Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic, Aloe vera, povidine-iodine, and chlorhexidine mouthwashes in the treatment of gingival inflammation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chemical plaque control with mouthwashes as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control with a toothbrush and dental floss has been considered an effective method for controlling gingivitis. The anti-inflammatory effects of chemical plaque control benefit the oral tissues by reducing inflammation and bleeding. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of probiotic, Aloe vera, povidine-iodine, and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes in treating gingivitis patients by assessing changes in their clinical parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 40 patients from our outpatient department, divided into 4 groups of 10 patients each: probiotic mouthwash group (group 1); herbal (Aloe vera) mouthwash group (group 2); povidone-iodine mouthwash group (group 3); and CHX mouthwash group (group 4). All participants were provided with the same type of manual toothbrush, the Pepsodent® toothpaste and a respective mouthwash for twice-daily use until the end of a 28-day observation period. Clinical parameters, such as the marginal plaque index (MPI) and bleeding on interdental brushing (BOIB), were recorded at baseline, and on the 14th and 28th day of the study period. RESULTS: All groups showed a significant decrease in the MPI and BOIB scores. The results were similar in patients who used a probiotic mouthwash and those who used a CHX mouthwash. A comparable change in the mean scores was observed among the herbal and povidone-iodine groups from baseline to day 28. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of chronic gingivitis patients,a probiotic mouthwash was nearly as effective as CHX in reducing the plaque and bleeding scores. It showed better results in all clinical parameters than herbal and povidone-iodine mouthwashes. Using a mouthwash along with routine tooth brushing can help in treating gingivitis and slow the progression of the periodontal disease.

Comparative effectiveness of Propolis with chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingivitis - a randomized controlled clinical study.

BACKGROUND: To assess and compare the effectiveness of propolis mouthwash with chlorhexidine mouthwash in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis. METHODS: A single centre, latin-square cross-over, double masked, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 45 chronic generalized gingivitis subjects who were chosen from the dental clinic of MAHSA University, Malaysia. A total of 45 subjects were randomly assigned into one of the three different groups (n = 15 each) using a computer-generated random allocation sequence: Group A Propolis mouthwash; Group B Chlorhexidine mouthwash; and Group C Placebo mouthwash. Supragingival plaque and gingival inflammation were assessed by full mouth Plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) at baseline and after 21 days. The study was divided into three phases, each phase lasted for 21 days separated by a washout period of 15 days in between them. Groups A, B and C were treated with 0.2% Propolis, Chlorhexidine, and Placebo mouthwash, respectively, in phase I. The study subjects were instructed to use the assigned mouthwash twice daily for 1 min for 21 days. On day 22nd, the subjects were recalled for measurement of PI and GI. After phase I, mouthwash was crossed over as dictated by the Latin square design in phase II and III. RESULTS: At baseline, intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant difference between Groups A, B and C (p > 0.05). On day 21, one-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant difference between the three groups for PI (p < 0.001) and GI (p < 0.001). Bonferroni post-hoc test showed statistically significant difference between Propolis and Chlorhexidine mouthwash (P < 0.001), with higher reduction in the mean plaque and gingival scores in propolis group compared to chlorhexidine and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS: Propolis mouthwash demonstrated significant improvement in gingival health and plaque reduction. Thus, it could be used as an effective herbal mouthwash alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was retrospectively registered on 25/07/2019 at clinicaltrials.gov and its identifier is NCT04032548.

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Scutellaria lateriflora L. and Cistus × incanus L.-Based Chewing Gum on the Symptoms of Gingivitis: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

