The effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on hemoglobin A1c levels in persons with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis: a randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE: Chronic periodontitis, a destructive inflammatory disorder of the supporting structures of the teeth, is prevalent in patients with diabetes. Limited evidence suggests that periodontal therapy may improve glycemic control. OBJECTIVE: To determine if nonsurgical periodontal treatment reduces levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in persons with type 2 diabetes and moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Diabetes and Periodontal Therapy Trial (DPTT), a 6-month, single-masked, multicenter, randomized clinical trial. Participants had type 2 diabetes, were taking stable doses of medications, had HbA1c levels between 7% and less than 9%, and untreated chronic periodontitis. Five hundred fourteen participants were enrolled between November 2009 and March 2012 from diabetes and dental clinics and communities affiliated with 5 academic medical centers. INTERVENTIONS: The treatment group (n = 257) received scaling and root planing plus chlorhexidine oral rinse at baseline and supportive periodontal therapy at 3 and 6 months. The control group (n = 257) received no treatment for 6 months. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Difference in change in HbA1c level from baseline between groups at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in probing pocket depths, clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing, gingival index, fasting glucose level, and Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA2) score. RESULTS: Enrollment was stopped early because of futility. At 6 months, mean HbA1c levels in the periodontal therapy group increased 0.17% (SD, 1.0), compared with 0.11% (SD, 1.0) in the control group, with no significant difference between groups based on a linear regression model adjusting for clinical site (mean difference, -0.05% [95% CI, -0.23% to 0.12%]; P = .55). Periodontal measures improved in the treatment group compared with the control group at 6 months, with adjusted between-group differences of 0.28 mm (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.37) for probing depth, 0.25 mm (95% CI, 0.14 to 0.36) for clinical attachment loss, 13.1% (95% CI, 8.1% to 18.1%) for bleeding on probing, and 0.27 (95% CI, 0.17 to 0.37) for gingival index (P < .001 for all). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Nonsurgical periodontal therapy did not improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis. These findings do not support the use of nonsurgical periodontal treatment in patients with diabetes for the purpose of lowering levels of HbA1c. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00997178.

Racial and ethnic disparities in periodontal health among adults seeking dental care in rural North Carolina communities: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Population studies consistently demonstrate a greater prevalence of chronic diseases, including oral diseases, among underrepresented minorities. This retrospective study aimed to measure and describe the prevalence and extent of periodontitis among adults seeking dental care within an academic practice-based network in rural North Carolina. METHODS: This study used de-identified electronic health record (EHR) data from 2011 to 2017 of adult dentate patients (aged ≥30 years) seeking dental care who received a comprehensive periodontal examination at one of nine networked clinical centers. Periodontitis prevalence was calculated using CDC/AAP case definitions, along with extent (%) scores for periodontal parameters. Comparisons focused on age, sex, race, ethnicity, tobacco use, diabetes status, payer or insurance status, plaque scores, and the number of teeth. RESULTS: EHR data for 10,544 adult patients (60.5% female) indicated 79.8% had some form of periodontitis. This patient population was diverse: 22.6% Black, 4.4% American Indian, and 53.8% White, with 4.8% self-identified as Hispanic. Patients 50 years and older showed greater mean extent scores for clinical attachment levels relative to patients 30 to 49 years. Males exhibited greater periodontitis than females (p = 0.001). Blacks showed significantly (p < 0.001) greater periodontitis prevalence relative to Whites. Hispanics also showed a greater prevalence of periodontitis (p < 0.001) relative to non-Hispanics. Significantly greater periodontitis was also noted for tobacco users (p < 0.001) but not for diabetes or payer status. A multiple logistic regression analysis of periodontitis prevalence confirmed significant associations for periodontitis for age, sex, race, ethnicity, tobacco use, high plaque scores, and the number of teeth (p < 0.001), but not diabetes or payer status. CONCLUSIONS: The data document that racial and ethnic inequalities in periodontal health occur within the population of adults residing in rural communities in North Carolina and seeking dental care.

Randomized Clinical Trial of a Topical Botanical Patch for the Adjunctive Management of Periodontitis.

