Evaluation of the Periodontal Inflammatory Effect on Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: A Clinical Study.

Context: The link between oral infections and systemic disease is a well-proven hypothesis in the current literature. This relationship is the result of interaction between periodontal microbe that triggers inflammatory processes leading to the secretion of cytokines and other mediators of inflammation resulting in the systemic effects of pathogenesis. Materials and Methods: In this study, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), probing pocket depth, plaque index, gingival index, and the parameters were assessed initially and 1 month after scaling and root planing (SRP). Statistical Analysis Used: The paired t-test and the Pearson correlation were needed to examine and compare measured data. Results: The data from the study reveal that all the clinical parameters like the plaque index, the gingival index, and the probing pocket depth were statistically significantly reduced after 1 month of SRP with respect to baseline. While ESR mean value was also reduced, that is, 3.27 ± 1.24 mm/hr which was also considered statistically significant. Conclusions: The findings from the study showed a positive correlation between periodontal inflammation and ESR.

Comparison of the Clinical Efficacy of Herbal, Chlorhexidine, and Normal Saline Mouthwash in the Management of Chronic Gingivitis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of chronic gingivitis, a widespread inflammatory condition of the gums, is considerable across the demographic spectrum, with potential progression to advanced periodontal pathology in the absence of intervention. The objective of this investigation was to conduct a comparative analysis of the clinical effectiveness of various oral rinses in mitigating the symptoms of chronic gingivitis. METHODS: This empirical study was conducted within the confines of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. A cohort of 60 individuals diagnosed with chronic gingivitis, ranging from 18 to 45 years of age and inclusive of all sexes, was systematically selected for participation. RESULTS: Quantitative analysis yielded data indicating that the mean score on the gingival index was minimally recorded for participants utilizing herbal mouthwash (HO), in contrast to those administered with normal saline (NS), which displayed the highest mean score. A corresponding trend was observed with the plaque index, where the HO users exhibited the lowest mean values, as opposed to the NS cohort, which demonstrated the highest. CONCLUSION: Employing post-hoc statistical evaluations, a pronounced disparity in the mean gingival index was discerned favoring the chlorhexidine (CHX) and HO groups over the NS group. No statistical significance was detected in the comparative mean gingival index between the CHX and HO cohorts. This pattern of findings was paralleled in the plaque index assessments, where the NS group's values were significantly elevated relative to those of both the CHX and HO groups.

Efficacy of 38% silver diamine fluoride in reducing gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation in older adults living in retirement-homes: A randomized controlled pilot trial.

OBJECTIVES: Emerging from earlier case reports the potential benefits of 38 % silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in addressing pathogenic biofilms and mitigating gingival inflammation and enlargement have sparked interest. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 38 % SDF in reducing gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation in older adults living in retirement-homes. METHODS: This 7-week randomized, controlled, double-blinded pilot trial employed a parallel assignment design. The study enrolled older adults (aged ≥65) residing in retirement homes in Dallas County, ultimately comprising a cohort of 40 participants who were evenly divided into two arms. The experimental group received SDF treatment, whereas the comparator group received a placebo. Over three consecutive weeks, both groups had solutions applied to the facial surfaces of all their teeth once per week. The primary outcomes measured the change in Löe-Silness Gingival Index (GI) and Silness-Löe Plaque Index (PI) at 7 weeks following baseline treatment. Repeated measures ANOVA was utilized to assess changes over time within each group (n = 15 each). Post-hoc paired t-tests were conducted to compare changes between week 1 and each subsequent follow-up time point (weeks 3, 5, 7), supplemented with 95 % confidence intervals for change from week 1. RESULTS: In the SDF group, within-group comparisons demonstrated significant reductions (adjusted p < .05) in GI scores within 3 weeks (-.93±.37), as opposed to week 1 (1.90±.39). Between-group comparisons unveiled reductions in both mean GI (p < .05) and PI (p < .05), indicating less gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation in the SDF group at all time points, commencing at week 3. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that 38 % SDF was effective in reducing gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation in older adults living in retirement-homes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Oral health in older adults is a public health concern, especially for the medically compromised or those without traditional care. Our findings offer hope for enhancing oral health quality of life by introducing a cost-effective, compliance-free, noninvasive, and accessible therapeutic. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03445286.(clinicaltrials.gov).

