Computational Design of a Multi-Epitope Vaccine Against Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a Gram-negative pathogenic bacterium associated with chronic periodontitis. The development of a chimeric peptide-based vaccine targeting this pathogen could be highly beneficial in preventing oral bone loss as well as other severe gum diseases. We applied a computational framework to design a multi-epitope-based vaccine candidate against P. gingivalis. The vaccine comprises epitopes from subunit proteins prioritized from the P. gingivalis reference strain (P. gingivalis ATCC 33277) using several reported vaccine properties. Protein-based subunit vaccines were prioritized through genomics techniques. Epitope prediction was performed using immunoinformatic servers and tools. Molecular modeling approaches were used to build a putative three-dimensional structure of the vaccine to understand its interactions with host immune cells through biophysical techniques such as molecular docking simulation studies and binding free energy methods. Genome subtraction identified 18 vaccine targets: six outer-membrane, nine cytoplasmic membrane-, one periplasmic, and two extracellular proteins. These proteins passed different vaccine checks required for the successful development of a vaccine candidate. The shortlisted proteins were subjected to immunoinformatic analysis to map B-cell derived T-cell epitopes, and antigenic, water-soluble, non-toxic, and good binders of DRB1*0101 were selected. The epitopes were then modeled into a multi-epitope peptide vaccine construct (linked epitopes plus adjuvant) to enhance immunogenicity and effectively engage both innate and adaptive immunity. Further, the molecular docking approach was used to determine the binding conformation of the vaccine to TLR2 innate immune receptor. Molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations of the vaccine-TLR2 complex were performed to highlight key intermolecular binding energies. Findings of this study will be useful for vaccine developers to design an effective vaccine for chronic periodontitis pathogens, specifically P. gingivalis.

[Study of the functional state of the periodontium in older persons and its correction by means of oral hygiene.]

The study involved 258 older persons with generalized chronic periodontitis, who were monitored for a month. For an in-depth study of the properties and effectiveness of toothpastes recommended for older and elderly people with preventive anti-inflammatory purpose, tests were conducted to determine the true characteristics and properties of the studied pastes. Periodontal indices PMA and PI were used to study the anti-inflammatory effect of toothpastes. The most pronounced anti-inflammatory effect was revealed in the samples, the active components of which were oat extract, thymol, anise and essential oils of tea tree, as well as eucalyptus. Proper selection of means of individual oral hygiene and the development of «Individual hygienic program of prevention of chronic generalized periodontitis in older and elderly people¼ can reduce the phenomenon of inflammation in the periodontium, the development of mediators of inflammation and improve dental health of older and elderly people.

EVALUATION OF EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT-AND-PROPHYLACTIC COMPLEX IN TOBACCO-ADDICTED PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC GENERALIZED PERIODONTITIS ON THE BACKGROUND OF CHRONIC HYPERACID GASTRITIS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of treatment-and-prophylactic complex in patients addicted to tobacco with chronic generalized periodontitis with chronic hyperacid gastritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: 68 patients (men and women) aged 25-44 years were examined. They were distributed into two groups: the main group - 48 patients addicted to tobacco with chronic generalized 1 degree periodontitis and chronic hyperacid gastritis, associated with Helicobacter pylori, the control group - 20 healthy individuals without bad habits. Patients of the main group were distributed at random into 2 subgroups (1.1, 1.2) depending on the chosen therapy. The patients of the subgroup 1.1 received the basic therapy and the developed treatment and prophylactic complex, the subgroup 1.2 received the basic therapy and the ultraphonophoresis procedures with placebo. Assessment of the effectiveness of therapy was carried out by determining hygienic index OHI-S and periodontal indices (PI, PMA index and Muhlemann bleeding index (MBI)). RESULTS: Results: The usage of the treatment-and-prophylactic complex resulted in improvement of the hygienic index OHI-S and periodontal indices (PI, PMA index and MBI) at the immediate and late observation period. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Results of the study confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed treatment-and-prophylactic complex in therapy of chronic generalized 1 degree periodontitis in patients addicted to tobacco smoking with chronic hyperacid gastritis.

Evaluation of Curcumin Gel as Adjunct to Scaling & Root Planing in Management of Periodontitis- Randomized Clinical & Biochemical Investigation.

