The antimicrobial peptide DEFB1 is associated with caries.

Genetics is an important component in the determination of individual susceptibility to caries and periodontal diseases. Since beta defensin 1 (DEFB1) localizes in the oral cavity, we tested if variation in DEFB1 is associated with caries and periodontitis. We analyzed 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in DEFB1 in DNA samples from unrelated individuals. Carrying a copy of the variant allele of the DEFB1 marker rs11362 (G-20A) increased the DMFT and DMFS scores more than five-fold. Also, carrying a copy of the variant allele of the DEFB1 marker rs179946 (G-52A) correlated with low DMFT scores. We found a high-caries-experience haplotype (GCA), which increased DMFT scores two-fold, and a low- caries-experience haplotype (ACG), which decreased DMFT scores two-fold, in the DEFB1 promoter. No association between DEFB1 genetic markers and periodontal disease was found. Our results suggest that functional polymorphisms of DEFB1 are potential markers for caries.

Longitudinal study of periodontal disease and edentulism with rates of bone loss in older women.

BACKGROUND: Previous cross-sectional studies have suggested a link between periodontal disease and osteoporosis. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the association between changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and clinical signs of periodontal tissue destruction and tooth loss over a 2-year period. METHODS: A total of 398 women (mean age 75.5 years) were randomly selected for an ancillary study of periodontal disease; osteoporosis in association with the presence or absence of teeth was evaluated. Osteoporosis in association with periodontal disease was also evaluated. All subjects were participants at the Pittsburgh Clinical Center for the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF), a prospective cohort study of women 65 years of age or older designed to determine risk factors for fractures. Oral health examinations, including periodontal probing and attachment loss, were performed at the fourth clinical visit, an average of 6 years after baseline. BMD of the total hip and its subregions was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry at the time of dental examination and 2 years later. Results are expressed as annual percentage change. RESULTS: A total of 145 (36.4%) women were edentulous and 163 (80.7%) of the dentate women (N = 253) had periodontal disease. Dentate women reported higher education (P <0.001) and a higher calcium intake (P= 0.002). Absolute BMD and percentage change in BMD were similar in dentate and edentulous women. We found no difference in BMD or in absolute or percentage change in BMD between women with or without periodontal disease. CONCLUSION: Little evidence exists for an association between edentulousness, periodontal disease, and longitudinal changes in BMD.

The association between osteopenia and periodontal attachment loss in older women.

BACKGROUND: Recent research suggests that osteopenia may be a predisposing factor for periodontal tissue destruction. If so, then a relationship should exist between measures of systemic bone mineral density and periodontal tissue destruction. The purpose of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate the association between systemic bone mineral density and the clinical signs of periodontal tissue destruction in a large population of elderly dentate women. METHODS: A total of 292 dentate women (average age 75.5 years) were randomly selected for a cross-sectional periodontal substudy from participants at the Pittsburgh Field Center of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures (SOF), a prospective study of a cohort of elderly women (age > or =65 years at baseline) to determine risk factors for fractures. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using single photon absorptiometry (radius, calcaneus) and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (hip, spine). Oral health examinations, including periodontal probings and an assessment of bleeding on probing, were made using an NIDR probe at 3 buccal sites of all teeth. Multiple regression models were used to assess the association between bone mineral density and measures of periodontal disease status while controlling for potential confounders. Periodontal status variables examined included: average loss of periodontal attachment (LOA); number of sites with at least 4 mm LOA; number of sites with at least 6 mm LOA; number of sites with bleeding on probing; and deepest probing depth per person. RESULTS: This study found no statistically significant association between the 5 indicators of periodontal disease and measures of systemic BMD at 8 anatomic sites after controlling for age, smoking, and number of remaining natural teeth. Some suggestive findings support a weak association between generalized osteopenia and periodontal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic osteopenia is, at best, only a weak risk factor for periodontal disease in older non-black women.

A clinical study of an electronic constant force periodontal probe.

Automated probing systems have been developed to provide a more precise method of evaluating periodontal pocket depths and attachment levels. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical performance (reproducibility, time, and comfort) of a new electronic probe (E.P.) compared to the UNC 15 conventional probe (C.P.). Paired measurements 2 hours apart were performed by one examiner on 20 patients with moderate to advanced localized or generalized adult periodontitis. Both the E.P. and C.P. were used on each patient in a random manner. Overall reproducibility (+/- 1.5 mm) was: E.P. 94% (n = 1181); C.P. 96.5% (n = 1254); E.P./C.P. used interchangeably 82.4% (n = 830). In assessing the reproducibility of bleeding on probing, using the Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranks test, only the mid-facial surface, when using the C.P. exhibited differences between measurements (P < 0.017). Paired t test revealed E.P. took significantly longer per exam (4 minutes, 46 seconds). Comfort levels, evaluated with a visual analog scale, were not significantly different between probes as shown by the Mann Whitney U test. The data suggest that, in general, there was no major significant difference in reproducibility measurements between the E.P. and the C.P. The E.P. took more time. Comfort levels were similar for both probes.