Periodontal health and patient-reported outcomes: A longitudinal analysis of data from non-specialist practice settings.

AIM: To explore the associations between periodontal health and patient-reported outcomes (PROs), accounting for changes over time, in a large, non-specialist dental practice patient cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This longitudinal study used data from 13,162 dentate patients, collected by 162 dentists at routine appointments between May 2013 and April 2020, in 238 non-specialist dental practices across the United Kingdom. Dentists collected data, as part of routine clinical care, on periodontal probing pocket depths, alveolar bone loss, bleeding on probing, as well as a range of covariates. Patients inputted data on outcomes (oral pain/discomfort, dietary restrictions, and dental appearance). Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the associations between periodontal health and PROs. Models accounted for clustering at the patient and dentist level and were adjusted for time and variables which were thought to confound these associations. RESULTS: The odds of all PROs tended to increase with worsening periodontal parameters. For example, the odds of reporting pain in the worst periodontal health category were 1.99 (95% confidence interval: 1.57-2.53) times higher than in the best periodontal health category. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms, using a large longitudinal dataset from a unique non-specialist setting, the associations between poorer periodontal health and poorer PROs.

Outcomes of periodontal therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: The OPERA feasibility randomized trial.

AIM: Periodontitis is independently associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, there is limited data on whether periodontal treatment improves overall RA disease activity. We conducted a pilot feasibility randomized controlled clinical trial to test whether intensive periodontal therapy reduces RA disease activity in patients with active RA and periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following inclusion criteria were applied: patients with RA and periodontitis, aged 18+, stable on treatment with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for ≥3 months, disease activity score (DAS28) ≥3.2, and DAS28 >5.1 only if patient unwilling to take biologics. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria were randomized to immediate intensive periodontal therapy or to delayed therapy (control group) administered by a dental hygienist in a secondary care setting. Data were collected at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. Participants randomized to the control group (delayed therapy) received the standard of care for the duration of the trial, including oral hygiene instructions delivered by a dental hygienist, and the same periodontal therapy as the intervention group after study completion (i.e., 6 months after randomization). The periodontal inflammation surface area was calculated using clinical attachment loss (CAL), periodontal probing pocket depth, and bleeding on probing. Cumulative probing depth was also measured. We examined the effect of periodontal therapy on periodontal outcomes and on clinical markers of disease activity in RA, as measured by the DAS28-C-reactive protein score as well as musculo-skeletal ultrasound grey scale and power Doppler scores. RESULTS: A total of 649 patients with RA were invited to participate in the study. Of these, 296 (46%) consented to participate in the screening visit. A sample of 201 patients was assessed for eligibility, of whom 41 (20%) did not meet the RA inclusion criteria and 100 (50%) did not meet the periodontal disease criteria. Among the 60 (30%) eligible participants, 30 were randomized to immediate periodontal therapy and 30 were allocated to the control group. The loss to follow-up was 18% at the end of the trial. There were no major differences with regard to baseline characteristics between the groups. Periodontal therapy was associated with reduced periodontal inflamed surface area, cumulative probing depths, RA disease activity scores, and ultrasound scores over the course of the trial. There was no change in CAL. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the trial was feasible and acceptable to the study participants. Recruitment to and satisfactory retention in a randomized controlled trial on the effect of periodontal treatment on RA patients is possible, albeit challenging. In this feasibility study of patients with RA and periodontitis, periodontal treatment resulted in significant improvements in periodontal disease outcomes and overall RA disease activity, although complete resolution of periodontal inflammation was difficult to achieve in some cases.