Preclinical studies have shown that the combination of Cistus × incanus L. and Scutellaria lateriflora L. extracts exerts beneficial effects on oral health against gingivitis. Thus, this study aimed to assess the tolerability of a chewing gum and its efficacy on gingivitis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Enrolled subjects (n = 60, 18-70 years) were randomized to receive two chewing gums or a placebo daily for 3 months. At baseline (t0) and monthly (t1, t2, and t3) timepoints, the Quantitative Gingival Bleeding Index (QGBI), the Modified Gingival Index (MGI), and the Oral Health 15 items (OH-15)] were employed to assess potential improvements in gingivitis. Pain was self-quantified via the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity of illness (CGI-S) helped in evaluating the oral general conditions. This study is listed on the ISRCTN registry. At t3, the QGBI, MGI, OH-15, VAS, and CGI-S values decreased in the treated but not in the placebo group (ß = 0.6 ± 0.1, t176 = 3.680, p < 0.001; ß = 0.87 ± 0.21, t115 = 4.263, p < 0.001; ß = 5.3 ± 2.5, t172 = 2.086, p = 0.038; ß = 3.16 ± 0.51, t88 = 6.253, p < 0.001; and ß = 1.09 ± 0.32, t83 = 3.419, p < 0.001, respectively). A significant improvement in gingival health occurred after a 3-month intervention with the chewing gums containing S. lateriflora and C. incanus extracts.

A tangible prospect for the treatment of gingivitis using a potentially probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum MK06 isolated from traditional dairy products: a triple blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Frequent bacterial plaque buildup at the gingival margin and crevice can provoke an inflammatory reaction in gingival tissues which manifests as gingivitis. Probiotics could serve as a beneficial complementary therapy for treating gingival inflammation. The main aim of this research was to investigate the effect of the Lactobacillus plantarum MK06 probiotic strain on the treatment of gingivitis. METHODS: Patients with gingivitis, who were referred to a private clinic and were systematically healthy, were included in this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They were instructed to use either placebo or Lactobacillus plantarum suspensions for one minute two times a day after tooth-brushing for four weeks. Then, the clinical parameters of gingivitis, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and oral hygiene index (OHI-s), were measured in the first, second, and fourth weeks. A total of forty-two patients were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 21) and control (n = 21) groups. The mean age of the experimental and control groups was 29.10 and 28.48, respectively. RESULTS: The mean scores of BOP, GI, PI, and OHI-s reduced over time in both the control and test groups. However, according to the Mann-Whitney test, the difference between the two groups was not significant at the same time intervals (P ≥ 0.05) and only GI showed a significant difference in the fourth week (GI-3, P = 0.006). Nevertheless, the experimental group experienced a higher overall reduction rate than the control group. The BOP, GI, PI, and OHI-s scores decreased by 0.081, 0.204, 0.186, and 0.172 times in the second week, respectively, resulting from the interaction of time and the intervention, which considerably diminished these indices. CONCLUSION: This study shows the potential of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum MK06 suspension as a promoting therapeutic adjuvant in the treatment of gingivitis.

Antimicrobial Mouthwashes: An Overview of Mechanisms-What Do We Still Need to Know?

This narrative literature review is the first in a 6-section supplement on the role of mouthwashes in oral care. This introduction briefly summarises current knowledge on antimicrobial mechanisms, relating to some of the most common over-the-counter mouthwash products available worldwide: chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, cetylpyridinium chloride, povidone iodine, and essential oils. The aim of this first article is to describe how mouthwashes "kill" pathogenic microbes when used adjunctively and thus provide a basis for their widespread use to manage key oral diseases, namely caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. This article therefore sets the scene for subsequent, more detailed exploration of mouthwashes regarding their clinical effectiveness, impact on the oral microbiome, and possible effects on systemic health as well as natural alternatives and future directions. Other than the clinical effectiveness (for certain agents) of mouthwashes, on many topics there remains insufficient evidence for systematic review or formulation of robust national guidelines. The supplement, therefore, compiled by an international task team, is aimed at general dental practitioners across the globe, as an easy-to-read guide for helping to advise patients on mouthwash use based on the current best available evidence.

Mouthwashes: Alternatives and Future Directions.