Changes in Oral Health and Dental Esthetic in Smokers Switching to Combustion-Free Nicotine Alternatives: Protocol for a Multicenter and Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Although the detrimental effects of conventional combustible cigarettes on oral health and dental esthetics are well known, there is limited information about the long-term impact of combustion-free nicotine alternatives (C-F NA) such as e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products. OBJECTIVE: This multicenter, prospective, 3-parallel-arm randomized controlled trial will investigate whether switching from combustible cigarettes to C-F NA will lead to measurable improvements in oral health parameters and dental esthetics over 18 months in adult smokers with limited gum disease. METHODS: Regular smokers not intending to quit and without clinical signs of periodontitis will be randomly assigned (1:4 ratio) to either standard of care with brief cessation advice (control group; arm A) or C-F NA use (intervention group; arm B). The study will also include a reference group of never smokers (reference group; arm C). The primary end point is the change in the Modified Gingival Index (MGI) score from baseline between the control arm (arm A) and the intervention arm (arm B) at the 18-month follow-up. In addition, the study will analyze the within- and between-group (arms A, B, and C) changes in MGI assessment, plaque imaging, dental shade quantitation, tooth stain scores, and oral health-related quality of life questionnaires measured at each study time point. All participants will attend a total of 7 clinic visits: screening, enrollment, and randomization (visit 0); baseline visit-day 14 (visit 1); day 90 (visit 2); day 180 (visit 3); day 360 (visit 4); and day 540 (visit 5). This multicenter study will be conducted in 4 dental clinics in 4 countries. The statistical analysis will involve descriptive statistics for continuous and categorical data. Primary end points will undergo tests for normality and, based on distribution, either a 2-sided t test or Mann-Whitney U test. Linear mixed model with random factors center and study arms by center will also be applied. Secondary end points, including MGI assessment and quality of life, will be subjected to similar tests and comparisons. Only if one value of the parameter MGI is missing after day 1, the last available observation will be carried forward. The analysis will be performed on the substituted data. Secondary parameters will not have missing value replacement. RESULTS: Participant recruitment began in October 2021, and enrollment was completed in June 2023. Results will be reported in 2025. CONCLUSIONS: This will be the first study to provide key insights into oral health benefits or risks associated with using C-F NA in smokers who are seeking alternatives to cigarette smoking. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04649645; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04649645. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/53222.

Is inflammatory potential of the diet related to oral and periodontal health?

Inflammation is among the risks of periodontal diseases. The relationship between the inflammatory load of the diet and inflammation has been shown in previous studies, but the relationship between periodontal diseases and the inflammatory load of the diet is not clear. In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and periodontal health. Board approved the protocol. Information about the study was given to the patients who met the criteria of the study and agreed to participate in the study. Oral health status was evaluated by measuring the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT). Periodontal health status was determined using the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI). Twenty-four-hour dietary record was taken for 1 day to calculate the inflammatory load gained from daily diet, and the DII score was used. The study group consisted of 138 participants. DMFT scores were found with median 4.0, and no statistically significant difference was observed between DII quartiles. 65.8% of the participants had absence or small amount of plaque accumulation, while 39.2% had moderate or dense amount of plaque accumulation according to the PI classification. While DII did not differ by PI classification, DII quartile between second and third found a difference according to the GI classification. The new definition of periodontal health has been proposed as the absence of clinically detectable inflammation. It seems that pro-inflammatory properties of the diet and periodontal health are related. But future randomized controlled trials are needed.

