day or more was reported by 84.2% of the subjects, but only 17.7% reported daily interdental cleaning, and 60.2% reported visiting a dental clinic only in an emergency. Only 2.97% had no bleeding sites, whereas 33.7% had 50% or more bleeding sites. Regular interdental self-cleaning and a dental visit every 3-6 months was associated with less plaque and less gingival bleeding. More than 12 years of education was associated with healthier habits, less bleeding and plaque scores. In conclusion, the oral health behavior of South American adult subjects from these cities is below the international recommendations, especially in relation to interdental cleaning and regular dental visits.

Tooth Loss in Patients under Periodontal Maintenance in a Private Practice: A Retrospective Study

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence and causes of tooth loss in periodontal subjects from a private practice in Brazil. Two trained examiners extracted data from the records of subjects who sought periodontal treatment from 1980 to 2013. Only records of patients who completed the non-surgical periodontal treatment and had at least one visit for maintenance were included. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, Student's t-test, Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox regression. A total of 3,319 records were reviewed and 737 records included (58.6% women, mean age of 46.6±13.0 years at the beginning of the treatment). Maintenance period ranged from 1 to 33 years (7.4±6 years). During this period, 202 individuals (27.4%) lost 360 teeth, 47.5% of losses within the first five years (n=171). Non-compliers lost more teeth than compliers (p<0.001), respectively 211 and 149 teeth. Regarding reasons of tooth loss, 84 individuals lost 38% of the teeth from periodontal disease progression (n=137). Survival analysis showed that most patients lost only one tooth from periodontal disease, and differences in the survival rates between compliers and non-compliers were observed following the second tooth loss. Approximately one-third of tooth losses was related to periodontal disease progression, and there was stability in time of the proportion of losses from disease progression and other reasons. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that compliant patients in a private practice lose fewer teeth than do non-compliers. Among compliers, periodontal disease progression was not the main cause of tooth loss.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a incidência e causas de perda dentária em pacientes em manutenção periódica preventiva (MPP) de uma clínica privada. Dois examinadores extraíram os dados de registros de pacientes que procuraram tratamento periodontal entre 1980 a 2013. Os registros de pacientes que completaram o tratamento periodontal não cirúrgico e tiveram ao menos uma visita de MPP foram incluídos. Os dados foram avaliados utilizando os testes chi-quadrado, T de Student, curva de sobrevida de Kaplan-Meier e regressão de Cox. Dos 3.319 prontuários, 737 foram incluídos (58,6% mulheres, 46,6±13,0 anos). O período de MPP variou de 1 a 33 anos (7,4±6 anos). Durante este período, 202 indivíduos (27,4%) perderam 360 dentes, 47,5% das perdas durante os primeiros 5 anos de manutenção (n=171). Indivíduos irregulares nas consultas de MPP perderam mais dentes (p<0.001) do que indivíduos com regularidade, 211 e 149 dentes respectivamente. Oitenta e quatro indivíduos perderam 38% de dentes por progressão de doença periodontal (n=137). A maioria dos indivíduos perdeu 1 dente por doença periodontal, e foram observadas diferenças na sobrevida a partir da segunda perda dentária quando comparados indivíduos regulares e irregulares na MPP. Aproximadamente um terço dos dentes perdidos estava relacionado à progressão de doença periodontal. Foi observada uma estabilidade na proporção de perdas por progressão de doença e outras razões ao longo do tempo. Desta forma, conclui-se que indivíduos com uma frequência regular de MPP perdem menos dentes e a progressão de doença nesses indivíduos não é a principal razão para perda dentária.

Microbiological outcomes from different periodontal maintenance interventions: a systematic review

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the differences in the subgingival microbiological outcomes between periodontal patients submitted to a supragingival control (SPG) regimen as compared to subgingival scaling and root planing performed combined with supragingival debridement (SPG + SBG) intervention during the periodontal maintenance period (PMP). A systematic literature search using electronic databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) was conducted looking for articles published up to August 2016 and independent of language. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection, quality assessment and data collection. Only human randomized or non-randomized clinical trials with at least 6-months-follow-up after periodontal treatment and presenting subgingival microbiological outcomes related to SPG and/or SPG+SBG therapies were included. Search strategy found 2,250 titles. Among these, 148 (after title analysis) and 39 (after abstract analysis) papers were considered to be relevant. Finally, 19 studies were selected after full-text analysis. No article had a direct comparison between the therapies. Five SPG and 14 SPG+SBG studies presented experimental groups with these respective regimens and were descriptively analyzed while most of the results were only presented graphically. The results showed that both SPG and SPG+SBG protocols of PMP determined stability in the microbiological results along time. Nevertheless, new studies comparing these interventions in PMP are needed, especially if the limitations herein discussed could be better controlled.