A novel method for the remote measurement of trismus in clinical trials using mobile phone cameras.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability and validity of a novel method for remotely measuring trismus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 60 volunteers who took three types of photographs at a fixed restricted jaw position mimicking limited mouth opening, including one selfie and one portrait with or without a reference frame. Additionally, the interincisal distance and the width of the upper central incisors were measured with a ruler, as per common practice. Measurements of trismus were made using image analysis software comparing different types of photos and calibration methods. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) with 95% confidence interval were calculated to evaluate reliability and validity. RESULTS: The proposed method demonstrated high reliability (ICC 0.998; 95% CI 0.997, 0.999). Calibration of photographs using at least a baseline photograph with an external reference frame yielded unbiased measurements and minimised variability. The use of selfies compared to portrait photos also increased variability. CONCLUSION: The measurement of trismus can be performed using images taken remotely by patients using their mobile phone cameras. The proposed method is highly accurate, with best results obtained by using a reference frame for calibration of portrait photographs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We propose an easy, cheap, and accurate method that allows for remote and frequent monitoring of trismus in clinical studies using patients' mobile phones.

Continuous real-time biofeedback in orthosis improves partial weight bearing on stairs.

INTRODUCTION: Climbing up and down stairs with crutches is a particular challenge. The current study evaluates a commercially available insole orthosis device for weighing an affected limb and for biofeedback training of gait. This study was done on healthy, asymptomatic individuals before applying to the intended postoperative patient. The outcomes should demonstrate whether a continuous real-time biofeedback (BF) system is more effective on stairs than the current protocol involving a bathroom scale. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 59 healthy test subjects received both crutches and an orthosis and learned to apply a 3-point gait with a partial load of 20 kg using a bathroom scale. Thereafter, the participants were asked to complete an up-and-down course, first without (control group) and then with (test group) an audio-visual real-time biofeedback (BF). Compliance was evaluated using an insole pressure measurement system. RESULTS: Using the conventional therapy technique, 36.6% of the steps up and 39.1% of the steps down in the control group were loaded with < 20 kg. By activating continuous biofeedback, steps with < 20 kg could be increased significantly to 61.1% upstairs (p < 0.001) and 66.1% downstairs (p < 0.001). All subgroups profited from the BF system, independent of age, gender, side relieved, dominant or non-dominant side. CONCLUSIONS: Traditional training without biofeedback led to poor performance for partial weight bearing on stairs, even among young and healthy individuals. However, continuous real-time biofeedback clearly improved compliance, indicating its potential to enhance training and support future research in patient populations.

Risk factors for developing COVID-19: a population-based longitudinal study (COVIDENCE UK).

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for severe COVID-19 include older age, male sex, obesity, black or Asian ethnicity and underlying medical conditions. Whether these factors also influence susceptibility to developing COVID-19 is uncertain. METHODS: We undertook a prospective, population-based cohort study (COVIDENCE UK) from 1 May 2020 to 5 February 2021. Baseline information on potential risk factors was captured by an online questionnaire. Monthly follow-up questionnaires captured incident COVID-19. We used logistic regression models to estimate multivariable-adjusted ORs (aORs) for associations between potential risk factors and odds of COVID-19. RESULTS: We recorded 446 incident cases of COVID-19 in 15 227 participants (2.9%). Increased odds of developing COVID-19 were independently associated with Asian/Asian British versus white ethnicity (aOR 2.28, 95% CI 1.33 to 3.91), household overcrowding (aOR per additional 0.5 people/bedroom 1.26, 1.11 to 1.43), any versus no visits to/from other households in previous week (aOR 1.31, 1.06 to 1.62), number of visits to indoor public places (aOR per extra visit per week 1.05, 1.02 to 1.09), frontline occupation excluding health/social care versus no frontline occupation (aOR 1.49, 1.12 to 1.98) and raised body mass index (BMI) (aOR 1.50 (1.19 to 1.89) for BMI 25.0-30.0 kg/m2 and 1.39 (1.06 to 1.84) for BMI >30.0 kg/m2 versus BMI <25.0 kg/m2). Atopic disease was independently associated with decreased odds (aOR 0.75, 0.59 to 0.97). No independent associations were seen for age, sex, other medical conditions, diet or micronutrient supplement use. CONCLUSIONS: After rigorous adjustment for factors influencing exposure to SARS-CoV-2, Asian/Asian British ethnicity and raised BMI were associated with increased odds of developing COVID-19, while atopic disease was associated with decreased odds. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04330599).

Exploring periodontitis misclassification mechanisms under partial-mouth protocols.