A tangible prospect for the treatment of gingivitis using a potentially probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum MK06 isolated from traditional dairy products: a triple blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Frequent bacterial plaque buildup at the gingival margin and crevice can provoke an inflammatory reaction in gingival tissues which manifests as gingivitis. Probiotics could serve as a beneficial complementary therapy for treating gingival inflammation. The main aim of this research was to investigate the effect of the Lactobacillus plantarum MK06 probiotic strain on the treatment of gingivitis. METHODS: Patients with gingivitis, who were referred to a private clinic and were systematically healthy, were included in this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. They were instructed to use either placebo or Lactobacillus plantarum suspensions for one minute two times a day after tooth-brushing for four weeks. Then, the clinical parameters of gingivitis, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and oral hygiene index (OHI-s), were measured in the first, second, and fourth weeks. A total of forty-two patients were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 21) and control (n = 21) groups. The mean age of the experimental and control groups was 29.10 and 28.48, respectively. RESULTS: The mean scores of BOP, GI, PI, and OHI-s reduced over time in both the control and test groups. However, according to the Mann-Whitney test, the difference between the two groups was not significant at the same time intervals (P ≥ 0.05) and only GI showed a significant difference in the fourth week (GI-3, P = 0.006). Nevertheless, the experimental group experienced a higher overall reduction rate than the control group. The BOP, GI, PI, and OHI-s scores decreased by 0.081, 0.204, 0.186, and 0.172 times in the second week, respectively, resulting from the interaction of time and the intervention, which considerably diminished these indices. CONCLUSION: This study shows the potential of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum MK06 suspension as a promoting therapeutic adjuvant in the treatment of gingivitis.

Comparison of oral indices in patients with Down syndrome and healthy individuals: A meta-analysis study.

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare dental indexes of pediatric Down syndrome (DS) patients to those who are healthy. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement guidelines. The researchers searched title and abstract of major databases, including ProQuest (ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Full Text: Health and Medicine, ProQuest Nursing and Allie Health Source), PubMed, Google Scholar, clinical key, up to date, springer, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science (ISI), up to September 2020 with restriction to English and Persian language This meta-analysis study had three outcomes: decay/miss/filled index, plaque index, and gingival index. Effect size, including mean difference and its 95% of confidence interval, was calculated. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale measured the quality of the selected studies. Heterogeneity was performed using the Q test and I2 index, and reporting bias was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger and Begg's tests. Results: Fifteen studies conducted were included in the meta-analysis process. Conclusion: It showed that DS patients had a higher plaque index and gingival index than healthy individuals, which means that the oral health status of these patients is worse and needs more attention.

Therapeutic effect of aged garlic extract on gingivitis in dogs.

Periodontal disease is one of the most common dental health problems in dogs. Clinical studies in humans have shown that aged garlic extract (AGE), which contains stable and water-soluble sulfur-containing bioactive compounds, improves the symptoms of periodontal diseases. Our previous study demonstrated that oral administration of AGE in healthy Beagle dogs at 90 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks had no adverse effects such as hemolytic anemia, which is well known to occur as a result of ingestion of Allium species, including onions and garlic, in dogs. However, the therapeutic potential of AGE in canine periodontal disease remains unclear. Accordingly, we investigated the therapeutic effects of AGE in Beagle dogs with mild gingivitis. Feeding 18 mg/kg/day of AGE for 8 weeks resulted in the improvement of gingival index score, level of volatile sulfur compounds in exhaled air, and enzyme activity of periodontal pathogens without any adverse effects on clinical signs and hematological and serum biochemical parameters. Moreover, AGE increased the concentration of salivary cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide that contributes to the oral innate immune response. These results suggest that AGE could be a potential therapeutic agent for canine gingivitis.

Comparison of the Efficacy of Different Oral Hygiene Aids in Maintaining Periodontal Health in Patients With Gingivitis.

Background Gingivitis is a common oral health condition characterized by inflammation of the gingiva, which, if left untreated, can progress to more severe forms of periodontal disease. Effective oral hygiene practices play a crucial role in managing gingivitis, but the comparative efficacy of different oral hygiene aids remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of various oral hygiene aids in maintaining periodontal health in patients with gingivitis, considering gender and the degree of gingivitis as potential influencing factors. Methods A total of 120 participants with gingivitis were enrolled in this study. The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups, each utilizing a different oral hygiene aid: Group A (toothbrush), Group B (electric toothbrush), Group C (brushing along with the use of an interdental brush), and Group D (brushing along with the use of a water flosser). All participants received toothpaste for use with their respective oral hygiene aids. Periodontal health parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) score, were assessed at baseline and after a specified duration of oral hygiene intervention. Also, the microbial count for Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, and Veillonella species was evaluated. Results No significant differences in periodontal health outcomes were observed between males and females in any of the oral hygiene aid groups. Similarly, no significant differences were found among the mild, moderate, and severe gingivitis groups within each oral hygiene aid group. The microbial count also has no statistical significance except for streptococcus species. These findings indicate that the efficacy of the tested oral hygiene aids was comparable across genders and different degrees of gingivitis. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that the tested oral hygiene aids were effective in maintaining periodontal health in patients with gingivitis, irrespective of gender and the degree of gingivitis. These results have implications for oral healthcare professionals in their recommendations to patients regarding oral hygiene practices. However, it is important to consider the limitations of this study, including the relatively small sample size and the specific oral hygiene aids tested.