This narrative review summarises "alternative" or "natural" over-the-counter (OTC) mouthwashes not covered elsewhere in this supplement and newly emerging products, as potential mouthwashes of the future. The "natural" mouthwashes reviewed include saltwater, baking soda, coconut oil, charcoal, propolis, seaweeds, and probiotics. Other than essential oils, it is apparent that their clinical effectiveness is still under debate, but there is some evidence to suggest that propolis reduces plaque and gingivitis. This review also covers the host immune response, via novel anti-inmmunomodulant mouthwashes, such as erythropoietin to reduce inflammation with oral mucositis (OM) after radiotherapy. The emerging concept of nanoparticle-containing mouthwashes, such as iron oxide, is further discussed for OM, this agent having the potential for more targeted delivery of chemical antimicrobials. Unfortunately, there are impacts on the environment of widening mouthwash use with more new products, including increased use of packaging, antimicrobial resistance, and possible detrimental effects on marine life. Further, there are roadblocks, relating to regularly approvals and side effects, that still need to be overcome for any OTC deivered immunomodulant or nanoformulation mouthwashes. Despite these caveats, there are many new mouthwashes under development, which could help manage major oral diseases such as caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.

Healthier Smile: The Role of Diet and Nutrition in the Prevention and Therapy of Caries, Gingivitis, and Periodontitis.

Although oral hygiene and fluorides have a significant impact on people's oral health, we must not forget that the causes of oral diseases are often related to malnutrition and other unhealthy behavioral factors, such as smoking, being sedentary, and chronic stress [...].

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of a novel herb-mediated nanocomposite mouthwash in plaque-induced gingivitis: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Gingivitis is frequently painless, rarely causes spontaneous bleeding and is manifested by minor clinical changes. Therefore, most patients are unaware of the disease or do not seek treatment, as it is asymptomatic. Several methods for removing microbial plaque have been proposed, including mechanical and chemical ones. Amla or Indian gooseberry is a medicinal herb; its secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acid, flavonoids and terpenoids, can be used to preferentially reduce metal ions and form nanoparticles (NPs). Green synthesis with the use of the amla seed extract is a unique approach for the production of graphene oxide (GO)-silver (Ag) nanocomposite mouthwash. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to prepare an amla seed-mediated GO-Ag nanocomposite mouthwash, and to assess its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory efficacy in plaque-induced gingivitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted among 30 gingivitis patients. The patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups based on the intervention: group A (n = 15; nanocomposite mouthwash); and group B - control (n = 15; 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash). Clinical parameters, including the plaque index (PI), the gingival index (GI), a microbiological parameter - colony forming units (CFUs), and a biochemical parameter - the C-reactive protein (CRP) level in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), were assessed at baseline and at 15 days. RESULTS: The study results showed statistically significant differences in the mean PI and GI scores, and the CRP levels in the post-intervention period as compared to baseline in both groups. After the intervention period of 15 days, there were statistically significant differences between the 2 study groups in terms of mean PI and GI scores, and CRP levels. CONCLUSIONS: The amla seed-mediated GO-Ag nanocomposite mouthwash efficiently reduced plaque, gingival inflammation and CFUs among patients with plaque-induced gingivitis, but was not equivalent to the CHX mouthwash.

Formulation and Characterization of Mucoadhesive Polymeric Films Containing Extracts of Taraxaci Folium and Matricariae Flos.

Taraxaci folium and Matricariae flos plant extracts contain a wide range of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical and antioxidant profile of the two plant extracts to obtain a mucoadhesive polymeric film with beneficial properties in acute gingivitis. The chemical composition of the two plant extracts was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. To establish a favourable ratio in the combination of the two extracts, the antioxidant capacity was determined by the method of reduction of copper ions Cu2+ from neocuprein and by reduction of the compound 1.1-diphenyl-2-2picril-hydrazyl. Following preliminary analysis, we selected the plant mixture Taraxaci folium/matricariae flos in the ratio of 1:2 (m/m), having an antioxidant capacity of 83.92% ± 0.02 reduction of free nitrogen radical of 1.1-diphenyl-2-2picril-hydrazyl reagent. Subsequently, bioadhesive films of 0.2 mm thickness were obtained using various concentrations of polymer and plant extract. The mucoadhesive films obtained were homogeneous and flexible, with pH ranging from 6.634 to 7.016 and active ingredient release capacity ranging from 85.94-89.52%. Based on in vitro analysis, the film containing 5% polymer and 10% plant extract was selected for in vivo study. The study involved 50 patients undergoing professional oral hygiene followed by a 7-day treatment with the chosen mucoadhesive polymeric film. The study showed that the film used helped accelerate the healing of acute gingivitis after treatment, with anti-inflammatory and protective action.