Response to Proximal Restorations Placed Either Subgingivally or Following Crown Lengthening in Patients with No History of Periodontal Disease.

The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of resin restorations placed supragingivally or impinging periodontal biologic width (PBW). Ten patients (aged 19 to 35 years) with at least two contralateral teeth (premolars and molars) in need of proximal subgingival restorations participated. Test group (TG) (impingement of PBW with transsurgical restorations) and control croup (CG) (supragingival restorations after crown lengthening) were randomly assigned. Visible plaque (VP), bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were evaluated at baseline and at 45, 90, and 180 days, and by transperiodontal probing at baseline and 180 days. Generalized estimating equations, Wald test, and t test were used (P ≤ .05). VP and BOP were reduced and maintained at low levels (less than 10% from day 45 on). PPD initially reduced in the TG. At day 180, no intra- or intergroup differences were observed (P > .05). CAL was higher in the CG after surgery (P < .05) and remained stable for both groups throughout the study. In conclusion, proximal bonded restorations infringing on the PBW may not require clinical crown lengthening.

Do controle de placa ao controle do biofilme supragengival: o que aprendemos ao longo dos anos? / From plaque control to the supragingival biofilm control: what have we learnt over time?

As doenças periodontais de maior prevalência são aquelas relacionadas à presença da placa bacteriana, hoje entendida como um biofilme dental. A compreensão da dinâmica deste reacendeu antigas discussões que, desde então, buscavam determinar quais as formas elegíveis e preferíveis para o tratamento daquelas doenças. Sob o conceito de "placa dentária", o tratamento da gengivite, mas principalmente o da periodontite, ora levaram ao extremo da tentativa de eliminação de toda e qualquer "placa", ora conduziram ao uso, até hoje indiscriminado, de antibióticos. Atualmente, o conceito de biofilme dental, entendido como comunidades microbianas com mecanismos interdependentes de autorregularão, nutrição e comunicação, a ponto de manterem um sinergismo que vai ao encontro da sua subsistência, alterou a forma não só de entender a etiologia das doenças periodontais, mas de como tratá-las. Neste conceito, o papel dos microrganismos não necessariamente aponta para tipos bacterianos específicos como causadores da doença, mas para as doenças periodontais como uma infecção oportunista. Paralelamente, o biofilme supragengival passou a significar mais do que o fator etiológico das gengivites, passando a ser compreendido, também, como fundamental modulador do ambiente subgengival. Neste cenário, a terapia periodontal passa por desafios inerentes a uma mudança conceitual, tais como compreender o significado do controle supragengival para a prevenção, tratamento e manutenção dos resultados terapêuticos. Portanto, esta revisão teve por objetivo apresentar a plausibilidade biológica do controle do biofilme supragengival como fundamental para a terapia periodontal e, além disto, discutir resultados de estudos sob o conceito de doença periodontal como uma infecção oportunista.

The most prevalent periodontal diseases are those associated with the presence of dental plaque, nowadays understood as a dental biofilm. The comprehension of the biofilm dynamics rekindled old discussions that, since then, sought to determine the eligible and preferred therapies for periodontal diseases. Under the concept of "dental plaque", the gingivitis treatment, and also the periodontitis one were based on the elimination of every and any plaque or of some bacteria species. The later determining the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Currently, the biofilm concept, understood as microbial communities with interdependent mechanisms of self-regulation, nutrition and communication and involved in a synergism to render its subsistence, changed the way not only to understand the periodontal diseases etiology but, in special, the way to treat them. Under this concept, the role of microorganisms not necessarily points to specific bacteria infecting the sites and causing diseases, but to periodontal diseases as an opportunist infection linked to a retro feeding process between the dental biofilm and the host. Alongside, the supragingival biofilm has meant more than the etiologic factor of gingivitis, but also as an important modulator of subgingival environment. In this sense, the periodontal therapy is challenged by conceptual trends, such as the comprehension of the meaning of supragingival control for the prevention, treatment and maintenance of therapeutic results. Therefore, the present review aimed to revise the role of the supragingival biofilm control to periodontal condition, and, also, to discuss results of studies under the concept of periodontal diseases as opportunists infections.