Impact of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Orthodontic Tooth Movement and Various Cytokines in Gingival Crevicular Fluid: A Split-Mouth Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A few investigations have detailed the influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), with varying results. The objectives of this study were twofold: to assess the impact of LLLT on OTM and various cytokine levels in gingival crevicular fluid and to contrast the pain levels experienced by patients receiving orthodontic treatment with and without LLLT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This split-mouth randomized controlled prospective study comprised 40 patients with an average age of 19.7±2.4 years with Angle Class I malocclusion combined with bimaxillary protrusion who were advised for extraction of the maxillary first premolar and bilateral canine distalization. The control-side canine was distalized solely by the coil spring. On the test arm, a low-level gallium-aluminum-arsenide semiconductor diode laser operating at 980 nm and 100 mW with a continuous-wave energy of 8 J/cm2 was used. The canine distalization on either side was measured with a digital caliper following the first premolar extraction (TO), one month after treatment (TOTM1), two months later (TOTM2), and three months later (TOTM3). The gingival index and the level of various cytokines were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the beginning of the study, on the third and seventh days, and at four, eight, and 12 weeks following the canine distalization. The intra-group and inter-group comparisons were carried out using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-tests, respectively, at a 5% significance level. RESULTS: The results show a highly statistically significant difference in the extent of canine distalization in the test group (TOTM1=2.92±0.44; TOTM2=1.04±0.1; TOTM3​=0.62±0.21 mm) in contrast to the control group (TOTM1=3.23±0.8; TOTM2=2.65±0.2; TOTM3​​​​=2.11±0.24 mm) (p<0.01). After three months of canine distalization, the laser and control group had 34 and 27 patients with mild gingivitis, respectively. Interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6 concentrations surged with values of 0.74±0.13 and 0.049±0.001 pg/g at seven days following treatment in the laser group, respectively. The difference in tumor necrosis factor concentration between the groups was shown to be highly statistically significant in all treatment phases (p<0.001). The differences in the epidermal growth factor and microglobulin levels were found to be statistically significant within both groups from T0 to T5. The average visual analog scale (VAS) scores at several subsequent evaluations of the laser and control groups were found to be highly statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The findings imply that when the periodontal microenvironment is stimulated by orthodontic force, several paramount cytokines are released, triggering an ordered sequence of biological processes that appear to expedite OTM with reduced associated pain.

Salivary Soluble CD44 Level in Chronic Periodontitis - A Comparative Assessment between Preoperative and Postoperative Scaling and Root Planing.

Background: Salivary biomarkers can be used to diagnose illnesses, track their course, and gauge a patient's response to therapy. Inflammatory circumstances result in higher sCD44 levels. The most typical inflammatory disorder connected to periodontal tissue is called periodontitis. Therefore, the purpose "of the current study was to compare the levels of sCD44 in patients with chronic periodontitis before and after scaling and root planing. Objectives: 1) Determining CD44 concentrations in healthy individuals' spit. 2) To quantify CD44 levels in the saliva of individuals with persistent periodontitis. The third objective is to compare the levels of CD44 that can be dissolved in saliva between those with healthy gums and those with active periodontitis. 4) Assessing CD44 levels in saliva after "scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis." Materials and Methods: Half of the study participants were classified as having chronic periodontitis, while the other half had healthy gums. Participants with healthy gums and those with chronic periodontitis had their plaque levels, gingival status, and testing depths measured. All the same, data were calculated in persons with chronic periodontitis one month after they had "scaling and root planing done. Clinical attachment levels were evaluated before scaling and root planing was performed on patients with chronic periodontitis and again one month afterwards. Patients with chronic periodontitis," those whose condition had not improved following scaling and root planing (SRP), and healthy individuals all had spit tests conducted after a month. The concentration of sCD44 in the saliva was determined with a chemically coupled immunosorbent assay. Results: Salivary sCD44 levels were substantially greater in people with chronic periodontitis than in people without the condition. After one month of scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis, sCD44 levels drastically dropped (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Chronic periodontitis is linked to elevated levels of salivary sCD44. sCD44 can be employed as a possible salivary biomarker for chronic Periodontitis.

