Adjunctive effects of photodynamic therapy using indocyanine green in residual pockets during periodontal maintenance therapy: A split-mouth randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Prospective studies have reported conflicting results regarding the adjunctive effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on clinical and microbiological parameters in individuals under periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological adjunctive effects of aPDT using indocyanine green (ICG) in residual sites with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm during PMT in comparison with scaling and root planing (SRP) alone. METHODS: A split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 24 individuals in a PMT program. Contralateral quadrants with eligible residual sites were randomly assigned to either SRP + aPDT (test group) or SRP alone (control). aPDT included ICG dye and diode laser (909 nm) performed together with SRP and repeated 15 days after. Periodontal clinical parameters, periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) index, and subgingival biofilm samples were collected at baseline (T1), 3 (T2), and 6 months later (T3). Microbiological analyses were performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in all clinical and microbiological parameters in both groups from T1 to T3. However, no significant differences were observed regarding plaque index, PD, and clinical attachment level. Test group showed significantly greater reductions in bleeding on probing (BOP), PISA index, and Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans levels, when compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments resulted in significant clinical periodontal improvements, but with no significant differences between groups except from inflammation parameters. aPDT using ICG resulted in significant reductions in BOP and PISA index, as well as in P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans levels.

Effect of supragingival plaque control on recurrent periodontitis and clinical stability among individuals under periodontal maintenance therapy: 10-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supragingival plaque control on the recurrence of periodontitis (RP) and the achievement of a stable periodontal clinical endpoint after 10 years of periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT). METHODS: The present retrospective cohort study included 225 individuals in continuous PMT. The plaque index (PI) determining the oral hygiene (OH) status, periodontal clinical parameters, and other variables of interest were collected at three time points: T1 (prior to active periodontal therapy [APT]), T2 (after APT), and T3 (10 years after T2). According to PI records at T3, participants were categorized into: (1) good OH (GOH; PI ≤ 30%, n = 63); (2) fair OH (FOH; PI > 30% and ≤40%, n = 73); and (3) poor OH (POH; PI > 40%, n = 88). Data were analyzed using the chi-square and Student t tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and mediation and regression analyses. RESULTS: Significant differences in all periodontal clinical parameters between the GOH, FOH, and POH groups were observed at T3. The POH group exhibited higher mean bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), as well as higher tooth loss (POH > FOH > GOH; P < .001). There was an increased risk for RP in the FOH (odds ratio [OR] 2.02; CI, 1.10-4.38) and POH (OR 4.33; CI, 2.17-8.65) groups. Moreover, the FOH and POH groups had an approximately 2.5 and 6.0 times greater chance of not achieving a stable periodontal clinical endpoint, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: After 10 years of monitoring in PMT, individuals with higher PI scores (>30%) presented an unhealthier periodontal status, a higher risk for RP, and a lower chance of achieving ≤4 sites with PD ≥ 5 mm.

Does the use of omega-3 fatty acids as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy provide additional benefits in the treatment of periodontitis? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This review aimed to assess the impact of dietary omega-3 fatty acids as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment when compared with periodontal treatment alone on periodontal clinical parameters of periodontitis patients. We included only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with at least 3-months follow-up of non-surgical periodontal therapy, in combination with dietary omega-3 fatty acids. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS databases were searched for articles published up to October 2021. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to determine the change in clinical attachment level (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and gingival index (GI) after therapy. Of the eight hundred eighty-four potentially relevant papers retrieved from the electronic databases, 10 RCTs were selected for qualitative analysis, and of these, 8 RCTs were included in meta-analysis. RCTs showed a significant PPD reduction/CAL gain associated with the use of omega-3 fatty acids. The pooled estimates revealed significant overall PPD reduction of 0.42 mm (95% CI 0.15, 0.68) and CAL gain 0.58 mm (95% CI 0.24, 0.92). In individuals with periodontitis, the use of omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplementation as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment can provide additional benefits in CAL gain and PPD reduction, compared with non-surgical periodontal treatment alone.