A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Prenatal Oral Hygiene Education in Pregnancy-Associated Gingivitis.

INTRODUCTION: Research shows there is a significant increase in gingival inflammation during pregnancy. This study was conducted to determine if an oral health intervention (OHI), including oral hygiene education delivered by nurse-led staff and an advanced over-the-counter (OTC) oral home care regimen, improved gingival inflammation in pregnant women with moderate-to-severe gingivitis compared with a standard oral hygiene control group. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, single-masked, parallel group clinical trial conducted in obstetrics clinics of 2 medical centers. A total of 750 pregnant women between 8 and 24 weeks of pregnancy with at least 20 natural teeth and moderate-to-severe gingivitis (>30 intraoral bleeding sites) were enrolled. Participants were randomized to either the OHI group, which included oral hygiene instructions supplemented with an educational video and advanced OTC antibacterial/mechanical oral hygiene products, or the control group receiving oral hygiene instructions and standard products. Both groups received oral hygiene instructions from nurse-led staff. Experienced, masked examiners measured whole mouth gingival index (GI) and periodontal probing depths (PDs) at baseline and months 1, 2, and 3. RESULTS: Participants enrolled in this study presented with moderate-to-severe gingivitis at baseline. Both the OHI and control groups exhibited significant reductions in GI (P < .001) and PD (P < .03) from baseline that persisted throughout the study period. The OHI group exhibited modest, yet statistically greater, reductions in GI (P ≤ .044) compared with the control at all time points. The reduction in PD directionally favored the OHI group, but between-group differences were small (<0.03 mm) and not statistically significant (P > .18). DISCUSSION: Significant gingivitis was prevalent among participants in this study and identifies an opportunity to improve gingival health during pregnancy by providing oral health education during the course of prenatal care when coupled with an advanced OTC oral hygiene regimen.

Partnering for Integrated Care: A Learning Collaborative for Primary Care and Oral Health Teams.

PURPOSE: The Teaming and Integrating for Smiles and Health (TISH) Learning Collaborative was developed to help health care organizations accelerate progress in integrating delivery of oral and primary care. By providing expert support and a structure for testing change, the project aimed to improve the early detection of hypertension in the dental setting and of gingivitis in the primary care setting, and to increase the rate of bidirectional referrals between oral and primary care partners. We report its outcomes. METHODS: A total of 17 primary and oral health care teams were recruited to participate in biweekly virtual calls over 3 months. Participants tested changes to their models of care through Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles between calls. Sites tracked the percentages of patients screened and referred, completed the TeamSTEPPS (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety) and Interprofessional Assessment questionnaires, and provided qualitative feedback and updates in storyboard presentations. RESULTS: On average, with implementation of the TISH Learning Collaborative, sites displayed a nonrandom improvement in the percentages of patients screened for hypertension, referred for hypertension, referred to primary care, and referred for gingivitis. Gingivitis screening and referral to oral health care were not markedly improved. Qualitative responses indicated that teams made progress in screening and referral workflows, improved communication between medical and dental partners, and furthered understanding of the connection between primary care and oral care among staff and patients. CONCLUSIONS: The TISH project is evidence that a virtual Learning Collaborative is an accessible and productive avenue to improve interprofessional education, further primary care and oral partnerships, and achieve practical progress in integrated care.