Effects of interdental aids on clinical periodontal indices.

BACKGROUND: Removal of plaque and food particle between teeth represent interdental cleaning. Every patient's self-care program includes plaque removal efficiently and systematically. Periodontal disease, tooth decay and tooth loss may result from the absence of interdental cleaning or even an irregular and unsuccessful interdental cleaning. AIM: The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of inter-dental aids, including dental floss and toothpicks, on gingival and plaque indices. METHODS: A questionnaire including age, gender, education level and other information was obtained from 150 male subjects who were systemically and periodontally healthy. Clinical periodontal parameters (including plaque index and gingival index) were taken from each subject. The participants were categorized into different groups according to the use of inter-dental aids (dental floss, dental picks and without any interdental aids). The participants were divided into the toothbrush-alone group, including participants who did not use either dental floss or toothpicks; the dental floss group, including participants who used dental floss; and the toothpick group including participants who used toothpicks. Plaque and gingival indices compared among groups. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that the maximum mean of Plaque index was found in the toothbrush-alone group (1.09 ± 0.43), while the lowest mean of Plaque index was found in the dental floss group (0.87 ± 0.39). Plaque index of the toothpick group was (0.99 ± 0.41) with statistically significant difference among groups (p-value = 0.04*). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, dental floss is the most effective mean of removing interdental plaque.

Clinico-Radiographic Research Evaluating Crestal Bone Level and Bone Density Surrounding Dental Implants.

Aim: Planning the surgical operation, choosing the type of implant, and the effectiveness of the implant all heavily rely on the quantity and quality of the accessible bone. This study's goal was to determine how promptly inserted dental implants affected postoperative changes in bone density and crestal bone level by Cone bean computed tomography (CBCT) gray-scale value during a follow-up of three to six months. Method: A prospective clinical-radiographic investigation was conducted. Twenty participants with a partly edentulous arch who were also systemically healthy were chosen from the OPD of the Department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology. Each patient's oral hygiene status was noted, and a preoperative CBCT was performed to assess bone density. The following clinical parameters were noted before surgical procedures: plaque index (PI) (Silness and Loe, 1964), gingival index (GI) (Loe and Sillness, 1964), probing pocket depth (PPD), and primary stability. Result: A weak connection between Hounsfield unit (HU) in three months and six months was found. Moreover, a slender positive connection between baseline primary stability and three months was found. PI was shown to have a statistically significant difference between the means at several follow-ups (P value of 0.0001). PI and probing depth were not statistically different between baseline and six months (P values = 0.0001) or between three months and six months (P values = 0.050), respectively. Conclusion: The main outcome of this study shows that insertion torque is directly proportional to bone density and crestal bone level.

Efficacy of a mobile phone application for the improvement of oral hygiene of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment : A randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a mobile phone application (app) to improve oral hygiene of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with a total of 60 patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment in two groups: intervention and control (n = 30 each). A previously designed mobile app (Labkhand) was used by patients in the intervention group. Orthodontic plaque index (OPI) and modified gingival index (MGI) were recorded in the two groups at baseline (first session or T0), and after 1 (T1) and 3 (T2) months. The number of debonded/broken brackets was also recorded, and pain score of the patients was assessed at nine time points. Data were analyzed using the χ2 test, paired t­test, and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA; α = 0.05). RESULTS: The two groups demonstrated no significant difference in OPI and MGI at T0 (P > 0.05). OPI and MGI at T1 and T2 were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The number of patients with broken brackets in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P = 0.017). The two groups reported no significant difference in pain score (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Labkhand mobile app successfully improved oral hygiene indices of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, and decreased the frequency of broken brackets after 1 and 3 months of use.