PURPOSE: This randomized, controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the clinical, adjunctive effects of an approved botanical barrier device or patch on probing parameters in patients with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with periodontitis were recruited for this single-blinded trial. Patient demographic data, including gender, age, self-reported smoking status, and history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, were collected. At baseline, all patients received a full-mouth probing examination followed by scaling and root planing (SRP). Thereafter, patients were randomized to receive either adjunctive botanical patch applications (i.e. at 2-4 treatment sites with baseline pocket depth PD ≥6 mm) or no additional therapy (SRP alone, control). Patients applied botanical patch devices per randomization to treatment sites three times on day 0 and once daily on days 1-6. Study devices were spontaneously shed or removed by the patient at 2-2.5 h after each application. Patients were recalled for probing reexaminations at 1, 2 and 3 months. Statistical analyses focused on intergroup differences in probing parameters and included ANOVA for baseline measures and ANCOVA controlling for baseline measures at 1, 2 and 3 months in the overall population and in subpopulations (e.g. smokers vs nonsmokers). RESULTS: Randomized patient groups were balanced with respect to baseline periodontal status (mean and extent PD) but not smoking, with statistically significantly more smokers clustering in the control group (p = 0.002). For the overall population and the non-smoking subpopulation, statistically significantly improved PD and clinical attachment levels (CAL) were observed with adjunctive botanical patch therapy vs control at 1 and 2 months (p < 0.05) but not 3 months (p = 0.08 for PD). For smokers, no statistically significant intergroup differences in PD or CAL were detected with botanical patch treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The data from this trial indicate short-term improvements in probing parameters with the botanical patch device when used adjunctively with SRP, especially with non-smoking periodontitis patients.

Interferon-gamma promoter hypomethylation and increased expression in chronic periodontitis.

AIM: The goal of this investigation was to determine whether epigenetic modifications in the IFNG promoter are associated with an increase of IFNG transcription in different stages of periodontal diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA was extracted from gingival biopsy samples collected from 47 total sites from 47 different subjects: 23 periodontally healthy sites, 12 experimentally induced gingivitis sites and 12 chronic periodontitis sites. Levels of DNA methylation within the IFNG promoter containing six CpG dinucleotides were determined using pyrosequencing technology. Interferon gamma mRNA expression was analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reactions using isolated RNA from part of the biological samples mentioned above. RESULTS: The methylation level of all six analysed CpG sites within the IFNG promoter region in the periodontitis biopsies {52% [interquartile range, IQR (43.8%, 63%)]} was significantly lower than periodontally healthy samples {62% [IQR (51.3%, 74%)], p=0.007} and gingivitis biopsies {63% [IQR (55%, 74%)], p=0.02}. The transcriptional level of IFNG in periodontitis biopsies was 1.96-fold and significantly higher than tissues with periodontal health (p=0.04). Although the mRNA level from experimental gingivitis samples exhibited an 8.5-fold increase as compared with periodontally healthy samples, no significant methylation difference was observed in experimental gingivitis sample. CONCLUSIONS: A hypomethylation profile within IFNG promoter region is related to an increase of IFNG transcription present in the chronic periodontitis biopsies, while such an increase of IFNG in experimentally induced gingivitis seems independent of promoter methylation alteration.

Interproximal tissue dimensions in relation to adjacent implants in the anterior maxilla: clinical observations and patient aesthetic evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: This clinical study aimed to assess (i) interproximal tissue dimensions between adjacent implants in the anterior maxilla, (ii) factors that may influence interimplant papilla dimensions, and (iii) patient aesthetic satisfaction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen adults, who had two or more adjacent implants (total of 35) in the anterior maxilla, participated in the study. The study design involved data collection from treatment records, clinical and radiographic assessment, and a questionnaire evaluating aesthetic satisfaction. RESULTS: The median vertical dimension of interimplant papillae, i.e., distance from tip of the papilla to the bone crest, was 4.2 mm. Missing papilla height (PH) at interimplant sites was on average 1.8 mm. Median proximal biologic width at interimplant sites was 7 mm. The most coronal bone-to-implant contact at implant-implant sites was located on average 4.6 mm apical to the bone crest at comparable neighbouring implant-tooth sites. The tip of the papilla between adjacent implants was placed on average 2 mm more apically compared with implant-tooth sites. The contact point between adjacent implant restorations extended more apically by 1 mm on average compared with implant-tooth sites. Median missing PH was 1 mm when an immediate provisionalization protocol had been followed, whereas in the case of a removable temporary it was 2 mm. Split group analysis showed that for missing PH