BACKGROUND: Successful management of periodontitis requires treatment strategy that integrates therapies addressing both pathogen and host aspects of disease etiology. To evaluate sub gingivally applied curcumin gel in treatment of chronic periodontitis based on clinical and biochemical parameters. MATERIALS & METHODS: A randomized, double blind, parallel-group trial was carried out on 30 patients suffering from chronic generalized periodontitis with probing pocket depth≥5mm on at least 4 sites who were then randomly allocated to two groups. Control group was treated with Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) alone while experimental group was treated with SRP followed by subgingival application of curcumin gel. Saliva collection was done and the clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and follow up periods. Saliva analysis for IL-1ß was done by ELISA. The statistical differences for the intra-group and intergroup measurements were analyzed by using Mann Whitney test. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to examine the relationship between Interleukin - 1ß and clinical parameters. RESULTS: Study elucidated mild adjunctive benefit of curcumin gel in reduction of gingival inflammation for a limited period of time. Though improvement in other clinical parameters was also greater in subjects treated with curcumin gel, results were not statistically different from those treated with SRP alone. None of the subjects who received curcumin gel experienced any adverse effect. CONCLUSION: Within limitations, it can be concluded that single application of curcumin (turmeric) gel has limited added benefit over scaling and root planing in treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Evidence-Based Update on Diagnosis and Management of Gingivitis and Periodontitis.

This article is an overview to update the practicing general dental practitioner about clinically relevant evidence-based topics published in the recent past in the diagnosis, etiopathogenesis, and management of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Factores de riesgo modificables e inmodificables de la periodontitis: revisión narrativa / Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Risk Factors of Chronic Periodontitis: A Narrative Review

Antecedentes: La periodontitis crónica asociada a la placa bacteriana tiene factores de riesgo modificables e inmodificables que deben tenerse en cuenta en su prevención y control. Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia disponible sobre los factores de riesgo modificables e inmodificables de la periodontitis crónica con el fin de escribir guías de manejo clínico. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en tres bases de datos (PubMed, LiLACS y Embase) usando la siguiente combinación de términos del Medical Subejct Headings de Medline: "risk indicator OR risk factor AND chronic periodontitis". También se buscaron artículos y literatura gris en Google Académico. Se incluyeron estudios de corte transversal, casos y controles, longitudinales, ensayos clínicos controlados y revisiones generales y sistemáticas de la literatura. Se efectuó una revisión narrativa sobre el tema con las referencias más relevantes encontradas. Resultados: Se analizaron 39 artículos que cumplieron con los criterios de la búsqueda. Entre los factores de riesgo modificables se encontraron: diabetes no controlada, obesidad, estrés, tabaquismo y placa bacteriana. Los factores de riesgo inmodificables hallados fueron: cambios hormonales, infección por VIH, neutropenia, edad, sexo, raza y genética. Los dos factores de riesgo más frecuentemente asociados, además de la placa bacteriana, fueron diabetes y tabaquismo. Conclusiones: El control de la periodontitis crónica debe basarse no solo en el control de la placa bacteriana sino también en la prevención mediante la identificación temprana y el control de factores de riesgo para evitar la aparición o el avance de esta enfermedad.

Background: Dental-plaque associated chronic periodontitis is influenced by modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that must be addressed through preventive and corrective treatment. Purpose: To analyze available evidence on modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of chronic periodontitis in order to write clinical management guidelines. Methods: A systematic search of literature was conducted in three databases (PubMed, LiLACS, and Embase) using the following combination of terms from the Medical Subject Headings: "risk indicator OR risk factor AND chronic periodontitis." Other articles and gray literature were search in Google Scholar. The search included cross-sectional, cohort, and case control studies, controlled clinical trials, and general and systematic literature reviews. A narrative review was conducted with the most relevant articles found. Results: 39 articles met the search criteria. Modifiable risk factors found were: non-controlled diabetes, obesity, stress, smoking, and dental plaque. Non-modifiable factors were: hormonal changes, HIV infection, neutropenia, age, sex, race, and genetics. Besides dental plaque, the two most frequently associated factors were diabetes and smoking. Conclusion: The treatment of chronic periodontitis must focus, in addition to controlling dental plaque, on early detection prevention and risk-factor control to avoid the occurrence and advance of this type of disease.

