Placental TLR recognition of salivary and subgingival microbiota is associated with pregnancy complications.

BACKGROUND: Pre-term birth, the leading cause of neonatal mortality, has been associated with maternal periodontal disease and the presence of oral pathogens in the placenta. However, the mechanisms that underpin this link are not known. This investigation aimed to identify the origins of placental microbiota and to interrogate the association between parturition complications and immune recognition of placental microbial motifs. Video Abstract METHODS: Saliva, plaque, serum, and placenta were collected during 130 full-term (FT), pre-term (PT), or pre-term complicated by pre-eclampsia (PTPE) deliveries and subjected to whole-genome shotgun sequencing. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to measure toll-like receptors (TLR) 1-10 expression in placental samples. Source tracking was employed to trace the origins of the placental microbiota. RESULTS: We discovered 10,007 functionally annotated genes representing 420 taxa in the placenta that could not be attributed to contamination. Placental microbial composition was the biggest discriminator of pregnancy complications, outweighing hypertension, BMI, smoking, and maternal age. A machine-learning algorithm trained on this microbial dataset predicted PTPE and PT with error rates of 4.05% and 8.6% (taxonomy) and 6.21% and 7.38% (function). Logistic regression revealed 32% higher odds of parturition complication (95% CI 2.8%, 81%) for every IQR increase in the Shannon diversity index after adjusting for maternal smoking status, maternal age, and gravida. We also discovered distinct expression patterns of TLRs that detect RNA- and DNA-containing antigens in the three groups, with significant upregulation of TLR9, and concomitant downregulation of TLR7 in PTPE and PT groups, and dense correlation networks between microbial genes and these TLRs. 70-82% of placental microbiota were traced to serum and thence to the salivary and subgingival microbiomes. The oral and serum microbiomes of PTPE and PT groups displayed significant enrichment of genes encoding iron transport, exosome, adhesion, quorum sensing, lipopolysaccharide, biofilm, and steroid degradation. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of cross-sectional analysis, we find evidence to suggest that oral bacteria might translocate to the placenta via serum and trigger immune signaling pathways capable of inducing placental vascular pathology. This might explain, in part, the higher incidence of obstetric syndromes in women with periodontal disease.

A Googly in the Neck-Castleman Disease.

Lymphoproliferative disorders comprise of a group of heterogenous diseases characterised by uncontrolled production of lymphocytes.Castleman disease (CD) is one such disease and comprises of a group of rare disorders that involve enlarged lymph nodes and a broad range of inflammatory symptoms and laboratory abnormalities [1]. We came across young girl who presented to us in the out patient department with this disease After ruling out other pathologies and confirming the diagnosis by doing a tissue biopsy the girl was treated surgically and is disease free till date.

Clinical, immunological and microbiological evaluation of experimental peri-implant mucositis and gingivitis in subjects with Grade C, stage III/IV periodontitis background.

AIM: To compare individuals with a periodontitis background (Grade C, stage III/IV-formerly generalized aggressive periodontitis) (H-GAP) with periodontally healthy subjects (H-Health) in terms of molecular changes (immunological/microbiological) accompanying experimental peri-implant mucositis and gingivitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: H-GAP and control (H-Health) subjects were recruited, and experimental mucositis/gingivitis was induced around a single screw-retained implant and one contralateral tooth. Participants refrained from oral hygiene for 21 days in the selected areas, followed by professional prophylaxis and hygiene instructions for 21 days. Clinical parameters, immunological markers (multiplex analysis) and microbial data (16S rRNA gene sequencing) were collected at baseline, during induction (7, 14 and 21 days) and following remission (42 days). RESULTS: Clinically, no significant differences were observed between the groups (n = 10/each group) (H-GAP vs. H-Health) (p > .05, Mann-Whitney test) and the type of site (tooth vs. implant) (p > .05, Wilcoxon test) at the time of onset and resolution, or severity of gingival/mucosal inflammation. H-GAP displayed lower concentrations of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-4, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ around implants than H-Health at baseline and during induction of mucositis (p < .05, Mann-Whitney test). In both groups, implants showed significantly higher inflammatory background at baseline and all subsequent visits when compared with teeth (p < .05, Wilcoxon test). Alpha and ß-diversity metrics showed a significant shift in the microbiome composition and abundances of core species during induction and resolution of peri-implant mucositis and gingivitis (p < .05, restricted maximum likelihood method of Shannon and Bray-Curtis indices, respectively). Differences were not significant for these parameters between the H-Health and H-GAP groups when the periodontal and peri-implant microbiomes were compared separately; however, at each time point, the peri-implant microbiome differed significantly from the periodontal microbiome. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this pilot study (e.g. low power), it can be concluded that different microbial shifts contribute to the onset and progression of inflammatory responses around teeth and implants and that history of periodontal disease experience plays an additional role in modulating the immune response of peri-implant and periodontal tissues to biofilm accumulation.

Mouthwashes: Implications for Practice.