Association between cumulative smoking exposure, span since smoking cessation, and peri-implantitis: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of cumulative smoking exposure and span since smoking cessation with the occurrence of peri-implantitis. METHODS: A sample of 350 individuals aged ≥ 35 years, with the presence of at least one osseointegrated implant functioning for > 5 years, were enrolled in the study. According to smoking habits, participants were categorized into 3 groups: non-smokers (NS; n = 212), former smokers (FC; n = 66), and current smokers (CS; n = 72). Complete peri-implant and periodontal examinations were evaluated. Associations between the occurrence of peri-implantitis and smoking habits, as well as potential confounders, were evaluated through univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: The occurrence of peri-implantitis in the NS, FS, and CS groups was 18.2%, 19.7%, and 30.5%, respectively. A high prevalence of the overall number of cases with periodontitis (54.2%) was observed in the CS group when compared to the FS and NS groups. After adjusting for confounders, the odds ratio (OR) for the occurrence of peri-implantitis was 2.63 (1.39-6.77; p < 0.001) for CS compared to NS. There was a significant dose-response relationship between pack/year of smoking and the occurrence of peri-implantitis, as well as a significant decrease in the risk as the years of smoking cessation increased. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of peri-implantitis among CS was high. The cumulative smoking exposure in an incremental manner and the shorter smoking cessation span was directly associated with a higher risk for peri-implantitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Educational and preventive strategies in general health services must attempt to reduce the adverse effects of cumulative smoking exposure and to explore the beneficial effects of smoking cessation on peri-implant status.

Association between liver cirrhosis and peri-implant diseases: a case-control study on implant- and patient-related risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential association between liver cirrhosis and peri-implant diseases, as well as the influence of different risk indicators on this association. METHODS: This case-control study included 64 cases with liver cirrhosis and 128 controls without liver diseases that presented the same socio-demographic and economic profile. The specific inclusion criteria were the following: aged group of 35-55 years and presenting at least one osseointegrated implant functioning for >5 years. A full-mouth peri-implant and periodontal examination was performed and risk variables were recorded. The association between risk variables and the occurrence of peri-implant diseases was tested through univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, stratified by alcohol status. Additionally, a mediation analysis was performed to examine the mediating effect of age with peri-implantitis. RESULTS: A high prevalence of peri-implantitis (29.7%) was observed among cases when compared to controls (18.0%). Individuals with cirrhosis presented ~2.5 higher chance of having peri-implantitis than controls (p<0.001). Significant variables associated with the occurrence of peri-implantitis in the final logistic model were the following: cirrhosis, alcohol use, age (>55 years), male sex, smoking, periodontitis, and number of ≤14. CONCLUSIONS: An important risk association between liver cirrhosis and peri-implantitis was reported. Future studies with a larger sample size controlling for the patient- and implant-related confounders are needed to better understand the link between peri-implantitis and liver cirrhosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cirrhosis individuals, age, and periodontitis, as well as alcohol use and smoking interaction, should be considered as potential risk indicators for peri-implantitis.

The loss of molars in supportive periodontal care: A 10-year follow-up for tooth- and patient-related factors.

AIM: To determine the impact of the degree of furcation involvement (FI) on the longevity of molar teeth and assess the risk variables (tooth- and patient-related factors) associated with the loss of molars (LM) in individuals treated for periodontitis and monitored in a private programme of supportive periodontal care (SPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present retrospective cohort study included 222 individuals with 1329 molars under a 10-year monitoring period in SPC. Periodontal clinical parameters, FI, the type of molar, pulp vitality, and other variables of interest were collected at approximately 50 days after active periodontal therapy and after 10 years. The association of tooth- and patient-related factors with LM was assessed using a multilevel Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Two-hundred and thirty-five molars were extracted during the SPC period of 12.4 ± 1.9 years. Age >50 years, male gender, diabetes, smoking, and non-compliance were identified as relevant patient-related factors for LM during SPC (p < .05). Significant tooth-related factors for LM were bleeding on probing (BoP) and probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm, tooth non-vitality, and class II and III FI (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Class III FI, tooth non-vitality, higher mean PD and BoP, age, male gender, diabetes, and smoking all strongly influenced the prognosis of molars during SPC.

Periodontal diseases: is it possible to prevent them? A populational and individual approach.

Periodontal diseases are infectious inflammatory chronic diseases of a multifactorial nature. They are primarily caused by dysbiotic ecological changes in dental biofilm, which may be influenced by risk factors. The prevention of periodontal diseases may involve different strategies focused on reducing distal, intermediate, and proximal risk factors at both the population and individual levels. Effective prevention depends on interdisciplinary and common risk factor approaches. Also, patient-centered preventive models are more effective than professional-centered models in the management of periodontal diseases. Regular and periodic control of dental biofilm is an essential measure for the different levels of prevention of periodontal diseases. The effectiveness of periodontal disease prevention largely depends on positive modifications of behavior, knowledge, health literacy, patient empowerment, motivation, and compliance.