AIM: To investigate the sources of periodontitis misclassification under partial-mouth protocols (PMPs) and to explore possible approaches to enhancing protocol validity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using data from 10,680 adults with 244,999 teeth from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, we compared tooth-, site-, and quadrant-specific periodontal parameters and case identification under full-mouth protocols and PMPs. Separately, we utilized population measures of tooth-specific periodontal severity to generate PMPs with tooth selection based on the population ranking of clinical severity and assessed the sensitivity of case identification. RESULTS: Symmetry of clinical severity was generally confirmed, with the exception of lingual inter-proximal sites, which yielded greater sensitivity in identifying periodontitis compared to buccal sites due to more severe pocketing and attachment loss on average. Misclassification of severe periodontitis occurred more frequently under commonly implemented PMPs compared to ranking-based selection of teeth, which yielded sensitivity estimates of 70.1%-79.4% with the selection of 8 teeth and reached 90% with the selection of only 14 teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical symmetry and sources of periodontitis misclassification were confirmed. The proposed selection of teeth based on population rankings of clinical severity yielded optimal sensitivity estimates for the detection of severe periodontitis and may present a favourable alternative to current options.

Oxidative stress links periodontal inflammation and renal function.

AIMS: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are also susceptible to periodontitis. The causal link between periodontitis and CKD may be mediated via systemic inflammation/oxidative stress. Using structural equation modelling (SEM), this cross-sectional study aimed to explore the causal relationship between periodontal inflammation (PI) and renal function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline data on 770 patients with stage 3-5 (pre-dialysis) CKD from an ongoing cohort study were used. Detailed, bioclinical data on PI and renal function, as well as potential confounders and mediators of the relationship between the two, were collected. SEMs of increasing complexity were created to test the causal assumption that PI affects renal function and vice versa. RESULTS: Structural equation modelling confirmed the assumption that PI and renal function are causally linked, mediated by systemic oxidative stress. The magnitude of this effect was such that a 10% increase in PI resulted in a 3.0% decrease in renal function and a 10% decrease in renal function resulted in a 25% increase in PI. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal inflammation represents an occult source of oxidative stress in patients with CKD. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm whether periodontal therapy, as a non-pharmacological approach to reducing systemic inflammatory/oxidative stress burden, can improve outcomes in CKD.

Influence of soft tissue augmentation procedures around dental implants on marginal bone level changes-A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review assessed the influence of soft tissue augmentation procedures on marginal bone level changes in partial or fully edentulous patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We identified three relevant PICO questions related to soft tissue augmentation procedures and conducted a systematic search of four major electronic databases for clinical studies in systemically healthy patients receiving at least one dental implant and a minimum follow-up of one year after implant placement. The primary outcome was mean difference in marginal bone levels, and secondary outcomes were clinical and patient-related outcomes such as thickness of peri-implant mucosa, bleeding indices, and Pink Esthetic Score. RESULTS: We identified 20 publications reporting on 16 relevant comparisons. Studies varied considerably and thus only two meta-analyses could be performed. This systematic review showed that: Soft tissue augmentation either for augmentation of keratinized mucosa or soft tissue volume inconsistently had an effect on marginal bone level changes when compared to no soft tissue augmentation, but consistently improved secondary outcomes. The combination soft and hard tissue augmentation showed no statistically significant difference in terms of marginal bone level changes when compared to hard tissue augmentation alone, but resulted in less marginal soft tissue recession as shown by a meta-analysis. Soft or hard tissue augmentation performed as contour augmentations resulted in comparable marginal bone level changes. CONCLUSIONS: Peri-implant soft and hard tissues seem to have a bidirectional relationship: "Bone stands hard, but soft tissue is the guard".

Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: Consensus report.