Periodontal risk and recall interval evaluation after a program of comprehensive supragingival plaque control.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if a comprehensive supragingival control can modify the periodontal risk and suggested recall interval over time, using an adaptation of an available model of periodontal risk assessment (PRA, Perio-Tools® website). METHOD AND MATERIALS: Single-arm clinical trial data (visible plaque and gingival bleeding indexes, periodontal probing depth, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level from baseline (day 0, T0), day 30 (T1), and day 180 (T2) from 50 moderate-to-severe periodontitis patients (25 never-smokers; 25 smokers) submitted to a comprehensive supragingival plaque control regimen for 180 days were subjected to a secondary analysis using an adaptation of the PRA. The periodontal risk (high, medium, or low) and suggested recall interval were calculated per patient and at each experimental time. General linear models and the Cochran test were used for statistical analysis, considering the dependence of the data. RESULTS: All patients were at high risk at baseline. At T1, 20% migrated to medium-risk (P = .002). At T2, 38% and 8% exhibited medium- and low-risk, respectively (P ≤ .001). The reduction between T1 and T2 was significant (P = .001). The mean recall interval increased from 3.0 ± 0.0 (T0) to 3.6 ± 1.2 (T1), and 4.9 ± 2.6 months at T2 (P < .003). The effect that smoking habit exerted on risk was limited to the first 30 days, and no effect on recall interval was observed. CONCLUSION: The oral hygiene condition is an important indicator that influences the risk and the recall interval over time, thus deserving attention when evaluating the individual periodontal prognosis.

How do peri-implant mucositis and gingivitis respond to supragingival biofilm control - an intra-individual longitudinal cohort study.

PURPOSE: This single-arm study to compare the gingival with peri-implant mucosal inflammatory response to a mechanical supragingival-supramucosal biofilm control program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two participants (55.7 ± 11.2 years) with both gingivitis and periimplant mucositis were examined at days 0, 30 and 390 (full mouth/6 sites per tooth/implant [TTH/IMPL]) for visible plaque (VPI), gingival bleeding (GBI), modified plaque (mPlI) and bleeding indexes (mBI), probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP). The biofilm control was carried out weekly in the first month and every 3 months thereafter. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed (drop-out rate = 8) and linear models were used against comparisons in order to look at the clustering of TTH/IMPL by each individual. RESULTS: VPI/mPlI and GBI/mBI reduced from day 0 onwards. Intra-group reductions (P < 0.05) were observed at day 30. PD values (in mm) were higher (P < 0.001) for IMPL than for TTH [mean difference (95% CI) at day 0: -1.10 (-1.58 to -0.63); day 30: -0.88 (-1.28 to -0.48); and day 390: -0.60 (-0.84 to -0.33)], where both groups showed reductions (P < 0.05) throughout the study. BOP was greater (P = 0.00001) for IMPL at baseline [mean difference (95% CI): -0.24 (-0.31 to -0.17)] but reduced (P = 0.00001) and showed similar levels to TTH from day 30 onwards. With regard to sites with the greatest PD, BOP reduced (P < 0.05) in both IMPL and TTH, with greater PD reductions observed for IMPL (P = 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The supragingival-supramucosal biofilm control benefited both teeth and implants.

Influence of supragingival biofilm control and smoking habit on Interleukin-1ß concentration.

This investigation compared gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) concentrations in periodontitis patients subjected to a strict supragingival biofilm control (Supra) for 6 months. Never-smokers (23) and smokers (n = 20; 19.6 ± 11.8 cigarettes/day) moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis patients underwent a 6 months period of supragingival control with weekly recall visits. Periodontal probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and GCF samples (from different PPD category sites: 3-5 mm and 6-10 mm) were obtained at the baseline, 30, and 180 days. IL-1ß was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Generalized estimating equations were used to fit prediction models of IL-1ß changes, considering the dependence between the examinations, and using only data from experimental sites. Overall IL-1ß concentrations decreased from 3.2 pg/µL to 1.9 pg/µL. Higher baseline IL-1ß concentrations were associated with higher baseline PPD values in both groups. There were no differences in IL-1ß concentrations between never-smokers and smokers over time for any PPD category. Higher baseline PPD values and the presence of BOP on day 180 were significantly associated with higher IL-1ß concentrations. A strict Supra regimen reduced IL-1ß concentrations over time in periodontitis patients. The benefits observed for smokers underline the importance of oral hygiene measures, even considering the presence of this important risk factor.