Effect of periodontitis on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: A non-randomized interventional study.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is associated with increased systemic inflammation and osteoporosis. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, implicated in systemic bone loss, are also associated with periodontitis. The impact of control of systemic inflammation by scaling and root planing (SRP) on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal (PM) osteopenic women with CP was investigated in this study. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Sixty-eight PM osteopenic women with CP were included. The test group (n = 34) received SRP along with calcium (500 mg) and vitamin D (250 IU) supplementation twice a day for 6 months, while the control group (n = 34) received calcium (500 mg) and vitamin D (250 IU) supplementation twice a day for 6 months. BMD, serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 months. RESULTS: Improvement in BMD and serum hsCRP showed a statistically significant difference between groups at 6 months (P < .001). Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that the test group was 4.82 (ORadjusted = 4.82; 95% CI = 1.17-19.71; P = .029) times more likely to exhibit normal BMD at 6 months. The results suggest there is an association of control of systemic inflammation by SRP with improved BMD in PM osteopenic women with generalized severe CP.

Evaluation of new chlorhexidine- and cetylpyridinium chloride-based mouthrinse formulations adjunctive to scaling and root planing: pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of two newly formulated chlorhexidine (CHX) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) mouthrinses after scaling and root planing (SRP) in terms of clinical, microbiological, patient-based variables and adverse events, with a positive control with the same active components, already marketed and tested. METHODS: A pilot, randomized clinical trial, double-blind, parallel design with 1-month follow-up was conducted. Chronic periodontitis patients requiring non-surgical periodontal therapy were enrolled and randomly assigned to: (i) SRP and test-1 (new reformulation: 0.12% CHX and 0.05% CPC); (ii) SRP and test-2 (new formulation: 0.03% CHX and 0.05% CPC); or (iii) SRP and positive control (commercial product: 0.12% CHX and 0.05% CPC). All variables were evaluated at baseline and 1 month after SRP. Quantitative variables were compared by means of anova or Kruskal-Wallis test and qualitative variables by chi-square or McNemar tests. RESULTS: Thirty patients (10 per group) were included. After 1 month, there were significant differences among groups in plaque levels (P = 0.016) as test-1 showed less sites with plaque than test-2 (31.15% [standard error-SE 2.21%] versus 49.39% [SE 4.60%), respectively). No significant differences were found for global patient perception of the product or in adverse effects. Test groups showed better results in levels and proportions (P = 0.022) of Capnocytophaga spp. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this pilot study, it can be concluded that the newly formulated 0.12% CHX and 0.05% CPC mouthrinse showed larger plaque level reductions, without showing more adverse effects, when compared to the other two mouthrinses, after SRP.

Preventative therapies and periodontal interventions for Down syndrome patients.

Data sourcesMedline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL and OpenGREY databases without language restriction until March 2016 plus manual searching of four specific journals and consideration of reference lists.Study selectionStudies evaluating different methods of periodontal treatment in Down syndrome patients measuring at least two periodontal parameters at different periods of assessment. Titles, abstracts and full texts were considered by two independent reviewers and a third where discussion did not reach consensus. Randomised controlled trials were evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The observational studies were evaluated using an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.Data extraction and synthesisData extraction was carried out independently by two reviewers and organised into evidence tables. No meta-analysis was undertaken, however a narrative synthesis was presented.ResultsNine studies met the inclusion criteria; four longitudinal studies, one prospective case series and four clinical trials which included two cross-over studies and a controlled trial. The studies showed marked heterogeneity in terms of methodology, intervention and outcome measures. All studies, however, included assessment of different plaque and gingival indices.Three studies investigated outcomes after scaling and root planing, one of which compared surgical and non-surgical approaches. Periodontal pockets of 1-3 mm were statistically significantly improved with non-surgical treatment in comparison with pockets greater than 4 mm which showed greater reduction with surgical treatment. Six studies investigated different forms and uses of chlorhexidine, three of which investigated its use as an adjuvant to mechanical debridement and one which also included plaque disclosing as an intervention. Chlorhexidine was shown to be most effective when used daily as a 1% gel for toothbrushing. The use of a plaque disclosing tablet and fluoridated tooth paste, however, showed further improved outcomes with regards to plaque control.ConclusionsEight of the nine studies included showed improvement in the primary outcomes of improved plaque and gingival bleeding indices. Professional intervention and periodontal maintenance significantly reduced plaque and gingival indices, irrespective of the treatment performed. Increased frequency of interventions was associated with better outcomes, especially in younger age groups.