Comparative Evaluation of 0.25% Lemongrass Oil Mouthwash and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in Fixed Orthodontic Patients Suffering from Gingivitis.

AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacy of 0.25% lemongrass oil mouthwash and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, who are suffering from gingivitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment with mild-to-moderate gingivitis were selected for the study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups of twenty each, that is, group I: 0.25% lemongrass oil mouthwash (n = 20); group II: 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash (n = 20); and group III: oral prophylaxis (n = 20). Baseline gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PI) were accessed followed by oral prophylaxis was done and the PI score was set to zero for all the patients. Patients were asked to swish their mouth with their respective mouthwashes and brushing (twice daily), that is, morning and before bedtime for 21 days. The PI and GI scores were recorded for all three groups on the 14th and the 21st days. The post hoc Bonferroni test was used for multiple comparisons of mean differences among variables after the application of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test for comparison within the groups. RESULTS: A lower PI and the GI were found in the lemongrass oil mouthwash group by the 14th and the 21st days, respectively, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) compared to the chlorhexidine mouthwash group. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study suggested that 0.25% lemongrass oil mouthwash has the potential to be used as a natural or herbal alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It can be suggested that 0.25% lemongrass oil mouthwash may be a good herbal alternative to mouthwash containing 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate.

Influence of Gallic Acid-Containing Mouth Spray on Dental Health and Oral Microbiota of Healthy Dogs: A Pilot Study.

The pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of GAMS on oral microbiota in healthy dog subjects. Thirty-eight dogs were recruited and randomly allocated to the placebo (n = 19) and treatment groups (n = 19). The dogs were treated with mouth spray once daily for 42 days. The changes in the gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and calculus index (CI) were measured at baseline (day 0) and end of the study (42nd day). The changes in the oral microbial composition of representative dogs (placebo, n = 7; and treatment, n = 7) were also evaluated at baseline and end of the study. Oral microbial composition was assessed by sequencing. The sequences were annotated using the QIIME 2.0TM. The GI, PI, and CI indexes were reduced after the GAMS usage. The abundance of the commensal bacterial phylum Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi, genera Frederiksenia, and Bergeyella was improved after six weeks of GAMS usage. GAMS reduced the pathogenic bacterial species, including Neisseria sp., Desulfobulbus sp., Capnocytophaga canis, and Corynebacterium mustelae. Moreover, some pathogenic bacterial abundances were increased at the end of the study. All the microbial variations were observed within the group. The inter-group analysis revealed that the changes were unrelated to GAMS usage. Further studies need to be carried out using more experimental subjects to confirm the effectiveness of GAMS. More metagenomic data are required to evidence the GMAS impact on the oral microbiome of healthy dogs.

Effects of blue-light LED toothbrush on reducing dental plaque and gingival inflammation in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances: a crossover randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances have higher plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of a light emitting diode (LED) toothbrush with a manual toothbrush in reducing dental plaque and gingival inflammation in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances, and to investigate the effect of the LED toothbrush on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) biofilm in vitro. METHODS: Twenty-four orthodontic patients were recruited and randomly assigned into 2 groups: (1) started with manual and (2) started with LED toothbrushes. After a 28-day usage and 28-day wash-out period, the patients switched to the other intervention. The plaque and gingival indices were determined at baseline and 28 days after each intervention. The patients' compliance and satisfaction scores were collected using questionnaires. For the in vitro experiments, S. mutans biofilm was divided into 5 groups (n = 6) with 15-, 30-, 60-, or 120-sec LED exposure, and without LED exposure as a control group. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the gingival index between the manual and LED toothbrush groups. The manual toothbrush was significantly more effective in reducing the plaque index in the proximal area on the bracket side (P = 0.031). However, no significant difference was found between the two groups in other areas around the brackets or on the non-bracket side. After LED exposure in vitro, the percentages of bacterial viability after LED exposure for 15-120 s were significantly lower compared with the control (P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Clinically, the LED toothbrush was not more effective in reducing dental plaque or gingival inflammation than the manual toothbrush in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances. However, the blue light from the LED toothbrush significantly reduced the number of S. mutans in biofilm when it was exposed to the light for at least 15 s in vitro. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20210510004). Registered 10/05/2021.