Influence of supragingival biofilm control and smoking habit on Interleukin-1β concentration

This investigation compared gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) interleukin-1β (IL-1β) concentrations in periodontitis patients subjected to a strict supragingival biofilm control (Supra) for 6 months. Never-smokers (23) and smokers (n = 20; 19.6 ± 11.8 cigarettes/day) moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis patients underwent a 6 months period of supragingival control with weekly recall visits. Periodontal probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and GCF samples (from different PPD category sites: 3-5 mm and 6–10 mm) were obtained at the baseline, 30, and 180 days. IL-1β was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Generalized estimating equations were used to fit prediction models of IL-1β changes, considering the dependence between the examinations, and using only data from experimental sites. Overall IL-1β concentrations decreased from 3.2 pg/µL to 1.9 pg/µL. Higher baseline IL-1β concentrations were associated with higher baseline PPD values in both groups. There were no differences in IL-1β concentrations between never-smokers and smokers over time for any PPD category. Higher baseline PPD values and the presence of BOP on day 180 were significantly associated with higher IL-1β concentrations. A strict Supra regimen reduced IL-1β concentrations over time in periodontitis patients. The benefits observed for smokers underline the importance of oral hygiene measures, even considering the presence of this important risk factor.

Perspectivas atuais sobre halitose bucal: revisão de literatura / Current Perspectives on Oral Halitosis: a literature review

Datam da década de 70 os primeiros estudos para elucidar uma questão bucal relevante e até hoje ainda não totalmente explorada, a halitose. Apesar de avanços no conhecimento etiológico, a busca pelos meios e métodos mais adequados para o diagnóstico da halitose, bem como a identificação das terapias eletivas para as diversas origens do mau hálito, permanecem necessárias. Sabe-se que a halitose de origem bucal, a forma mais prevalente, pode ser diagnosticada por vários métodos, seja pela utilização de aparelhos e instrumentos onerosos e complexos, seja por meio da percepção do cirurgião-dentista ou do próprio paciente. Supostamente nenhum instrumento é desprovido de deficiências, cabendo, portanto, ao profissional a escolha do melhor método de diagnóstico em cada caso. Confirmando se o diagnóstico da halitose bucal, sua terapia deverá ser direcionada primariamente à eliminação de sua etiologia, comumente a presença de doenças periodontais. Pelo exposto, o objetivo da presente revisão de literatura é levantar e fornecer informações que possam auxiliar o dia-a-dia do cirurgião-dentista na busca por métodos que facilitem o diagnóstico da halitose e que, concomitantemente, conduzam a um adequado manejo terapêutico.

The first studies that aimed to elucidate a relevant, and still little explored, oral condition such as the halitosis date from the Seventies. Despite of advances in the knowledge of halitosis etiology, the search for the best method of diagnosis, as well as the possible therapies for bad breath, are still necessary. Halitosis of oral origin, the most prevalent, and can be diagnosed by different methods, since from the use of complex and expensive equipment and instruments to patients’ perceptions. As there is no method devoid of problems, it is up to the dentist to select the best method to each case. When confirmed the halitosis diagnosis, the therapy must be directed to eliminate its etiology, usually periodontal diseases. Therefore, the aim of this review of the literature is to provide information that may assist dentists in the selection of the best diagnostic method for halitosis and that, consequently, lead to an appropriate therapeutic approach.

Efficacy of a triclosan formula in controlling early subgingival biofilm formation: a randomized trial

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of rinses with slurries of a dentifrice containing triclosan (TCS), as compared with rinses with slurries from a control dentifrice, in controlling early subgingival biofilm formation. A double-blind, randomized and cross-over clinical trial was designed, and 26 dental students were included. In the first period, participants were randomized to rinse with a TCS slurry or a control slurry, in a 12 h interval, and to refrain from mechanical cleaning. A Plaque Free Zone Index was assessed at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h. After a washout period of 10 days, the second experimental period was conducted, following the same protocol as the first period, except that the slurry groups were switched. Use of the TCS slurry resulted in a significantly higher percentage of plaque-free surfaces, both at 24 h and at 72 h (p < 0.01). In the of 48-72 h interval, the triclosan slurry showed a lower percentage of sites converted to a score of 2 (38.1% for the testversus 40% for the control product, p = 0.015). In conclusion, rinsing with slurries of dentifrice containing TCS retards the down growth of bacterial biofilms from the supra- to the subgingival environment.