BACKGROUND: In Europe cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for 3.9 million deaths (45% of deaths), being ischaemic heart disease, stroke, hypertension (leading to heart failure) the major cause of these CVD related deaths. Periodontitis is also a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD) with a high prevalence, being severe periodontitis, affecting 11.2% of the world's population, the sixth most common human disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There is now a significant body of evidence to support independent associations between severe periodontitis and several NCDs, in particular CVD. In 2012 a joint workshop was held between the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and the American Academy of Periodontology to review the literature relating periodontitis and systemic diseases, including CVD. In the last five years important new scientific information has emerged providing important emerging evidence to support these associations RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The present review reports the proceedings of the workshop jointly organised by the EFP and the World Heart Federation (WHF), which has updated the existing epidemiological evidence for significant associations between periodontitis and CVD, the mechanistic links and the impact of periodontal therapy on cardiovascular and surrogate outcomes. This review has also focused on the potential risk and complications of periodontal therapy in patients on anti thrombotic therapy and has made recommendations for dentists, physicians and for patients visiting both the dental and medical practices.

Patient acceptability of targeted risk-based detection of non-communicable diseases in a dental and pharmacy setting.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases [NCDs] are the major cause of mortality globally and are increasing in prevalence. Different healthcare professionals' access different population groups; and engaging allied healthcare professionals in risk-driven early case detection of certain NCDs may be beneficial, especially those who have not been tested for NCDs within the previous 12 months. The objectives of this study were to determine: whether NCD case finding in dental/community pharmacy settings is feasible in terms of patient acceptability, barriers to recruitment, impact on the existing service. Determine time taken to test for: type 2 diabetes risk [T2DM], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD], hypertension, vitamin D deficiency and chronic kidney disease [CKD]. Determine whether there is added benefit of point of care testing [POCT] to identify diabetes risk compared to a validated screening questionnaire alone. METHODS: An exploratory study was undertaken to explore issues associated with NCD assessment in one dental practice and one community pharmacy within the West-Midlands, UK. Fifty patients > 40 years-of-age were recruited per site. Participants undertook: a questionnaire providing demographic data, any previous NCD diagnosis or positive family history. Validated questionnaires for determining NCD risk [T2DM/COPD]. Chair-side capillary blood [finger-prick] samples for HbA1C, creatinine/eGFR, Vitamin-D. Prior work had been undertaken to measure the agreement between point of care testing [POCT] devices and a central laboratory method, and to gauge the opinions of participants regarding discomfort experienced using venous (antecubital fossa) and capillary (finger-prick) blood collection, via a 10 cm Visual-Analogue-Scale. The POCT devices demonstrated good concordance with laboratory testing and were acceptable methods of blood collection for participants. RESULTS: Recruitment rates demonstrated that 8 days were needed to recruit 50 participants and 60% of those approached opted to participate. The principal barrier to participation was time, with average time taken to test being 19mins. Utilising dental and pharmacy settings identified potential cases of previously undiagnosed disease. CONCLUSIONS: Risk-targeted testing for NCDs in high street dental and community pharmacies is both attractive and acceptable to patients.

Simulation study of misclassification bias in association studies employing partial-mouth protocols.

AIM: To simulate the exposure misclassification bias potential in studies of perio-systemic disease associations due to the use of partial-mouth recording (PMR) protocols. METHODS: Using data from 640 participants in the Dental Longitudinal Study, we evaluated distributions of clinical periodontitis parameters to simulate hypothetical outcome probabilities using bootstrap sampling. Logistic regression models were fit using the hypothetical outcome as the dependent variable. Models were run for exposure classifications based on full-mouth recording (FMR) and PMR protocols over 10,000 repetitions. RESULTS: The impact of periodontitis exposure misclassification was dependent on periodontitis severity. Per cent relative bias for simulated ORs of size 1.5, 2 and 4 ranged from 0% to 30% for the effect of severe periodontitis. The magnitude and direction of the bias was dependent on the underlying distribution of the clinical parameters used in the simulation and the size of the association being estimated. Simulated effects of moderate periodontitis were consistently biased towards the null. CONCLUSION: Exposure misclassification bias occurring through the use of PMR protocols may be dependent on the sensitivity of the classification system applied. Using the CDC-AAP case definition, bias in the estimated effects of severe disease was small, on average. Whereas effects of moderate disease were underestimated to a larger degree.