Results from the Periodontitis and Vascular Events (PAVE) Study: a pilot multicentered, randomized, controlled trial to study effects of periodontal therapy in a secondary prevention model of cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: In the Periodontitis and Vascular Events (PAVE) pilot study, periodontal therapy was provided as an intervention in a secondary cardiac event prevention model through five coordinated cardiac-dental centers. METHODS: Subjects were randomized to either community care or protocol provided scaling and root planing to evaluate effects on periodontal status and systemic levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). RESULTS: After 6 months, there was a significant reduction in mean probing depth and extent of 4- or 5-mm pockets. However, there were no significant differences in attachment levels, bleeding upon probing, or extent of subgingival calculus comparing subjects assigned to protocol therapy (n = 151) to those assigned to community care (n = 152). Using intent-to-treat analyses, there was no significant effect on serum hs-CRP levels at 6 months. However, 48% of the subjects randomized to community care received preventive or periodontal treatments. Secondary analyses demonstrated that consideration of any preventive or periodontal care (i.e., any treatment) compared to no treatment showed a significant reduction in the percentage of people with elevated hs-CRP (values >3 mg/l) at 6 months. However, obesity nullified the periodontal treatment effects on hs-CRP reduction. The adjusted odds ratio for hs-CRP levels >3 mg/l at 6 months for any treatment versus no treatment among non-obese individuals was 0.26 (95% confidence interval: 0.09 to 0.72), adjusting for smoking, marital status, and gender. CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrated the critical role of considering obesity as well as rigorous preventive and periodontal care in trials designed to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Locally administered antimicrobials for the management of periodontal infection.

Residual or persistent periodontal inflammation is associated with periodontal disease progression and tooth loss. Hence, resolving periodontal inflammation remains an important goal of periodontal treatment. Clinical trials consistently demonstrate that LAAs combined with SRP effectively reduce tissue inflammation in patients with chronic periodontitis. These changes are clinically relevant, and preliminary data suggest that this approach to periodontal treatment may be associated with improvements in systemic outcomes.

Long-term follow-up and tomographic assessment of an intrabony defect treated with enamel matrix derivative.

BACKGROUND: Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has an extensive documentation of use in the treatment of periodontal defects. Digital volume tomography (DVT) has been in use in dental medicine since the late 1990s, with a major advantage of decreased radiation and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional computed tomography (CT). To the best of our knowledge, there is no peer-reviewed report documenting long-term tomographic assessment of an intrabony defect treated with EMD alone. METHODS: In this case report, we document the long-term response of an isolated intrabony defect treated with flap surgery plus EMD and monitored for 30 months with a DVT scan. We also compare clinical and radiographic findings for the defect at 7 and 30 months postoperatively. RESULTS: With regenerative treatment, significant improvements in probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were observed both short and long term. No recession occurred, and papillary heights were maintained throughout the monitoring period. Although intraoral radiography suggested bone fill at the defect site at 7 months, DVT confirmed that the intrabony defect was eliminated at 30 months. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of an intrabony defect with surgery plus EMD demonstrated excellent bone fill as assessed with conventional radiographic and tomographic examinations performed over 30 months. Larger studies are needed to further assess the use of DVT imaging as an appropriate adjunctive diagnostic tool for evaluating the responses of intrabony defects to regenerative techniques.

Realigning biomedical science instruction in predoctoral curricula: a proposal for change.

Currently in North America, there is an active dialogue going on about the state of predoctoral dental education and the need for curriculum change, innovation, and the adoption of contemporary, competency-based educational models. At the institutional level, curriculum committees struggle with requests from faculty to add new content to an overburdened didactic and clinic schedule. This article will describe potential solutions centering on the role and scope of the biomedical sciences in predoctoral dental education. The authors propose that dental educators and institutions reconsider the current admission prerequisites and curriculum content of the biomedical sciences in predoctoral programs. The proposed changes are intended to eliminate content redundancy between undergraduate and predoctoral dental education by integration of the biomedical sciences--in particular, biochemistry, microbiology, and physiology--into other clinically oriented coursework and learning experiences in the curriculum based on a pathophysiology model that fosters students' comprehension of the etiology of oral and systemic diseases encountered by the general dental practitioner. The authors explore how changes in the biomedical science prerequisites for dental school matriculation and associated modifications in curriculum focus and content would impact admissions testing, composition of national board exams, and strategies for teaching and learning within dental schools.