Different methods for subgingival application of chlorhexidine in the treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical efficacy of different chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) preparations applied subgingivally as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 120 periodontal pockets was included in this randomized, controlled, split mouth designed study. According to protocols used in treatment, periodontal pockets were assigned to experimental and control groups as follows: CHX solution as an addition to SRP versus control SRP group; CHX gel as an addition to SRP versus control SRP; CHX chip as an addition to SRP versus control SRP group. Following clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, one and three months after the baseline: plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding index (BI) and clinical attachment level (CAL). RESULTS: The most significant improvements were found concerning PI in CHX solution with SRP and CHX gel with SRP groups over controls at one month recall, as well as concerning BI and PPD in CHX chip with SRP group over SRP alone at three-month recall. CONCLUSION: Results of this study favour combination therapy using CHX chip as an adjunct to SRP due to greater improvements in BI and PPD compared to those obtained by SRP alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Successful treatment of generalized refractory chronic periodontitis through discontinuation of waxed or coated dental floss use: A report of 4 cases.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW: Generalized refractory chronic periodontitis is a periodontal condition that is resistant to conventional therapy. Management of this condition often is frustrating to both the patient and the clinician. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: The authors present 4 cases of generalized refractory chronic periodontitis characterized by an inflammatory gingival response and progressive bone loss that did not respond to extensive periodontal treatments and regular periodontal care. Histologic examination of affected gingival tissue revealed an abundance of plasma cells, a feature seen in certain oral contact hypersensitivity reactions. The authors suspected that waxed or coated dental floss was the offending contactant, and its removal from the patients' oral hygiene regimens resulted in a dramatic improvement of the periodontal characteristics. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: In cases of periodontal disease as described in this report, dental practitioners should consider the possibility of a contact hypersensitivity reaction to waxed or coated dental floss, whereby the floss exacerbates the condition instead of assisting in its resolution.

Daily Intake of Heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 Decreases the Probing Depth in Patients Undergoing Supportive Periodontal Therapy.

PURPOSE: Heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum L-137 (HK L-137) has been shown to activate innate and acquired immunity in humans. The aim of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was to examine the effects of the oral administration of HK L-137 on the outcome of periodontal therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients undergoing supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) were randomly assigned to receive a capsule containing 10 mg of HK L-137 or a placebo capsule daily for 12 weeks. Nineteen patients in the experimental group and 17 patients in the control group were followed-up. Clinical parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and probing depth (PD) were scored at baseline and weeks 4, 8 and 12 prior to prophylaxis in conjunction with regular SPT visits. RESULTS: BOP and the number of teeth or sites with PD ≥ 4 mm were significantly reduced in both groups by a successive SPT programme, while there was significantly greater PD reduction (p < 0.05) at teeth with site(s) with PD ≥ 4 mm at baseline in the experimental group than in the control group at week 12. CONCLUSION: These clinical findings suggest that daily HK L-137 intake can decrease the depth of periodontal pockets in patients undergoing supportive periodontal therapy.

Post-treatment supportive care for the natural dentition and dental implants.

Long-term successful treatment of chronic periodontitis requires placement of patients on post-treatment recall programs known as either periodontal maintenance therapy or supportive periodontal therapy. Selection of the recall intervals must be based on the specific needs of individual patients. A single recall interval (e.g. 6 months) is not suitable for all patients. The main purpose of these programs is to prevent the recurrence of periodontitis. The components of every periodontal maintenance therapy program include: review of medical/dental histories; complete oral examination with an emphasis on the detection of gingival inflammation; establishing whether the maintenance program is working by monitoring clinical attachment levels; evaluation of oral hygiene; and full-mouth supragingival and subgingival debridement (i.e. biofilm removal). Long-term post-insertion care for dental implants also requires a similar patient-specific recall program of supportive implant therapy. The main purposes of a supportive implant therapy program are to maintain a healthy peri-implant mucosa and thereby prevent the development of peri-implantitis. In cases in which plaque-induced peri-implant mucositis has occurred, a well-designed supportive implant therapy program can help return the mucosa to a healthy state. At the current time there is no consensus on the optimal interventions for the treatment of peri-implant mucositis. However, all effective supportive implant therapy programs emphasize meticulous oral hygiene practices, careful peri-implant examination, thoughtful analysis of risk factors and periodic removal of microbial deposits from the implants.