Relationship between dental anxiety levels and oral health among dental patients in Turkey: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the relationship between dental anxiety and oral health in adult patients who applied to the Department of Restorative Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry at Suleyman Demirel University. METHODS: The study included 500 subjects. The dental anxiety levels of the patients were determined using a modified dental anxiety scale (MDAS). Information on sociodemographic details, oral hygiene and nutritional habits were recorded. Intraoral examinations of the subjects were performed. Caries prevalence of individuals was determined using the decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT) and decayed, missing, or filled surfaces (DMFS) indices. Gingival health was evaluated using the gingival index (GI). Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests and Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: The ages of the 276 female and 224 male participants ranged from 18-84 years. The median MDAS value was 9.00. The median DMFT and DMFS values were 10.00 and 23.00, respectively. The median MDAS values ​​of women were higher than those of men. Individuals who postponed their appointment had a higher MDAS median value than those who did not (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.05). No statistically significant correlation was found between dental anxiety level (MDAS) and GI, DMFT and DMFS index scores (Spearman correlation analysis, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The MDAS values of individuals who did not remember the reason for their dental visit were higher than those who visited the dentist for routine control. Based on the findings of this study, further research on the relationship between dental anxiety and oral health is necessary to determine the factors that pose a risk for dental anxiety and to ensure the regular benefits of dental services.

Clinical evaluation of 3D-printed zirconia crowns fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) for posterior teeth restorations: Short-term pilot study.

Background/purpose: Zirconia crowns (ZrC) without veneering porcelain have become an effective alternative in clinical practice. Monolithic zirconia restorations fabricated by the dry milling method do not have acceptable clinical properties. This study evaluated the periodontal qualities of three-dimensional printed ZrC using the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Materials and methods: A total of 15 patients who required dental crowns were recruited, and all 15 teeth were restored with digital 3D-printed ZrC. All crowns were assessed at the time of crown placement and 2, 6, and 24 weeks post-placement. Clinical parameters, including plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, crown marginal integrity, and attrition of the antagonist's teeth, were evaluated and recorded. Results: According to the Modified California Dental Association quality evaluation system, 100% of the crowns received satisfactory grades. Despite the significant increase in plaque index and gingival index at two weeks post-ZrC placement, there was no deterioration in probing depth. Moreover, there was discard usage of ZrC on the antagonist's teeth at 24 weeks posttreatment. Of the 15 crowns, one tooth had to be extracted due to a vertical root fracture. Overall, the digital 3D-printed crowns showed no adverse effects on periodontal tissues after 24 weeks of follow-up. Conclusion: The 3D-printed ZrC showed no periodontal problems. It can serve as an alternative for patients, particularly those with high esthetic expectations.

Comparison of periodontal indices, DMFT, xerostomia, hyposalivation and oral health-related quality of life in Sjögren's syndrome patients versus healthy individuals: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a common systemic autoimmune disease that affects oral health, and consequently oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) due to the involvement of exocrine glands. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life and oral health indicators in patients with SS in comparison with healthy individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the case and control groups (45 patients and 45 healthy individuals), questions about demographic data, other systemic disorders, medications, the years of infection, xerostomia, as well as inquiries about the quality of life (Oral Health Impact Profile-14 - OHIP-14) were asked. The patients were evaluated clinically, and oral health indicators, including the plaque index (PI), the gingival index (GI), the sulcus bleeding index (SBI), and the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) were assessed on the Ramfjord teeth. Unstimulated saliva samples from both groups were obtained and weighed. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, v. 24.0. Quantitative variables were compared between the case and control groups with the use of the independent t test or their nonparametric equivalent (the Mann-Whitney test). RESULTS: The comparison of the quantitative variables between the study groups showed a statistically significant difference in the OHRQoL scores (p = 0.037) and the unstimulated saliva flow rate (p = 0.002) between the case and control groups. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in the DMFT index between patients with primary and secondary SS in the case group (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: The lower OHRQoL of patients with SS requires more attention and follow-up to solve periodontal and dental problems in this group of patients.