Salivary microbial levels in relation to periodontal status and caries development.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although an inverse relationship between caries and periodontal disease has been suggested, some studies have reported a positive correlation between periodontal disease and the decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMF) index. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between caries and periodontal disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed the clinical parameters and salivary levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans using real-time polymerase chain reaction in 40 subjects with varying degrees of caries and periodontal disease. RESULTS: The salivary levels of S. mutans were significantly higher in the periodontally healthy group than in the periodontitis group. The salivary levels of P. gingivalis were significantly higher in the caries-free group than in the periodontally healthy group with caries. The salivary levels of S. mutans were significantly increased after the initial periodontal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that an inverse relationship exists between periodontitis and caries in terms of the clinical and bacteriological findings.

The effect of butyric acid on adhesion molecule expression by human gingival epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Short-chain fatty acids, such as butyric acid, are detected in periodontal pockets and are thought to be involved in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. In the present study, we examined the effects of butyric acid on adhesion molecule expression by human gingival epithelial cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The human gingival carcinoma cell line, Ca9-22, was cultured in media that contained different concentrations of butyric acid. RESULTS: Cell numbers were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner by butyric acid at concentrations of > or = 0.2 mM. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 mRNA was significantly increased 6 h after stimulation. By contrast, the expression levels of integrins alpha 6 and beta 4 were decreased. Similar results were obtained by flow cytometry. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that butyric acid alters the expression of adhesion molecules by Ca9-22 cells. The elucidation of the mechanism of action of butyric acid on the periodontium may help to clarify several aspects of the onset and progression of periodontal disease.

Detection of Streptococcus anginosus from saliva by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

AIMS: The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the salivary levels of Streptococcus anginosus in periodontitis patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: The salivary levels of Strep. anginosus were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Streptococcus anginosus was detected in 28 of 37 (75.6%) of periodontitis patients and in three of the 20 (15%) healthy subjects. The mean values for bleeding on probing and probing depth in positive patients were statistically higher than those in negative patients. A significant decrease in Strep. anginosus levels was observed after periodontal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although the levels of Strep. anginosus are extremely low, they may reflect the status of periodontal health. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Real-time PCR is a useful method for obtaining the relative quantities of Strep. anginosus from saliva samples and for monitoring the effect of therapy.

Clinical application of a new compact computed tomography system for evaluating the outcome of regenerative therapy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The limitations of conventional 2-dimensional (2-D) radiographs have been emphasized in many studies. Because the image is a 2-D map of the 3-dimensional (3-D) tooth and periodontal tissue, these structures may be superimposed on each other. Recently, 3-D image analysis by computed tomography (CT) was introduced to dentistry, but it has been used only rarely in the periodontal field. METHODS: The purpose of this case report was to introduce the clinical application of a newly developed, compact computed tomography system for evaluating the outcome of regenerative therapy in an adult patient with periodontitis (male, aged 55 years). To evaluate the bone defects including furcation involvement, we took an intraoral radiograph and performed CT scanning on tooth #19. We recorded a number of clinical parameters at the time of surgery. We compared the images of the bone defect obtained by CT images and the conventional radiograph with the true bone defect morphology at the surgical site. RESULTS: One year after the periodontal surgery, we again took CT scans and a conventional radiograph, and the new images of the bone defect were compared and evaluated. The new CT images were reconstructed for 3-D evaluation and compared with those taken before surgery. The CT provides 3-D images of excellent quality for evaluating the morphology of the periodontal bone defect and furcation involvement. CONCLUSIONS: We consider that CT is a useful aid in periodontal examination and diagnosis, and in the prediction and evaluation of periodontal treatment outcomes.

The inhibitory effect of funoran and eucalyptus extract-containing chewing gum on plaque formation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effect of funoran containing chewing gum (FG) and eucalyptus extract- containing chewing gum (EG) on plaque formation. Fifteen dentists or dental students were assigned a random order of use of either FG, EG or a control gum. All subjects received professional tooth cleanings before the experiment. During the four-day test periods, no oral hygiene measures were allowed other than chewing three pieces of gum for approximately 10 min daily. Chewing gum was used following each morning, noon and evening meal. Plaque formation was evaluated by the Quigley and Hein index. The FG (1.83 +/- 1.1) and EG (1.97 +/- 1.1) significantly reduced plaque compared to the control gum (2.57 +/- 1.2). Our results suggest that FG and EG may be useful in inhibiting dental plaque formation.

The inhibitory effect of endotoxins on growth of human cell lines.

A study was conducted to examine the effect of endotoxin present in periodontal pockets on the proliferation and attachment of human cell lines on the culture plates (Ca9-22 and gingival fibroblasts). The endotoxin was collected from periodontal pockets of anterior teeth in patients with periodontal disease by subgingival irrigation with sterilized distilled water. The solutions obtained were then subjected to hot phenol-water extraction. The collected endotoxin from periodontal pocket and four other kinds of endotoxin obtained commercially as positive controls were added to cell cultures and the numbers of viable cells on the culture plates were counted. Among the commercially available endotoxins used in this study, only 500 micrograms/ml of endotoxin derived from Escherichia coli 0111:B4 significantly decreased the number of attachment cells of Ca9-22 and gingival fibroblasts on the culture plates. Endotoxin from periodontal pockets at 5 micrograms/ml also significantly decreased the numbers of attachment cells of both cell lines.

[Clinical effects of chewing gum containing egg-white lysozyme and mace extract].

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of mace extract and egg-white lysozyme in two brands of chewing gum on gingival condition. Ever since mace extract containing dihydroguaiaretic acid was reported to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans, plans were devised to include it in commercially available chewing gum. Before starting this study, two different types of experimental chewing gum containing mace extract or egg-white lysozyme were made up. A control was also prepared containing neither agent. The periodontal condition of 68 patients with gingivitis was determined based on PMA index (PMA), gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI) and plaque scoring system (PSS) and randomly classified into three groups. Each group was instructed to use one or the other of the above type chewing gums after every meal. The results were as follows: 1. No clinical changes were observed in the control group during this study. 2. Gingival inflammation (PMA, GI, GBI) significantly improved as a result of using the experimental gums. 3. Plaque reduction was found only in the mece-extract gum group. 4. No clinical side effects were detected during this study.