Nonsurgical periodontal therapy decreases the severity of rheumatoid arthritis and the plasmatic and salivary levels of RANKL and Survivin: a short-term clinical study.

AIM: To investigate the influence of nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) on clinical periodontal status, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity, and plasmatic and salivary levels of biomarkers through a controlled clinical trial on individuals with RA and periodontitis (PE). METHODS: Sixty-six individuals from a convenience sample were considered eligible and consecutively allocated in 3 groups: (1) individuals without PE and RA (-PE-RA, n = 19); (2) individuals without PE and with RA (-PE+RA, n = 23), and (3) individuals with PE and RA (+PE+RA, n = 24). Full-mouth periodontal clinical examinations, Disease Activity Score (DAS-28) evaluations, and analysis in plasma and saliva of RANKL, OPG, RANKL/OPG, and Survivin were performed at baseline (T1) and 45 days after NSPT (T2). RESULTS: NSPT in the +PE+RA group was very effective to improve periodontal condition. At T2, significant reductions in DAS-28 were observed in +PE+RA (p = 0.011). Significantly higher levels of Survivin and RANKL were observed in saliva and plasma from RA individuals (with and without PE) compared to controls. Additionally, Survivin e RANKL demonstrated positive correlations with DAS-28 and an expressively significant reduction in +PE+RA at T2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NSPT was effective on improving both the periodontal and the RA clinical status and reducing the concentration of Survivin and RANKL in saliva and plasma. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nonsurgical periodontal treatment was effective on reducing the concentration of Survivin and RANKL and on improving both the periodontal and the RA clinical status of affected individuals. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) protocol #RBR-8g2bc8 ( http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8g2bc8/ ).

Effect of compliance during periodontal maintenance therapy on c-reactive protein levels: a 6-year follow-up.

AIMS: To longitudinally evaluate the effects of compliance during periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and its relation to periodontal status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A subsample comprising of 30 matched pairs was taken from a previous 6-year longitudinal study under PMT. Pairs were composed of one regular (RC) and one irregular (IC) compliers, matched by age and sex. Periodontal parameters and plasma samples were collected at 3 times: T1[prior to active periodontal therapy (APT)], T2(after APT), and T3(after 6 years). CRP plasma levels were quantified using ELISA. RESULTS: RC presented better clinical periodontal status, lower recurrence of periodontitis (sites with PD ≥4 mm and CAL ≥3 mm, together with the persistence and/or presence of BOP and/or suppuration, during any of the subsequent recall evaluations) and significant reductions in CRP levels over time [(T1: RC = 3.64 ± 2.13 and IC = 3.92 ± 2.02 mg/L) and (T3: RC = 2.12 ± 1.39 mg/L and IC = 3.71 ± 1.82 mg/L)]. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that individuals with periodontitis recurrence presented 2.19 higher chances of presenting altered CRP levels (values ≥3 mg/L- T2 to T3) than those without periodontitis recurrence (95%CI:1.16-3.27; p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Higher CRP plasma levels were associated with higher recurrence of periodontitis and worse clinical periodontal parameters among IC when compared to RC.

Periodontal diseases: is it possible to prevent them? A populational and individual approach

Abstract Periodontal diseases are infectious inflammatory chronic diseases of a multifactorial nature. They are primarily caused by dysbiotic ecological changes in dental biofilm, which may be influenced by risk factors. The prevention of periodontal diseases may involve different strategies focused on reducing distal, intermediate, and proximal risk factors at both the population and individual levels. Effective prevention depends on interdisciplinary and common risk factor approaches. Also, patient-centered preventive models are more effective than professional-centered models in the management of periodontal diseases. Regular and periodic control of dental biofilm is an essential measure for the different levels of prevention of periodontal diseases. The effectiveness of periodontal disease prevention largely depends on positive modifications of behavior, knowledge, health literacy, patient empowerment, motivation, and compliance.