Espaço biológico do periodonto: um conceito a ser revisto / Periodontal biological width: a concept to be revisited

O espaço biológico do periodonto (EBP) é parte da união dentogengival e compreende o epitélio juncional e a inserção conjuntiva supracrestal. Tradicionalmente, a odontologia postulou que, sob hipótese alguma, esse espaço poderia ser invadido por qualquer procedimento restaurador, porque, frente à invasão, sugerir-se-ia que uma perda óssea alveolar contínua inexoravelmente aconteceria, colocando inclusive o dente sob risco de perda. Entretanto, estudos em animais e em humanos, dedicados a essa temática, têm questionado alguns dos tradicionais conceitos vinculados ao EBP. É comum que, frente à invasão desse espaço, haja inflamação crônica, que somente acarretará perda tecidual continuada, caso haja um paciente suscetível às doenças periodontais, associado a um controle do biofilme deficiente. O presente texto faz uma reflexão sobre o significado do EBP para a odontologia, considerando-se as evidências contemporâneas sobre as consequências de sua invasão.

Periodontal biological width is part of the dentogingival area and comprises the junctional epithelium and the connective tissue attachment. Traditionally, dentistry has postulated that, under no conditions, periodontal biological width could be invaded by any type of restorative procedure. This is related to the fact that, if it is trespassed, it is suggested that alveolar bone loss would certainly occur, thus increasing the risk of tooth loss. However, animal and human studies have dedicated to this subject and have observed that the inviolability of this width might be questioned. It is common that, in face of the trespass of this width, chronic inflammation would occur, however this would lead to continuous tissue loss if the patient is susceptible to periodontal diseases, associated with an improper biofilm control. The present text discusses the meaning of the biological width for dentistry, considering the contemporary evidence about the consequences of its trespass.

Measuring periodontal biologic distances: Transperiodontal vs transsurgical probing.

OBJECTIVE: Crown-lengthening surgeries are widely indicated in dental practice and the proper measurement of biological distances is imperative for accurate surgical, prosthetic or restorative planning. However, few clinical studies have evaluated the methods for measuring these distances. The aim of this study was to compare the transperiodontal (before incision/BI: immediately before the intrasulcular incision) and transsurgical (after incision/AI: immediately after mucoperiosteal flap reflection) probing methods for measuring the biological distance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from a previous randomized and controlled clinical trial were subjected to a secondary analysis, which included nine patients (26 ± 5 years), with a total of 18 teeth requiring restorative treatment. A single calibrated examiner measured the distances (in millimetres) between the cervical walls of the caries/cavity preparation and the bone crest. RESULTS: Absolute agreement between the distances measured by the BI and AI methods was 88.88%. Mean distances by BI (1.44 ± 0.51 mm; range = 1-2 mm) and AI (1.55 ± 0.61 mm; range = 1-3 mm) showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Transperiodontal probing appears to be suitable for the measurement of biological distances and may be used as an important tool for surgical planning.

Response of molars and non-molars to a strict supragingival control in periodontal patients

The posterior position in the arches is one of the factors that underlies the poor prognosis of molar teeth (M). It is speculated that M do not benefit from the oral hygiene routine as well as non-molars (NM) do. This study evaluated the response of M and NM to supragingival control during a 6-month period in 25 smokers (S) and 25 never-smokers (NS) with moderate-to-severe periodontitis. One calibrated examiner assessed visible plaque (VPI) and gingival bleeding (GBI) indexes, periodontal probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) at days 0 (baseline), 30 and 180. At baseline, M showed significantly higher mean values of VPI (p = 0.017) and PPD (p < 0.001) compared with NM; CAL was also greater in M (p < 0.001) and was affected by smoking (p = 0.007). The reductions obtained for periodontal indicators at day 180 showed similar responses between M and NM. For CAL, M (NS 0.57 ± 0.50; S 0.67 ± 0.64) and NM (NS 0.38 ± 0.23; S 0.50 ± 0.33) reached an almost significant difference (p = 0.05). Smoking did not influence the response to treatment. Multilevel analysis revealed that, only for PDD reductions, the interaction between sites, teeth and patient was significant (p < 0.001). It was concluded that M benefit from an adequate regimen of supragingival biofilm control; therefore, supragingival condition should be considered in the prognosis of molar teeth.