Alcohol intake and periodontitis in adults aged ≥30 years: NHANES 2009-2012.

BACKGROUND: Whether an association between alcohol consumption and periodontitis exists is still unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between alcohol consumption and periodontitis. METHODS: 7062 adults 30 years or older who participated in 2009-2010 and 2011-2012 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included. Alcohol consumption measurement included self-reported average number of alcoholic drinks per week over the previous 12 months and was categorized into four groups (0, < 1, 1- < 8, and ≥8 drinks per week). Participants were categorized using surveillance case definitions for periodontitis that included both clinical attachment level (CAL) and periodontal probing depth (PD) measurements. The association between alcohol consumption and chronic periodontitis was evaluated by multivariable regression analyses adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, income-to-poverty ratio, smoking, self-rated overall oral health, and HbA1c . RESULTS: The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of having severe periodontitis was 1.9 (1.2-3) among participants who reported alcohol consumption of ≥8 drinks compared to participants consuming some alcohol but < 1 drink per week on average. Participants who consumed 1- < 8, and ≥8 drinks per week, on average, also had higher mean PD, percentage of sites with PD ≥4 mm, mean CAL, and percentage of sites with CAL ≥3 mm compared to participants reporting consumption of < 1 drink per week. Meanwhile, the odds of having periodontitis, mean PD, extent PD ≥4 mm, mean CAL, and extent CAL ≥3 mm were not significantly different for nondrinkers than for participants who consumed some alcohol but < 1 drink per week on average. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol consumption was associated with an increase in the likelihood of having periodontitis, particularly severe periodontitis. Consumption of some alcohol, < 1 drink per week on average, was associated with similar odds of having periodontitis compared to consumption of no alcohol.

Inhibition of experimental gingivitis in beagle dogs with topical mercaptoalkylguanidines.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide is a free radical produced in host tissues by constitutive and inducible forms of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase. Nitric oxide plays physiological roles, but it is also involved in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and circulatory shock. Local increases in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and reactive nitrogen products have also been demonstrated in humans and animals with periodontal disease. This masked, randomized, placebo-controlled preclinical investigation examined the effect of two mercaptoalkylguanidines, mercaptoethylguanidine (MEG) and guanidinoethyldisulfide (GED), which are iNOS inhibitors and reactive nitrogen scavenging compounds, on the development of experimental gingivitis in beagle dogs. METHODS: Fifteen female, 1-year-old beagles first completed a 2-week dose-escalation experiment during which a maximum tolerated dose was determined for MEG and GED gels. Thereafter, all animals were brought to optimal gingival health by mechanical scaling, followed by rigorous daily toothbrushing over a 4-week washout period. Experimental gingivitis was then induced, with cessation of plaque control and institution of a soft diet over 8 weeks. Beagles randomly received 0.3% MEG, 0.3% GED, or placebo (vehicle) gels, topically applied twice daily to premolar teeth. Gingival inflammation, bleeding tendency, and supragingival plaque were clinically measured at baseline and at 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Comparisons among groups and between group pairs (active versus placebo) were made using Kruskal-Wallis tests. RESULTS: From baseline to day 7, all groups expressed similar indices. Thereafter, significant and time-dependent increases in the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP) were observed in placebo-treated beagles. Mean GI scores for beagles treated with GED or MEG gels remained at or below baseline levels for the entire treatment period. At weeks 2, 3, 4, and 8, GI scores were significantly lower for MEG and GED groups compared to the placebo group (P<0.05). In addition, MEG and GED gels significantly reduced gingival bleeding responses by 8 weeks (P<0.05). Although placebo-treated beagles demonstrated %BOP scores of 43% at week 8, GED- and MEG-treated beagles exhibited %BOP scores of 21% and 26%, respectively. Since no statistical difference among PI scores was noted for any of the time points, neither mercaptoalkylguanidine appeared to affect supragingival plaque levels. CONCLUSION: The data from this preclinical study indicate that mercaptoalkylguanidines, topically administered, may significantly reduce experimental gingivitis in the beagle dog.

Risk factors for endosseous dental implant failure.

Failures of endosseous dental implants are rare and tend to cluster in patients with common profiles or risk factors. Clinical trials indicate that factors related to implant devices, anatomy, occlusion,systemic health or exposures, microbial biofilm, host immuno-inflammatory responses, and genetics may increase the risk for im-plant complications or loss. In general, factors associated with the patient appear more critical in determining risk for implant failure than those associated with the implant itself. Several risk factors can be modified. For example, the patient can modify smoking and the clinician can modify implant selection, site preparation,and loading strategy. In identifying these factors and making appropriate interventions, clinicians can enhance success rates while improving oral function, esthetics, and patient well-being.