Retention of Provisional Intraradicular Retainers Using Fiberglass Pins.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the retention properties between fiberglass pins with chemically activated acrylic resin and metallic intraradicular retainers often used for the purpose of temporary prosthetic retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two mechanical tests, pushout and traction, were performed on specimens distributed in three groups (n = 10) for each test; two metal pins G1: Metalpin Ângelus and G2: Provisional Pivot Jon in addition to one fiberglass pin G3: Whitepost DC-E, FGM. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used at the level of significance α = 0.05. RESULTS: The fiberglass pins (G3) showed higher values in the traction test than the metal pins (G1 and G2) with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05); however, they performed similarly to the metal pin groups in the pushout test (P > 0.05). They also presented a lower occurrence of failure in the relining acrylic resin. CONCLUSION: The study pointed out the use of fiberglass pins as suitable alternatives for provisional intracanal metallic retainers.

Clinical trials sponsored by industry and other private organizations.

The present manuscript discussed some relevant aspects related to private sponsored clinical trials in dentistry. For decades, the academy has been the major responsible for research in Brazil. Distant from the trade sector, academic research has not always provided clear benefits to society. A key aspect of making benefits clearer is the process of scientific knowledge transference to decision-makers, which is, in fact, the ground of evidence-based dentistry. Although private sponsoring of clinical research seems to be part of the research progress of the business rates, investment in Brazil is lower than those observed in other countries. It is particularly important to understand that instead of creating its own rules, dentistry imported the high-quality standards originally designed for pharmaceutical studies. Therefore, it is critical to understand the original rules and how dental items are classified by regulatory agencies. In fact, knowledge about international and local regulation is a basic assumption in industry-sponsored research. Despite globalization, the identification of industry-sponsored studies through open access databases is still very hard and time-demanding. A common concern when conducting industry-sponsored trials is study biases. Fortunately, many relevant organizations, academic and industry groups, have been working seriously against that. Finally, for less experienced researchers, many aspects related to industry-sponsored studies - such as confidentiality, authorship, budget - are deeply discussed until a final version of the trial agreement can be written and signed, protecting all sides. In short, the scenario should be improved, but it already represents a nice opportunity for dental research.

Preoperative Mouthwash in Subjects with Different Periodontal Status: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: The effects of three preoperative mouthwashes on salivary bacterial levels were evaluated and compared between subjects with differing periodontal status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on periodontal parameters, periodontally healthy individuals (n = 60) and those with gingivitis (n = 60) and periodontitis (n = 60) were randomly assigned to a single preoperative dose of chlorhexidine (CHX), essential oils (EO), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) or negative control mouthwashes. Saliva samples were collected between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m., before and after a single-dose rinse with the respective mouthwash. Total bacterial load and levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola and Streptococcus oralis were determined by qPCR. Data were statistically analysed using paired t- and Student's t-tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: CHX, EO and CPC showed greater antimicrobial efficacy than did the negative control. CHX [1226445.53] and EO [1743639.38] provided greater reductions in comparison to both CPC [106302.96] and negative control [37852.46]). CHX provided greater reductions of simultaneous levels of Pg [106326.00], Td [3335841] and Tf [61557.47] in the healthy group, as did EO in the diseased groups. CPC provided the greatest reduction [3775319.36] in the periodontitis group. CONCLUSION: Periodontal status influenced the antimicrobial efficacy of preoperative mouthwashes. Therefore, periodontal status should be taken into consideration by clinicians. The antimicrobial efficacy differed among the agents tested. CHX and EO showed the greatest efficacy. The recognition of periodontal condition by clinicians is mandatory to select the most effective preoperative mouthwash.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes and JP2 outcomes related to clinical status over 6 years under periodontal maintenance therapy.

OBJECTIVE: This 6-year study evaluatedAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans outcomes and their relationship to clinical status. DESIGN: From the eligible individuals (23-70 years of age), 31 regular compliers (between-visit interval < 6 months) were randomly selected and matched for age/sex with 31 irregular compliers (between-visit interval > 6 months). Periodontal clinical examination and subgingival samples were obtained 5 times: T1 (baseline), T2 (after active periodontal therapy), T3 (2 years), T4 (4 years), and T5 (6 years). Total bacteria load, A. actinomycetemcomitans, and red complex species Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola levels were determined by qPCR while PCR was used to determine the occurrence of the a-b-c-d-e-f-g serotypes and the JP2 clone of A. actinomycetemcomitans. Data between groups was compared over time. RESULTS: At baseline PCR revealed A. actinomycetemcomitans prevalence of 9.7 % and JP2 prevalence of 6.7 %. A. actinomycetemcomitans qPCR levels were higher among individuals < 35 years of age and increased at T2 in irregular compliers. At in irregular compliers at the three follow-up visits. Serotypes a, d, and f showed greater values in at least one follow-up visit in regular compliers. A. actinomycetemcomitans showed negative correlation with probing depth (PD) while serotype b showed negative correlations with PD, PI, clinical attachment level and red complex. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinally, compliance during PMT contributed to lower A. actinomycetemcomitans levels with some degree of correlation with clinical status. However, this study failed to report any positive effect on the occurrence of the most virulent representatives, i.e. serotype b and the JP2 clone.