The benefits of propolis in periodontal therapy. A scoping review of preclinical and clinical studies.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The treatment of periodontal disease (PD) is aimed at adequate control of bacterial plaque. In many patients mechanical methods are unable to eliminate this plaque leading to the need for adjuvant chemical products. Propolis is a natural product that has demonstrated therapeutic properties and has shown to be effective as an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent in dentistry. AIM OF THE STUDY: Considering the beneficial effects of propolis on various oral conditions, this study aimed to review, update and summarize the available evidence on the benefits of propolis in in vitro studies, animal models, and human clinical trials on non-surgical periodontal therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search in three databases was performed up to December 2021. The search strategy included the terms "propolis" and "periodontal disease" to identify relevant studies on the potential advantages of propolis in periodontal therapy in in vitro studies, animal models, and human clinical trials. RESULTS: The search yielded 538 results, discarding 459 studies that did not clearly meet the inclusion criteria. A total of 42 studies were included: 18 in vitro, one animal, and 23 randomized clinical trials. In vitro studies have demonstrated that propolis has antimicrobial activity against periodontal pathogens and clinical studies have reported its use as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy. The clinical effects of propolis have been reported in conjunction with prophylaxis, polishing, and scaling and root planing (SRP). It has shown to have anti-plaque activity and improve gingival health. Propolis was found to be more effective in improving clinical parameters than conventional treatment (SRP alone) and demonstrated similar efficacy in treating chronic periodontitis compared to positive controls. Only one study reported an allergic reaction. CONCLUSION: The evidence available on the benefits of propolis in in vitro studies, animal models, and clinical trials suggests that propolis could be a promising adjunct to conventional therapy of gingivitis and periodontitis. However, further studies are needed to determine its superiority to other therapies in the treatment of PD.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the comparative effectiveness of Salvadora persica - extract mouthwash with chlorhexidine gluconate in periodontal health.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Salvadora persica L., also known as miswak, is an indigenous plant most prevalent in the Middle Eastern, some Asian, and African countries. It has medicinal and prophylactics function for numerous illnesses, including periodontal disease. Various trials, apart from World Health Organization encouragement have contributed to the production and use of S. persica in extract form in the formulation of mouthwash. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the clinical effect of Salvadora persica-extract mouthwash and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash for anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis functions. METHODS: Using the PRISMA 2020 Protocol, a systematic search of the publications was undertaken from the MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholars for randomized control trials published through 31st January 2022 to determine the effectiveness of Salvadora persica-extract mouthwash relative to chlorhexidine gluconate as anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties. RESULTS: A total of 1809 titles and abstracts were screened. Of these, twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review while only sixteen were selected for meta-analysis. The overall effects of standardized mean difference and 95% CI were 0.89 [95% CI 0.09 to 1.69] with a χ2 statistic of 2.54, 15 degrees of freedom (p < 0.00001), I2 = 97% as anti-plaque function and 95% CI were 0.12 [95% CI -0.43 to 0.67] with a χ2 statistic of 0.68 with 10 degree of freedom (p < 0.00001), I2 = 89% as anti-gingivitis. CONCLUSION: This review suggests that Salvadora persica-extract mouthwash causes a significant reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation. While the improvement is inferior to chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash, S. persica-extract mouthwash may be considered as a herbal alternative to the user pursuing periodontal care with natural ingredients.

Prevalence of cancer in relation to signs of periodontal inflammation.

We investigated the associations between periodontal inflammation (gingivitis and periodontitis) and all-kind malignancies, specifically breast and prostate cancer, in a cohort followed-up for 30 years. The study hypothesis was based on the oral inflammation vs. systemic health paradigm. A sample of 2,168 subjects from an original cohort of 105,718 individuals from the greater Stockholm area in Sweden that had been followed since 1985 was investigated. Swedish national health registers were used in the study. Chi-square tests and logistic multiple regression analyses were conducted. The results showed that periodontitis was significantly associated with any cancer after adjusting for gender, age, income, and education (p = 0.015). The probability of getting cancer increased on average by 38% if the patient had periodontitis vs. had not; the odds ratio was 1.380 (95% confidence interval l.066-1.786). No significant association was observed between periodontitis and breast cancer (p = 0.608), while the association between periodontitis and prostate cancer tended towards significance (p = 0.082). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the observed and the calculated distribution of any cancer in gingivitis groups (p = 0.079). Thus, the study hypothesis was partly confirmed by showing a statistically significant association between periodontitis and any cancer.

Evaluation of the efficacy of plaque reduction and gingival health among 6-12 years old school children before and after a short term daily intake of probiotic lozenge - A comparative study.