Association between periodontal health status and patient-reported outcomes in patients managed in a non-specialist, general dental practice.

AIMS: To explore the associations between periodontal status and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in a large cohort of patients based in non-specialist general dental practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis was conducted using data from 14,620 patients, in 233 non-specialist dental practices across the UK. As part of routine clinical care, data on periodontal probing depths (PPD), alveolar bone loss (ABL), bleeding on probing (BoP) as well as PROs (oral pain/discomfort, dietary restrictions and dental appearance) were recorded using an online database. The associations between periodontal status and PROs were investigated using logistic regression analysis, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: We found a positive association between worse periodontal health and the prevalence of PROs. After adjustment for confounders, 13.8% of patients in the healthiest category (PPD < 5 mm, ABL < 2 mm, no BoP) reported pain/discomfort, compared to 20.7% of patients in the worst category (PPD > 7 mm, ABL > 4 mm). A similar trend was seen with reporting a restricted diet and unhappiness with appearance. CONCLUSION: This study provides novel insights into the associations between periodontal status and PROs in a non-specialist, general dental practice, highlighting the benefits of prevention and management of periodontitis.

Evaluating periodontal disease misclassification mechanisms under partial-mouth recording protocols.

AIM: To evaluate the assumptions underlying the use of partial-mouth recording (PMR) protocols and the associated mechanisms of potential misclassification of periodontal disease. METHODS: Using data from 640 participants in the VA Dental Longitudinal Study, we compared tooth-specific and site-specific clinical measures and calculated sensitivity and specificity of different PMR protocols by applying the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with the American Academy of Periodontology definitions for periodontitis as the full-mouth reference standard. Additionally, we evaluated alternative case definitions for PMR protocols that accounted for the reduction in numbers of teeth under observation. RESULTS: In this cohort, periodontitis presented as a generalized condition in that measures of clinical severity did not differ meaningfully according to site measured, oral quadrant or jaw. Sensitivity of disease classification under PMR protocols was a function of the number of teeth and sites under observation and the case definition applied. Sensitivity increased when case definitions were modified to account for the smaller number of teeth under observation with PMR protocols. However, specificity was reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Misclassification of periodontal disease by PMR protocols is not random, even if sites under observation are randomly selected. PMR protocols can be selected/modified to maximize sensitivity, but they do so at the expense of bias in mean measures of severity.

Periodontitis: Consensus report of workgroup 2 of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions.

A new periodontitis classification scheme has been adopted, in which forms of the disease previously recognized as "chronic" or "aggressive" are now grouped under a single category ("periodontitis") and are further characterized based on a multi-dimensional staging and grading system. Staging is largely dependent upon the severity of disease at presentation as well as on the complexity of disease management, while grading provides supplemental information about biological features of the disease including a history-based analysis of the rate of periodontitis progression; assessment of the risk for further progression; analysis of possible poor outcomes of treatment; and assessment of the risk that the disease or its treatment may negatively affect the general health of the patient. Necrotizing periodontal diseases, whose characteristic clinical phenotype includes typical features (papilla necrosis, bleeding, and pain) and are associated with host immune response impairments, remain a distinct periodontitis category. Endodontic-periodontal lesions, defined by a pathological communication between the pulpal and periodontal tissues at a given tooth, occur in either an acute or a chronic form, and are classified according to signs and symptoms that have direct impact on their prognosis and treatment. Periodontal abscesses are defined as acute lesions characterized by localized accumulation of pus within the gingival wall of the periodontal pocket/sulcus, rapid tissue destruction and are associated with risk for systemic dissemination.