Clinical and microbiological evaluation of non-surgical periodontal therapy in obese and non-obese individuals with periodontitis: a 9-month prospective longitudinal study.

Objective Obesity is a chronic disease that negatively affects an individual's general and oral health. The present study aimed to compare the clinical and microbiological effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy with the full mouth disinfection (FMD) protocol on obese and non-obese individuals at 9 months post-therapy. Methodology This clinical study was first submitted and approved by the Ethics Committee. Fifty-five obese patients and 39 non-obese patients with periodontitis were evaluated. The full-mouth periodontal clinical parameters, clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI), were monitored at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months after periodontal treatment with full mouth disinfection (FMD) protocol. The mean count of Tannerella forsythia , Porphyromonas gingivalis , Treponema Denticola , and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction on subgingival biofilm samples. Demographic data were assessed by Chi-square test. For clinical and microbiological parameters, two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA was used. Results In both groups, periodontal therapy using the one-stage full-mouth disinfection protocol significantly improved CAL, PD, GI, and PI (p<0.05). Obese and non-obese patients equally responded to non-surgical periodontal therapy (p>0.05). Microbial count found no major differences (p>0.05) between obese and non-obese individuals who had undergone non-surgical periodontal therapy. Conclusions Obesity did not affect the clinical and microbiological outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Depressive disorders associated with the recurrence of periodontitis in periodontal maintenance.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between depressive disorders and periodontal condition and the recurrence of periodontitis, during periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT). METHODS: From a 6-year prospective cohort study with 268 individuals under PMT, 124 individuals had complete periodontal clinical data recorded between T1 (baseline) and T2 (final data at the last PMT appointment). Individuals were divided into two groups, being 35 individuals with depressive disorders (DD) and 89 individuals without DD (NDD). Full-mouth periodontal examination was evaluated at T1 and T2. RESULTS: The periodontal status of NDD was significantly better then DD at T2. In the NDD group, the recurrence of periodontitis was 50.6% whereas in the DD group was 62.8%. Moreover, the following variables were significantly associated with recurrence of periodontitis in final multivariate logistic regression model: DD, age, co-habitation status without companion, smoking and the interaction between DD and smoking. CONCLUSION: Individuals with DD undergoing PMT presented higher rates of recurrence of periodontitis and tooth loss when compared to individuals without DD. Additionally, the interaction between DD and smoking significantly increased the risk for the recurrence of periodontitis.

Periodontal condition and recurrence of periodontitis associated with alcohol consumption in periodontal maintenance therapy.

BACKGROUND: This study followed individuals in periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) over 6 years and longitudinally evaluated the effects of the frequency of alcohol consumption on the recurrence of periodontitis (RP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: From a 6-year follow-up cohort study with 268 individuals under PMT, 142 patients who attended at least one PMT visit within 12 months were determined to be eligible. Based on their alcohol consumption, participants were categorized into 3 groups: none or occasional alcohol use (NA; n=88), moderate alcohol use (MA; n=26) and intense alcohol use (IA; n=24). Complete periodontal examination and alcohol consumption were evaluated at 2 times, T1 (after active periodontal therapy) and T2 (6 years). RESULTS: The frequencies of RP in the NA, MA and IA groups were 46.5%, 57.6%, and 79.1%, respectively. The following variables were significantly associated with RP in final multivariate logistic regression model: age >50 years old (OR = 1.79; 95%CI 1.42-2.91; p=0.002), current smoking (OR = 2.42; 95%CI 1.33-4.31; p=0.001), and intensive alcohol use (OR = 1.96; 95%CI: 1.37-2.64; p=0.024). Interaction between intensive alcohol use and smoking showed a high OR estimate of 3.15 (95%CI 1.29-6.32) for RP. CONCLUSIONS: IA individuals undergoing PMT presented worse periodontal condition, higher rates of RP and tooth loss when compared to NA individuals. Additionally, the interaction between intensive alcohol use and smoking significantly increased the risk for RP. Key words:Periodontitis, alcohol consumption, maintenance, epidemiology.