Platelet-derived growth factor stimulates bone fill and rate of attachment level gain: results of a large multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Growth factors are generally accepted to be essential mediators of tissue repair via well-established mechanisms of action that include stimulatory effects on angiogenesis and cellular proliferation, ingrowth, differentiation, and matrix biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate in a large-scale, prospective, blinded, and randomized controlled clinical trial the safety and effectiveness of purified recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) mixed with a synthetic beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) matrix for the treatment of advanced periodontal osseous defects at 6 months of healing. METHODS: Eleven clinical centers enrolled 180 subjects, each requiring surgical treatment of a 4 mm or greater intrabony periodontal defect and meeting all inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were randomized into one of three treatment groups: 1) beta-TCP + 0.3 mg/ml rhPDGF-BB in buffer; 2) beta-TCP + 1.0 mg/ml rhPDGF-BB in buffer; and 3) beta-TCP + buffer (active control). Safety data were assessed by the frequency and severity of adverse events. Effectiveness measurements included clinical attachment levels (CAL) and gingival recession (GR) measured clinically and linear bone growth (LBG) and percent bone fill (% BF) as assessed radiographically by an independent centralized radiology review center. The area under the curve (AUC), an assessment of the rate of healing, was also calculated for CAL measurements. The surgeons, clinical and radiographic evaluators, patients, and study sponsor were all masked with respect to treatment groups. RESULTS: CAL gain was significantly greater at 3 months for group 1 (rhPDGF 0.3 mg/ml) compared to group 3 (beta-TCP + buffer) (3.8 versus 3.3 mm; P = 0.032), although by 6 months, this finding was not statistically significant (P = 0.11). This early acceleration of CAL gain led to group 1 exhibiting a significantly greater rate of CAL gain between baseline and 6 months than group 3 as assessed by the AUC (68.4- versus 60.1-mm weeks; P = 0.033). rhPDGF (0.3 mg/ml)-treated sites also had significantly greater linear bone gain (2.6 versus 0.9 mm, respectively; P < 0.001) and percent defect fill (57% versus 18%, respectively; P < 0.001) than the sites receiving the bone substitute with buffer at 6 months. There was less GR at 3 months in group 1 compared to group 3 (P = 0.04); at 6 months, GR for group 1 remained unchanged, whereas there was a slight gain in gingival height for group 3 resulting in comparable GR. There were no serious adverse events attributable to any of the treatments. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study is the largest prospective, randomized, triple-blinded, and controlled pivotal clinical trial reported to date assessing a putative periodontal regenerative and wound healing therapy. The study demonstrated that the use of rhPDGF-BB was safe and effective in the treatment of periodontal osseous defects. Treatment with rhPDGF-BB stimulated a significant increase in the rate of CAL gain, reduced gingival recession at 3 months post-surgery, and improved bone fill as compared to a beta-TCP bone substitute at 6 months.

Pocket depth reduction as an outcome measure of inflammation and soft tissue changes in periodontitis trials.

Randomized, controlled clinical trials are prospective studies involving human subjects that are designed to assess disease interventions by comparing end-points related to patient well-being. The purpose of this article is to examine the parameter probing (or pocket) depth as a meaningful end-point for evaluating novel periodontitis therapies. Probing depth provides an estimate of the inflamed, ulcerated lesion secondary to periodontitis disease. Probing depth measurements strongly correlate with the concentrations of host inflammatory mediators implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis; these mediators are generated locally secondary to the etiologic biofilm. Probing depth is a well-recognized and routine diagnostic parameter for periodontitis. It is easy to measure and interpret, sensitive to change with treatment, and correlates with other parameters of interest. Evidence from cohort studies indicates that increased probing depth is predictive of periodontitis events such as alveolar bone resorption and tooth loss. Clinical trials assessing probing depth as an efficacy outcome should feature standardization and calibration procedures to decrease measurement bias and variability. In addition, the analysis and presentation of probing-depth data should include the overall population, prognostic subcohorts, and consideration of clinical relevance. Probing depth is the most commonly reported outcome in periodontitis clinical trials and is a meaningful end-point for investigators and clinicians to judge the efficacy of periodontitis interventions.