Surgical extrusion with an atraumatic extraction system: A clinical study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Clinical studies evaluating the feasibility of a novel technique for the surgical extrusion of nonrestorable teeth with subgingival caries are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical study was to investigate the success rate and incidence of biological and technical complications after tooth extrusion with an atraumatic extraction system (AES). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants were recruited from 61 consecutive patients initially referred to a specialist oral surgery practice. Fifty-one participants who underwent surgical extrusion with an AES followed by endodontic treatment and coronal restoration could be re-evaluated clinically and radiographically. RESULTS: The mean observation period was 3.1 years (range: 0.8 to 6.5 years). The participants varied in age between 24.8 and 86.3 years. The amount of extrusion was between 2.5 and 5.0 mm (mean 3.2 mm). At recall, 92.2% (47 of 51) of the extruded teeth were considered successful. All extruded teeth were asymptomatic, without clinical signs of inflammation. Percussion appeared normal and did not differ from that of the adjacent teeth, indicating absence of ankylosis. Transient resorption with a slightly altered root contour was detected in 5 of the 51 teeth. Minor reduction of the bone level (less than 10%) was detected in 8 of the 51. In a further 2 teeth, bone loss amounted to 25% and 30%. Periapical periodontitis at recall was seen in 4 of the 51 teeth, and a preexisting periapical lesion healed in 10 of 13. Root perforation was identified in 3 of the 51, and a further 3 of 11 were not available for recall. Thus, the technical complication rate was 9.7% (6 of 62). CONCLUSIONS: The AES may be successfully used for surgical extrusion to save apparently nonrestorable teeth, irrespective of patient age.

Global epidemiology of dental caries and severe periodontitis - a comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries and periodontitis are the most common oral diseases and major causes of tooth loss. AIM: To perform a review of global prevalence and incidence of dental caries and periodontitis. METHODOLOGY: Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed. MEDLINE database and EMBASE database were used to search for eligible publications using keywords and MeSH terms. Additionally, WHO databank was used for obtaining dental caries information and PUBMED for a search on trends of dental caries prevalence and severity. RESULTS: Over the last four decades, the prevalence and severity of dentine carious lesions among 5- and 12-year-olds have declined; the decay-component is very high, with the lowest prevalence among 12-year-olds in high-income countries, which also had the lowest prevalence among 35- to 44-year-olds; and the number of retained teeth has increased around the globe. The prevalence of periodontitis is high, with approximately 10% of the global population affected by severe periodontitis. Study heterogeneity and methodological issues hamper comparisons across studies and over time. CONCLUSION: While the prevalence of dental caries has decreased, the disease is prevalent in all age groups. The prevalence of periodontitis is high. There is insufficient evidence to conclude that the prevalence of periodontitis has changed over time.

Prevention and control of dental caries and periodontal diseases at individual and population level: consensus report of group 3 of joint EFP/ORCA workshop on the boundaries between caries and periodontal diseases.

BACKGROUND: The non-communicable diseases dental caries and periodontal diseases pose an enormous burden on mankind. The dental biofilm is a major biological determinant common to the development of both diseases, and they share common risk factors and social determinants, important for their prevention and control. The remit of this working group was to review the current state of knowledge on epidemiology, socio-behavioural aspects as well as plaque control with regard to dental caries and periodontal diseases. METHODS: Discussions were informed by three systematic reviews on (i) the global burden of dental caries and periodontitis; (ii) socio-behavioural aspects in the prevention and control of dental caries and periodontal diseases at an individual and population level; and (iii) mechanical and chemical plaque control in the simultaneous management of gingivitis and dental caries. This consensus report is based on the outcomes of these systematic reviews and on expert opinion of the participants. RESULTS: Key findings included the following: (i) prevalence and experience of dental caries has decreased in many regions in all age groups over the last three decades; however, not all societal groups have benefitted equally from this decline; (ii) although some studies have indicated a possible decline in periodontitis prevalence, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that prevalence has changed over recent decades; (iii) because of global population growth and increased tooth retention, the number of people affected by dental caries and periodontitis has grown substantially, increasing the total burden of these diseases globally (by 37% for untreated caries and by 67% for severe periodontitis) as estimated between 1990 and 2013, with high global economic impact; (iv) there is robust evidence for an association of low socio-economic status with a higher risk of having dental caries/caries experience and also with higher prevalence of periodontitis; (v) the most important behavioural factor, affecting both dental caries and periodontal diseases, is routinely performed oral hygiene with fluoride; (vi) population-based interventions address behavioural factors to control dental caries and periodontitis through legislation (antismoking, reduced sugar content in foods and drinks), restrictions (taxes on sugar and tobacco) guidelines and campaigns; however, their efficacy remains to be evaluated; (vii) psychological approaches aimed at changing behaviour may improve the effectiveness of oral health education; (viii) different preventive strategies have proven to be effective during the course of life; (ix) management of both dental caries and gingivitis relies heavily on efficient self-performed oral hygiene, that is toothbrushing with a fluoride-containing toothpaste and interdental cleaning; (x) professional tooth cleaning, oral hygiene instruction and motivation, dietary advice and fluoride application are effective in managing dental caries and gingivitis. CONCLUSION: The prevention and control of dental caries and periodontal diseases and the prevention of ultimate tooth loss is a lifelong commitment employing population- and individual-based interventions.