Dietary antioxidants for chronic periodontitis prevention and its treatment. A review on current evidences from animal and human studies / Antioxidantes dietéticos para la prevención de la periodontitis crónica y su tratamiento: una revisión de las evidencias actuales procedentes de estudios en animales y humanos

Objectives. Given the relationship between chronic periodontitis and high levels of oxidative stress, this review aims to clarify what role can played the dietary intake of different antioxidants in maintaining a healthy periodontium and in reducing chronic periodontitis risk, as well as possible use of dietary therapies based on them for this disease treatment. Methods. The database of the National Library of Medicine, Washington, DC (MEDLINE PubMed) was used and all the studies in animals and humans are on the subject of interest in English writing online available from inception of the database until May 2015 were collected. Results. Antioxidants analyzed in this regard include vitamin C, vitamin A, carotenoids and some polyphenols, and coenzyme Q; as well as minerals iron, copper and zinc that are constituents of antioxidant enzymes. Still, there is a paucity of studies with few human studies, mostly observational. Among the various antioxidants, vitamin E and polyphenols seem to have more evidence for its beneficial effect, but in general the studies are insufficient to rule out or establish what antioxidants are useful and which are not. Conclusions. Overall, the data presented indicate that dietary antioxidants are beneficial for periodontal health, at least under certain circumstances. However more studies are needed to establish the relationship between chronic periodontitis and each specific anti-oxidant and to design useful dietary interventions for this disease management

Objetivos. Dada la relación existente entre periodontitis crónica y altos niveles de estrés oxidativo, esta revisión pretende clarificar qué papel puede desempeñar la ingesta de los diferentes antioxidantes de la dieta en el mantenimiento de un periodonto saludable y en la reducción del riesgo de padecer periodontitis crónica, así como el posible uso de terapias dietéticas basadas en estos para el tratamiento de dicha enfermedad. Métodos. Se utilizó la base de datos de la National Library of Medicine, Washington, DC (MEDLINE: PubMed) y todos los estudios en animales y humanos tratando el tema de interés escritos en inglés disponibles online desde la creación de la base de datos hasta Mayo de 2015 fueron recopilados. Resultados. Los antioxidantes analizados a este respecto incluyen a la vitamina C, la vitamina A, algunos carotenoides y polifenoles, y el coenzima Q; así como los minerales, hierro, cobre y zinc que forman parte de enzimas antioxidantes. Aun así hay una escasez generalizada de estudios con pocos estudios en humanos, la mayoría de tipo observacional. Entre los diferentes antioxidantes, la vitamina E y los polifenoles parecen ser los que más evidencias a favor de su efecto beneficioso suman, pero en general los estudios son insuficientes para descartar o establecer qué antioxidantes son útiles y cuáles no. Conclusiones. En general, los datos presentados indicarían que los antioxidantes de la dieta resultan beneficiosos para la salud periodontal, al menos bajo ciertas circunstancias. Sin embargo se necesitan más estudios para establecer la relación entre la periodontitis crónica y cada antioxidante concreto así como para diseñar intervenciones dietéticas útiles en la gestión de esta enfermedad

The utility of gingival crevicular fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 response patterns in prediction of site-level clinical treatment outcome.

BACKGROUND: Different gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 response patterns were studied among non-smoking and smoking patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) to test the utility of GCF MMP-8 levels predicting the site-level treatment outcome. METHODS: Data from four independent longitudinal studies were combined. Altogether, the studies included 158 periodontal sites from 67 patients with CP and 32 patients with GAgP, and GCF samples were collected at baseline, after the treatment, and during the 6-month maintenance period. All GCF samples were analyzed by immunofluorometric assay for MMP-8. Different site-level MMP-8 response patterns were explored by the cluster analysis. Most optimal MMP-8 cutoff levels were searched with receiver operating characteristic analyses, and the predictive utility of defined levels was tested. RESULTS: Distinct types of MMP-8 response patterns were found in both smokers and non-smokers. MMP-8 levels exceeding the optimal cutoff levels separately defined for smokers and non-smokers indicated increased risk for compromised treatment outcome at baseline and during the maintenance period. Seventy-one percent of non-smokers (positive likelihood ratio of 4.22) and 88% of smokers (positive likelihood ratio of 5.00) with positive test results at both baseline and the maintenance period had compromised treatment outcome. The double-positive result indicated 46% and 39% point risk increase for the compromised outcome, respectively. CONCLUSION: GCF MMP-8 analysis with defined cutoff levels could be used to predict the site-level treatment outcome and for longitudinal monitoring of the disease status during the maintenance period.