Adjunctive Treatment of Periodontal Disease with Self-Adhesive Hydrogel Wound Dressing: Case Series.

UNLABELLED: Periodontal disease (periodontitis) is a common inflammatory condition affecting the deep, supporting tissues around teeth. While specific bacteria in plaque biofilm initiate the disease process, host immuno-inflammatory responses are responsible for the majority of tissue destruction. Conventional methods for controlling periodontitis include mechanical removal of the biofilm-with or without surgical access-and the adjunctive use of chemotherapeutics (antimicrobials or host modulators). PerioPatch™ is an approved device product that has been developed as an oral adhesive barrier for promoting healing in inflamed oral/gingival tissues and reducing pain, irritation, and the symptoms of inflammation. In this case series, which documented the adjunctive benefits of PerioPatch therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis, 9 patients who presented with generalized moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were treated with scaling and root planing plus adjunctive PerioPatch devices. Patients applied the devices to identified areas with periodontal pocketing (≥ 6 mm at baseline) twice daily at Day 1, then once daily for Days 2 to 7. Three of the patients additionally applied devices to the treatment sites on Days 15 to 21. Patients were evaluated for changes in probing parameters at 4 to 6 weeks. RESULTS: Clinical examinations performed at baseline and post-treatment indicated consistent pocket depth reductions (mean 2.8 mm) and resolution of bleeding on probing (94%). Patients complied with the application schedule and reported no adverse effects. The authors conclude that within the confines of this case series, the PerioPatch is a novel but simple device that can be used adjunctively with scaling and root planing for the management of chronic periodontitis.

Dentists' knowledge and opinions of oral-systemic disease relationships: relevance to patient care and education.

Population studies consistently support associations between poor oral (periodontal) health and systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of dentists and document their opinions regarding the evidence on oral-systemic disease relationships. A survey consisting of 39 items was developed and mailed to 1,350 licensed dentists in North Carolina. After three mailings, 667 dentists (49%) meeting inclusion criteria responded. The respondents were predominantly male (76.3%), in solo practice (59.5%), and in non-rural settings (74%). More than 75% of these dentists correctly identified risk factors like diet, genetics, smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity for CVD and diabetes. The majority rated the evidence linking periodontal disease with CVD and diabetes as strong (71% and 67%, respectively). These dentists were most comfortable inquiring about patients' tobacco habits (93%), treating patients with diabetes (89%) or CVD (84%) and concurrent periodontal disease, and discussing diabetes-periodontal disease risks with patients (88%). Fewer respondents were comfortable asking patients about alcohol consumption (54%) or providing alcohol counseling (49%). Most agreed that dentists should be trained to identify risk factors (96%) or actively manage systemically diseased patients (74%). Over 90% agreed that medical and dental professionals should be taught to practice more collaboratively. These data indicate that these dentists were knowledgeable about oral-systemic health associations, had mixed comfort levels translating the evidence into clinical practice, but expressed support for interprofessional education to improve their readiness to actively participate in their patients' overall health management.

The periodontal infection-systemic disease link: a review of the truth or myth.

Observational studies indicate periodontal infections as a risk factor for systemic conditions like cardiovascular disease and preterm low birth weight. This paper reviews and argues the biological plausibility for a periodontal infection-systemic disease link and reviews the available experimental data from animal models and human intervention trials. Five principal lines of evidence can be used to explain the biological plausibility of a link. First, infection in general has been implicated in the pathogenesis of both atherosclerosis and preterm delivery. Periodontal infection secondly causes transient and low-grade bacteraemias and endotoxaemias in patients. Thirdly, periodontal infection promotes systemic inflammatory and immune responses that may play roles in disease. Periodontal pathogens express specific virulence factors that can affect atherogenic or parturition events. Lastly, periodontal pathogens have also been isolated from non-oral tissues like atheromatous plaques. Experimental data derived from rodent and pig models indicate that infection or bacteraemias with the periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, can increase atheroma size or reduce litter weights as compared to controls. While human intervention data are lacking for patients at risk for cardiovascular disease, early data indicate that periodontal therapy administered to pregnant mothers with periodontitis can reduce the incidence of preterm low birth weight deliveries. Nevertheless, more and larger intervention trials are needed before we can fully accept periodontal infection as a true risk factor in the causal pathways of cardiovascular disease and preterm low birth weight.