Risk assessment and periodontal prevention in primary care.

The role of risk factors and risk assessment in the prediction of clinical periodontal outcomes, and thus in patient management, continues to be a subject of high professional interest and clinical relevance globally. Advances in our understanding of periodontal disease causality and the role of risk factors as predictors of future disease risk have led to the development of various quantitative tools to calculate risk and inform clinical decision-making. We review the conceptual basis for periodontal risk calculation and frame its potential, as well as its limitations, in the context of similar advances in medical care. Lastly, we discuss how broader health-policy changes are taking place that will probably lead to incorporation of risk-factor assessments in periodontal treatment planning and care management.

Association between periodontitis and mortality in stages 3-5 chronic kidney disease: NHANES III and linked mortality study.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontitis may add to the systemic inflammatory burden in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), thereby contributing to an increased mortality rate. This study aimed to determine the association between periodontitis and mortality rate (all-cause and cardiovascular disease-related) in individuals with stage 3-5 CKD, hitherto referred to as "CKD". METHODS: Survival analysis was carried out using the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) and linked mortality data. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to assess the association between periodontitis and mortality, in individuals with CKD. This association was compared with the association between mortality and traditional risk factors in CKD mortality (diabetes, hypertension and smoking). RESULTS: Of the 13,784 participants eligible for analysis in NHANES III, 861 (6%) had CKD. The median follow-up for this cohort was 14.3 years. Adjusting for confounders, the 10-year all-cause mortality rate for individuals with CKD increased from 32% (95% CI: 29-35%) to 41% (36-47%) with the addition of periodontitis. For diabetes, the 10-year all-cause mortality rate increased to 43% (38-49%). CONCLUSION: There is a strong, association between periodontitis and increased mortality in individuals with CKD. Sources of chronic systemic inflammation (including periodontitis) may be important contributors to mortality in patients with CKD.

Serum vitamin B12 is inversely associated with periodontal progression and risk of tooth loss: a prospective cohort study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum vitamin B12 with the progression of periodontitis and risk of tooth loss in a prospective cohort study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the Study of Health in Pomerania, 1648 participants were followed from 2002-2006 to 2008-2012 (mean duration 5.9 years). Serum vitamin B12 was measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. Probing pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were measured to reflect periodontal status on a half-mouth basis at each survey cycle. Tooth numbers are based upon a full-mouth tooth count. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: In multivariate regression models, baseline vitamin B12 was inversely associated with changes in mean PD (Ptrend = 0.06) and mean CAL (Ptrend = 0.01), and risk ratios of tooth loss (TL; Ptrend = 0.006) over time. Compared to participants in the highest vitamin B12 quartile, those in the lowest quartile had 0.10 mm (95%CI: 0.03, 0.17; Pdifference = 0.007) greater increase in mean PD, 0.23 mm (95%CI: 0.09, 0.36; Pdifference = 0.001) greater increase in mean CAL and a relative risk of 1.57 (95%CI: 1.22, 2.03; Pdifference < 0.001) for TL. Stratified analyses showed stronger associations between vitamin B12 and changes in mean CAL among never smokers (Pinteraction = 0.058). Further studies are needed to understand the potential mechanisms of these findings.