Public Awareness on Perio-systemic Interplay: A Cross-Sectional Survey in South India.

BACKGROUND: The oral cavity has been referred to as "the gateway to overall health." It is also said to be the meeting point of medicine and dentistry. AIMS: Our study sought to determine the extent to which the public was aware of the connection between oral/periodontal conditions and general health. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The observational cross-sectional study's questionnaire was sectioned into oral health awareness, systemic influence on oral health, and personal oral health assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 994 responses were recorded and a Chi-square test was performed to uncover the relationships using SPSS version 22.0. According to responses, 70% of the population on average comprehended the responses to the majority of the oral health awareness-related questions. RESULTS: It has been noticed that only 30% of the general public was aware of the prevalent health issues like diabetes, hypertension, and malnutrition's impact on dental health. However, more than 60% had confidence in their oral health and gave a rating of at least 5. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that a good number of the population was prioritizing their oral health. However, there exists a definitive need to improve oral health awareness thereby ameliorating the overall health of an individual.

Physicochemical Characterization of Novel Biomaterial Consisting of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate, Chitosan, Casein and Ethanolic Leaves Extract of Ormocarpum Cochinchinense.

Background: Bioceramics are widely used as a biomaterial to promote bone regeneration. Bone defect management requires the placement of bone grafts. Though there are many bone grafts available, these have certain limitations like limited supply and second surgical site morbidity. Phytochemicals in plants are known to have bone regeneration capacity and are used in traditional medicine for bone fracture healing. Objective: The purpose of the study was to create a novel biomaterial consisting of a composite of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), chitosan (CH), casein (CA), and ethanolic leaves extract of Ormocarpum Cochinchinense (OC) fabricated and characterized for physicochemical properties. Materials and Methods: BCP-CH-CA-OC material was prepared and immersed in Simulated body fluid (SBF) for 21 days. Physical properties were analysed through X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Mechanical properties were analysed by compressive strength and diametral tensile strength tests. Using BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) analysis and Nano computed tomography (CT) scan, porosity measurements were made. Results: XRD did not show any significant change after immersion in SBF, indicating that the material was not under change and is stable. FTIR showed an increase in chitosan content, due to the loss of casein. SEM analysis showed the deposition of crystals and porous structure. EDS showed the deposition of minerals. Nano CT and BET analysis showed clinically significant porosity of 30%. Conclusion: The mechanical and physical properties of this novel biomaterial could be used in tissue engineering for the repair of bone defects in non-load-bearing areas. The physicochemical properties are at par with other materials used for the purpose of bone grafting. The novel biomaterial has the potential to be used in bone regenerative medicine in non-load-bearing applications.

Comparative analysis of the red-complex organisms and recently identified periodontal pathogens in the subgingival plaque of diabetic and nondiabetic patients with severe chronic periodontitis.

Aim: This analytical case-control study sought to evaluate the presence of the recently established putative periodontal pathogen organisms, Filifactor alocis and Fretibacterium fastidiosum, against the levels of the already established red-complex pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola, in chronic periodontitis sites of patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six subgingival plaque samples were obtained from the deepest sites of subjects diagnosed with severe chronic periodontitis with and without diabetes mellitus. These patients were categorized into two groups of 28 each. Clinical parameters were recorded and microbial analysis was done with quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the bacterial counts of F. alocis and F. fastidiosum were determined and then compared with that of the red-complex organisms. Results: The bacterial counts were found to be higher in the diabetic group than that in the nondiabetic group, which was statistically significant for T. forsythia (P < 0.037) and T. denticola (P < 0.003). The study found very less number of F. alocis, which was slightly higher in the diabetic group. When correlating the bacterial levels within the nondiabetic groups, the red complex species had a strong positive correlation both individually with F. alocis (P < 0.0001) and F. fastidiosum (P < 0.001) and also when the newer species was clubbed together as a cohort (P < 0.0001). Whereas, in the diabetic group, although there was a positive correlation, there was no statistical significance. Conclusion: The results of this study highlighted the presence of a definite difference in the subgingival microbiota of both the patient groups evaluated. They also indicate that of the newly identified microorganisms, both the cohorts had higher levels of F. fastidiosum, suggesting a pathobiont-like role of this bacteria among both these periodontitis groups. F. alocis was comparatively lesser in number among the cohorts evaluated, and the cause for this decreased level of F. alocis needs to be further evaluated. The results of the present study depict a higher bacterial load in the diabetic group when compared to the nondiabetic group. Further, the study demonstrates a strong correlation between the red-complex species and the newer organisms in the nondiabetic group.

The influence of periostin on osteoblastic adhesion and proliferation on collagen matrices - An in vitro study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ability of periostin when impregnated onto varied collagen matrices to influence osteoblast cell adhesion, proliferation, and activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saos-2 osteoblast cells were cultured and seeded onto two different collagen matrices as follows: Group A: absorbable collagen sponge (ACS), Group B: ACS impregnated with recombinant human periostin, Group C: nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite collagen (NcHC), and Group D: NcHC impregnated with recombinanant human periostin. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was performed to evaluate cell viability as well as adhesion and proliferation on 2nd, 5th, and 7th day. Osteoblast activity was studied using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay for the study groups. RESULTS: The periostin-treated absorbable collagen matrices showed a statistically significant increase in the osteoblast adhesion compared to periostin-treated NcHC on days 2, 5, and 7 (P < 0.001). The osteoblast activity as evaluated by ALP assay showed that there is increased activity in the periostin-treated ACS compared to the periostin-treated NcHC. CONCLUSION: From the observations of this study, it is evident that Periostin has a significant role in the modulating cellular response of the osteoblast cells. Further, incorporation of periostin into the ACS has been shown to increase the cell viability, proliferation, and adhesion of osteoblast-like Saos-2 cells.

Putative periodontal pathogens in persisting periodontal pockets of endodontic origin.

BACKGROUND: The microbial profile of endodontically treated teeth, presenting with a persisting deep periodontal pocket, secondary to a primary endodontic lesion, draining through the gingival crevice, has received very less attention. This observational study was done to evaluate if these sites with persisting pockets of endodontic origin persist because they have acquired bacteria which are considered as putative periodontal pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subgingival plaque samples were collected from fifty patients diagnosed with a primary endodontic and a secondary periodontal lesion that persisted even after completion of the root canal treatment. Clinical parameters such as probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, furcation, and tooth mobility were recorded. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the possible association between six bacteria, which are frequently associated with periodontal and endodontic lesions. RESULTS: The mean cycle threshold value for Treponema denticola (Td) was found to be 33.74, and for Enterococcus faecalis (Ef), it was 34.39. With regard to clinical attachment loss, Td (P < 0.04) and Parvimonas micra (P < 0.05) had a significant correlation. CONCLUSION: Ef (92%) and Td (86%) were found to be most prevalent. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia were in minimal to nonexistent levels.