Clinical trials sponsored by industry and other private organizations

Abstract The present manuscript discussed some relevant aspects related to private sponsored clinical trials in dentistry. For decades, the academy has been the major responsible for research in Brazil. Distant from the trade sector, academic research has not always provided clear benefits to society. A key aspect of making benefits clearer is the process of scientific knowledge transference to decision-makers, which is, in fact, the ground of evidence-based dentistry. Although private sponsoring of clinical research seems to be part of the research progress of the business rates, investment in Brazil is lower than those observed in other countries. It is particularly important to understand that instead of creating its own rules, dentistry imported the high-quality standards originally designed for pharmaceutical studies. Therefore, it is critical to understand the original rules and how dental items are classified by regulatory agencies. In fact, knowledge about international and local regulation is a basic assumption in industry-sponsored research. Despite globalization, the identification of industry-sponsored studies through open access databases is still very hard and time-demanding. A common concern when conducting industry-sponsored trials is study biases. Fortunately, many relevant organizations, academic and industry groups, have been working seriously against that. Finally, for less experienced researchers, many aspects related to industry-sponsored studies - such as confidentiality, authorship, budget - are deeply discussed until a final version of the trial agreement can be written and signed, protecting all sides. In short, the scenario should be improved, but it already represents a nice opportunity for dental research.

Clinical and microbiological evaluation of non-surgical periodontal therapy in obese and non-obese individuals with periodontitis: a 9-month prospective longitudinal study

Abstract Objective Obesity is a chronic disease that negatively affects an individual's general and oral health. The present study aimed to compare the clinical and microbiological effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy with the full mouth disinfection (FMD) protocol on obese and non-obese individuals at 9 months post-therapy. Methodology This clinical study was first submitted and approved by the Ethics Committee. Fifty-five obese patients and 39 non-obese patients with periodontitis were evaluated. The full-mouth periodontal clinical parameters, clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI), were monitored at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months after periodontal treatment with full mouth disinfection (FMD) protocol. The mean count of Tannerella forsythia , Porphyromonas gingivalis , Treponema Denticola , and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction on subgingival biofilm samples. Demographic data were assessed by Chi-square test. For clinical and microbiological parameters, two-factor repeated-measures ANOVA was used. Results In both groups, periodontal therapy using the one-stage full-mouth disinfection protocol significantly improved CAL, PD, GI, and PI (p<0.05). Obese and non-obese patients equally responded to non-surgical periodontal therapy (p>0.05). Microbial count found no major differences (p>0.05) between obese and non-obese individuals who had undergone non-surgical periodontal therapy. Conclusions Obesity did not affect the clinical and microbiological outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Periodontitis and Periodontopathogens in Individuals Hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit: A Case-Control Study.

The aim of the present study was to compare periodontal conditions between intensive care unit (ICU) in-patients and non-ICU patients through clinical and microbiological periodontal parameters. This case-control study included 88 individuals hospitalized in ICU and 176 non-hospitalized controls. All individuals underwent a complete periodontal examination and microbiological sampling. The total bacterial load and counts of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were evaluated using qPCR. Data were analyzed through the Chi-square, Fisher exact, and t-Student tests, and the Spearman correlation, as appropriate. The prevalence of periodontitis was 39.7% among controls and 59.0% among ICU in-patients (OR=2.18; p=0.002). ICU in-patients had a significantly higher occurrence of cardiovascular disease (p=0.002; OR=2.20) and history of periodontal disease (p=0.031; OR=1.92) than controls. Bacterial counts of A. actinomycetemcomitans, T. denticola and P. gingivalis were significantly higher in ICU in-patients with periodontitis than in controls. The correlation between periodontal parameters and microbiological findings among cases and controls showed a significant and positive correlation between: total bacteria load and % of sites with probing depth (PD) ≥ 4 mm (cases: r=0.22 and controls: r=0.13) and P. gingivalis and % sites with bleeding on probing (BOP) (cases: r=0.22 and controls: r=0.23). Thus, ICU in-patients presented a higher prevalence of periodontitis and worse periodontal condition (higher mean plaque index, BOP, clinical attachment level ≥3 mm, and sites with PD 4 to 6 mm).