Context: Probiotics are defined as live microorganisms which when delivered in adequate amounts provides health benefit in the host. Dietary supplements like lozenge seem to be the easy and acceptable vehicle for ingestion of probiotics in young children. Aim: To assess the efficacy of probiotics in plaque reduction and gingival health among 6-12 years school children before and after short term daily intake of Probiotic lozenge. Settings and Design: This Comparative study was conducted among 60 children in the age group 6-12 years. Thirty children in experimental group; who were given lozenge containing probiotic bacteria twice daily, one in the morning and another in the evening after brushing for one month. The placebo lozenge group also followed the same protocol. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS version 21. Results: The Probiotic lozenge group was found to have statistically significant reduction in plaque scores when compared to that of the placebo group with P < 0.001 and there was also a significant improvement in gingival health. Conclusion: An effective reduction in plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation was found with the use of probiotic lozenges and hence proved the therapeutic value of the same.

Comparative Evaluation of 3 Commercial Mouthwash Formulations on Clinical Parameters of Chronic Gingivitis.

BACKGROUND Chlorhexidine (CHX) is not prescribed as a mouthwash for long-term use; therefore, probiotic/herbal mouthwashes are being investigated. This study compared the effect of 3 commercial mouthwashes on plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding index (BI) in patients with chronic gingivitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-five patients (all with moderate plaque) were randomly allocated into 3 groups (Gp): Gp 1 (CHX), Gp 2 (Manuka), and Gp 3 (Pro-Dental). Three periodontal clinical parameters - PI, GI, and BI - were recorded at baseline and on days 7, 14, and 28. An oral hygiene maintenance program was followed by a double-blinded intervention (coded bottle containing mouthwash). Both inter-group and intra-group comparisons were made using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with multiple t tests. All probable values were considered to have various levels of significance at P<0.05 or below. RESULTS All indices for all groups showed higher values (mean) at baseline, which were lower on days 7, 14, and 28. No differences in any clinical parameter at any point of time existed between Gp 1 and Gp 2. There were, however, significant differences (P<0.05) between Gp 1/Gp 3 and Gp 2/Gp 3 for all clinical parameters at all observed time periods (days 7, 14, 28). Intra-group comparison for all groups demonstrated highly significant differences between baseline values and other time points. CONCLUSIONS For managing chronic gingivitis, Manuka mouthwash is as effective as a CHX mouthwash, as there were no differences observed in any clinical parameters at any point points.

Changes in serum omega fatty acids on a Mediterranean diet intervention in patients with gingivitis: An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are precursors of pro- and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators. Serum PUFA levels could influence the severity of inflammatory oral diseases, such as gingivitis. OBJECTIVE: The study analyzed serum PUFA levels in a six-week randomized controlled trial in individuals on the Mediterranean diet (MedD), associations with the intake of specific foods, and possible correlations with oral inflammatory parameters. METHODS: Data from 37 study participants on either a MedD (MedDG; n = 18) or a "Western diet" in the control group (CG, n = 19) were analyzed. Dental examinations and serum analyses were performed at two time points, T1 (baseline) and T2 (week 6). Serum PUFA status, adherence to the MedD, and data from a Food Frequency Questionnaire were analyzed. RESULTS: Within the MedDG omega-6 fatty acid levels decreased significantly. In the overall sample, the proportional decrease in sites with bleeding on probing correlated weakly to moderately with the decrease in total omega-6 fatty acid level (Spearman's ρ = 0.274) and the decrease in gingival index correlated moderately with the decrease in linoleic acid level (Spearman's ρ = 0.351). Meat and fast-food consumption correlated positively with levels of various omega-6 fatty acids, whereas nut, fish, and dairy product consumption correlated positively with omega-3 levels. CONCLUSION: Adherence to a MedD was associated with a decrease in serum omega-6 levels, which positively affected the omega-6/omega-3 ratio. The MedD associated reduction in serum omega-6 levels may be a mechanism that favorably affects gingival inflammatory parameters.

Randomised controlled trial comparing the clinical effectiveness of mouthwashes based on essential oils, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and prebiotic in gingivitis treatment.