The periodontal-cardiovascular link.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and periodontitis are common chronic conditions, and the former remains a major contributor to human mortality. Recent attention has focused on a potential link between periodontal disease and CVD. Observational studies consistently indicate that people with destructive periodontitis may be 1.3 to 2 times more likely to have CVD. This association appears to be biologically plausible, and investigations in atherosclerosis animal models demonstrate larger atheroma sizes in animals infected with the periodontal pathogen, Porphyromonas gingivalis, compared with control animals. Although direct intervention data on the effects of periodontal therapy on CVD risk in patients are not currently available, indirect data suggest that mechanical periodontal therapy can decrease surrogate cardiovascular markers such as serum C-reactive protein. After a recent systematic review on the periodontal-cardiovascular link, a consensus panel concluded that patients and clinicians should be informed that periodontal therapy may prevent the onset or progression of CVD.

Minocycline microspheres: a complementary medical-mechanical model for the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Locally delivered antimicrobials represent an expanding class of therapeutics that may complement conventional mechanical treatments for chronic periodontitis. Currently available locally delivered antimicrobials include a tetracycline fiber, chlorhexidine chip, doxycycline gel, and newly approved minocycline microspheres. This last therapeutic is formulated to contain 3 mg polyglycolide-co-dl lactide (PGLA) copolymer and 1 mg of minocycline per unit (pocket) dose. As the polymer microspheres resorb, minocycline is released locally within the periodontal pocket at effective concentrations for at least 14 days. Recently, three phase 3 human clinical trials were conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of minocycline microspheres in patients with moderate-to-advanced chronic periodontitis. Data from an open-label trial involving 173 subjects indicated that minocycline microspheres plus scaling and root planing (SRP) at baseline produced significant improvements in pocket depth (PD) (> or = 1.5 mm) at 1 and 3 months. Retreatment with minocycline microspheres at 3 and 6 months maintained these improvements for 12 months. Two concurrent, blinded studies cumulatively recruited 748 periodontitis subjects who were randomized to SRP plus minocycline microspheres, SRP plus vehicle (placebo), or SRP alone at baseline. Minocycline microspheres or the vehicle were readministered per the randomization at 3 and 6 months. Patients receiving minocycline microspheres plus SRP exhibited significantly greater PD reduction at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months compared to patients receiving SRP plus vehicle or SRP alone. Overall, mean PD reduction with adjunctive minocycline-microsphere treatment increased when patients with more advanced periodontitis (mean PD > or = 6 mm or 7 mm) were considered. Similarly, significant improvements in clinical attachment level and percent bleeding on probing were observed among advanced periodontitis patients treated with SRP plus minocycline microspheres relative to controls. Patients treated with minocycline microspheres plus SRP were 50% more likely to shift to an overall mean PD < 5 mm or to a more maintainable case definition. No increased incidence of adverse events or tetracycline resistance were observed with minocycline-microsphere treatment. The data from these clinical trials indicate that minocycline microspheres plus SRP are safe in patients and more effective than SRP alone in reducting the signs of chronic periodontitis.

Dentists' practice behaviors and perceived barriers regarding oral-systemic evidence: implications for education.

Observational studies consistently support a relationship between poor oral health and systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study was to identify current practices and perceived barriers among North Carolina dentists regarding the incorporation of oral-systemic evidence into the delivery of patient care. A survey questionnaire was developed, pilot tested, revised, and mailed to 1,350 licensed dentists in North Carolina. The response rate was 49 percent. Bivariate analysis was used to compare practice behaviors and barriers among age, gender, practice type, and setting categorizations using the chi-square test. Respondents were predominantly male (77 percent), in solo practice (59.4 percent), and in urban or suburban settings (74 percent). Half (50 percent) reported updating medical histories at every patient visit. Younger dentists were significantly (p<0.05) more likely to inquire about patient blood glucose levels and utilize blood pressure guidelines. Perceived patient objections to additional fees and lack of patient acceptance were reported as significant barriers, especially among younger dentists. Significantly more rural dentists reported lack of appropriate referral options as a barrier (p<0.05). In the multivariate analysis, gender and type of practice but not age were statistically significant predictors of respondents' perceptions of patients' objection to additional fees. Dental schools need to prepare dental students for future roles in the assessment, management, and interprofessional collaboration that will be needed in the future.