Programme guidelines for promoting good oral health for children in Nigeria: a position paper.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this paper is to draw attention to the oral health needs of children in Nigeria, and promote the use of appropriate interventions for disease prevention in the population. It also evaluates the value of the ongoing twice-daily tooth brushing campaign, which focuses on promoting good periodontal health and its relevance for children in Nigeria. DISCUSSION: The main oral health burden for children in Nigeria is untreated dental caries, attributable to low utilization of oral health facilities. While there is a strong association between oral hygiene status and caries occurrence, no research had established an association between frequency of tooth brushing and caries in children in Nigeria. Prevalence of caries and gingivitis is low, despite the fact that a majority of children brush once a day and most of them have fair oral hygiene. Campaigns that promote twice daily brushing to prevent chronic periodontitis in children are not driven by evidences supporting the local epidemic, and therefore cannot be considered as efficient use of the limited resources available. SUMMARY: Existing evidences show that the main oral health need of children in Nigeria is the management of untreated caries. Promoting the treatment of caries should be the primary focus of oral health programmes for children in Nigeria, as this would reduce further risks of developing new carious lesions. Public health campaigns should focus efforts at creating demand for oral health care services, for both preventive and curative purposes.

The significance of motivation in periodontal treatment: the influence of adult patients' motivation on the clinical periodontal status.

UNLABELLED: Motivation plays an important role in the treatment process of chronic diseases, as treatment requires behavioural change and lifelong adherence to medical recommendations. Periodontitis is a good example of such health condition as to maintain good periodontal health patients have to adhere to a strict oral hygiene regimen. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the motivation of patients suffering from chronic periodontitis influences their clinical periodontal condition. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: Cross sectional study. CLINICAL SETTING: Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Dental University Clinic, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland. PARTICIPANTS: 199 adult periodontal patients, aged 20-78 years. INTERVENTIONS: Questionnaire concerning patients' medical and dental history, modified Zychlinscy motivation assessment questionnaire, clinical periodontal examination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The extent of motivation. Periodontal status evaluated with the use of periodontal indices (API, BOP, CPITN). RESULTS: The mean motivation score was 57.4. The mean API and BOP values were 55.7% and 46.4%, respectively. For most of the patients the recorded CPITN value was 3. Correlations were observed between motivation and both API and BOP, and between API and BOP. CONCLUSION: Periodontal patients with greater motivation having better oral health (lower API and BOP) suggests an influence on the quality of their self-management of the disease (i.e. adherence to their oral hygiene regimen).

Effect of smoking cessation on non-surgical periodontal therapy: results after 24 months.

AIM: The aim of this 24-month prospective study was to assess the effect of smoking cessation on non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) in adult subjects with chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relative to a previous 12-month follow-up study, recruitment and follow-up period were extended, resulting in 116 eligible among the 286 screened subjects. They received NSPT and concurrent smoking cessation interventions. Periodontal maintenance was performed every 3 months. A calibrated examiner, blinded to smoking status, performed full-mouth periodontal examination in six sites per tooth at baseline, 3, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. Expired air carbon monoxide concentration measurements and interviews were performed to gather demographic and behavioural information. RESULTS: From the 116 enrolled subjects, 61 remained up to 24 months of follow-up. Of these, 18 quit smoking (Q), 32 continued smoking (NQ) and 11 oscillated (O) at 24 months of follow-up. Thereby, Q showed significantly higher mean CAL gain in diseased sites and higher reduction in the proportion of sites with CAL ≥ 3 mm, when compared to NQ. In addition, Q presented significantly higher mean probing depth reduction relative to NQ(p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Smoking cessation promoted additional benefits on NSPT in chronic periodontitis subjects.