AIM: The present clinical study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of 5 types of mouthwash based on different active substances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 180 patients divided into 6 groups of 30 patients, each group rinsing with one of the following types of mouthwash based on: essential oils, combination of essential oils and 0.12% chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide (0.8%), prebiotic, 0.2% chlorhexidine, and placebo. All participants underwent professional mechanical plaque removal after which they were instructed to rinse with 15 ml mouthwash 2 times a day for 21 days. During the study period, patients were monitored at days 0, 14, and 21, examining oral hygiene index, gingival index, bleeding index, and presence of side effects. RESULTS: Gingival index, bleeding index, and oral hygiene index were reduced statistically significantly in all treatment groups. Adjunctive use of mouthwashes demonstrated better clinical effectiveness compared to mechanical plaque control (and placebo mouthwash). The gingival index and the plaque index were reduced most significantly in the group using mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide. The bleeding index decrease was most significant in the group using 0.2% chlorhexidine. CONCLUSIONS: All tested mouthwashes demonstrated significant clinical effectiveness in different degrees in gingivitis treatment. New formulas with prebiotic and combination of essential oils and chlorhexidine indicate promising effectiveness.

The effectiveness of miswak (Salvadora persica L. and Azadirachta indica A.Juss.) practices in reducing plaque and gingivitis among adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Salvadora persica L. and Azadirachtaindica A.Juss. are listed within the most common sources of miswak or chewing stick that widely used among Western Asia and Muslim populations worldwide. Miswak use in conjunction with toothbrush (adjunctive) has become apparent among the adults. Furthermore, miswak has been reported to have mechanical and pharmacological activities, and benefits to the oral health, by many studies. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the effectiveness of miswak in maintaining periodontal health among adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of miswak published in PubMed, EBSCOHOST (Dentistry & Oral Sciences), SCOPUS, and Cochrane Database for Systematic Review (CDSR) from inception to May 08, 2022. The primary outcomes of interest were changes in the periodontal health measured with plaque and gingivitis scores as well as subgingival bacteria load. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach while the estimates of effect were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Ten eligible articles were identified, of which 9 could be analysed quantitatively. The remaining report was included as part of the qualitative analysis. The meta-analysis showed that miswak was comparable with the toothbrush in reducing the mean plaque score (p= 0.08, SMD: 0.39, and 95% CI: -0.05 to 0.83) and mean gingivitis score (p= 0.37, SMD: 0.13, and 95% CI: -0.16 to 0.43). Even higher certainty of evidence for the effect of miswak on mean plaque reduction on labial surface of anterior teeth. However, the adjunctive effect of miswak was significantly more superior for reducing plaque (p= 0.01, SMD: 0.68, and 95% CI: 0.14 to 1.22) and gingivitis score (p= 0.04, SMD: 0.66, and 95% CI: 0.03 to 1.29). CONCLUSIONS: Miswak effectively reduced plaque and gingivitis scores to a level comparable to toothbrush when used exclusively. Adjunctive miswak use was particularly effective in improving periodontal health. However, the included studies inadequately reported on the method of toothbrushing using miswak and the frequency of miswak use. Therefore, further clinical studies are recommended to explore on the advantages and proper method of miswak practice for optima outcome and safety.

Oral microbiota associated with gingiva of healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis cases.

Oral microbes coexist with each other in a symbiotic relationship or as commensals in healthy body. Teeth and oral cavity harbor diverse community of fungi and bacteria. This study focused on bacterial and fungal component of gingiva, where the last occupy little attention. In addition to study the antimicrobial activity of toothpastes, mouth washes and natural oils against microorganisms. Sixty swabs from outer surfaces of gingiva in healthy persons, as well as patients complaining of gingivitis and periodontitis were collected for fungal and bacterial analyses. Sensitivity of the isolated microorganisms to some pharmaceutical preparations and natural oils was also performed. Ten fungal and 9 bacterial species were identified. There is a highly significant variation in the frequency of Klebsiella pneumonia among healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis. Also, Candida tropicalis and cocci bacteria showed significant diversity among the three tested groups. Among pharmaceutical preparations (toothpastes and mouth washes) and natural oils, Paradontax, Hexitol and clove oil showed the best antimicrobial activity against tested fungal and bacterial strains. Although, minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) of clove oil were high compared to Paradontax and Hexitol, nevertheless, it is highly recommended as both antifungal and antibacterial agent against oral pathogenic microorganisms, because it is a natural compound and nearly devoid of side effects.