This is the concluding article in the supplement on the role of mouthwashes in oral care, which summarises the current guidelines across the globe regarding their acceptable adjunctive use for managing caries, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Based on moderate evidence for clinical effectiveness, most current guidelines suggest fluoride mouthwashes for the management of dental caries, and chlorhexidine for the management of periodontal diseases. However there still appears to be gaps in the literature underpinning these recommendations. Importantly, all evidence supports such mouthwash use "adjunctively," alongside mechanical oral hygiene measures. Other antimicrobial mouthwashes such as essential oils and cetylpyridinium chloride may also be clinically effective against plaque and gingivitis, but there is a current lack of robust evidence of natural mouthwashes to recommend their adjunctive use. The authors of the current review are of the view that mouthwashes may not be of much value in those with good periodontal health or low caries risk. The reasons for this are, the potential i) risks of allergic reactions, ii) dysbiosis of the oral microbiota, iii) emergence of antimicrobial resistance, and iv) deleterious effects on the environment. There is, however, much empirical research needed on mouthwashes, particularly in vivo research derived through clinical trials. Thus, dental practitioners need to keep abreast of the evidence base on the current, and the emerging, over-the-counter mouthwashes, and pay heed to the consensus views emanating from systematic reviews, as well as international guidelines on mouthwashes.

Mouthwash Effects on the Oral Microbiome: Are They Good, Bad, or Balanced?

This narrative review describes the oral microbiome, and its role in oral health and disease, before considering the impact of commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) mouthwashes on oral bacteria, viruses, bacteriophages, and fungi that make up these microbial communities in different niches of the mouth. Whilst certain mouthwashes have proven antimicrobial actions and clinical effectiveness supported by robust evidence, this review reports more recent metagenomics evidence, suggesting that mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine may cause "dysbiosis," whereby certain species of bacteria are killed, leaving others, sometimes unwanted, to predominate. There is little known about the effects of mouthwashes on fungi and viruses in the context of the oral microbiome (virome) in vivo, despite evidence that they "kill" certain viral pathogens ex vivo. Evidence for mouthwashes, much like antibiotics, is also emerging with regards to antimicrobial resistance, and this should further be considered in the context of their widespread use by clinicians and patients. Therefore, considering the potential of currently available OTC mouthwashes to alter the oral microbiome, this article finally proposes that the ideal mouthwash, whilst combatting oral disease, should "balance" antimicrobial communities, especially those associated with health. Which antimicrobial mouthwash best fits this ideal remains uncertain.

Impact of surface characteristics on the peri-implant microbiome in health and disease.

BACKGROUND: Because little is known about the impact of implant surface modifications on the peri-implant microbiome, we aimed to examine peri-implant communities in various surface types in order to better understand the impact of these surfaces on the development of peri-implantitis (PI). METHODS: One hundred and six systemically healthy individuals with anodized (AN), hydroxyapatite-coated (HA), or sandblasted acid-etched (SLA) implants that were >6 months in function were recruited and categorized into health (H) or PI. Peri-implant biofilm was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and compared between health/disease and HA/SLA/AN using community-level and taxa-level metrics. RESULTS: Healthy implants did not demonstrate significant differences in clustering, alpha- or beta-diversity based on surface modification. AN and HA surfaces displayed significant differences between health and PI (p < 0.05); however, such a clustering was not evident with SLA (p > 0.05). AN and HA surfaces also differed in the magnitude and diversity of differences between health and PI. Six species belonging to the genera Shuttleworthia, Scardovia, and Prevotella demonstrated lower abundances in AN implants with PI, and 18 species belonging to the genera Fretibacterium, Tannerella, Treponema, and Fusobacterium were elevated, while in HA implants with PI, 20 species belonging to the genera Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, Veillonella, Rothia, and family Ruminococcaceae were depleted and Peptostreptococcaceae, Atopobiaceae, Veillonellaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Desulfobulbaceae, and order Synergistales were enriched. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, we demonstrate that implant surface can differentially modify the disease-associated microbiome, suggesting that surface topography must be considered in the multi-factorial etiology of peri-implant diseases.

Teledentistry adoption and applications: An American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators Panel survey.

BACKGROUND: The rise of teleworking technologies has affected various industries, including dentistry. Although some dentists have used it for some time, many are discovering the benefits of incorporating this technology to complement their existing patient care capabilities. METHODS: To assess how clinicians are using teledentistry in their practices, an electronic survey was developed and deployed to the American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators (ACE) Panel on February 27, 2023. The survey link remained open for 2 weeks. Nonrespondents received reminders after 1 week. RESULTS: Of the 244 respondents (24% response rate), 30% use teledentistry in their practices, with more than one-half of those using synchronous (53%) or asynchronous teledentistry (63%). The most common reasons for incorporating teledentistry were increased convenience for patients (53%), COVID-19 (50%), and increased accessibility to providers (39%). Teledentistry can help serve patients of all ages (the lowest represented age group [0-5 years] had 42% of dentists treating them) and distances, with 63% of teledentistry patients fewer than 20 miles away. Most users adopted teledentistry within the past 3 years and use it fewer than 5 hours per month. Benefits cited include a reduced number of in-person patient visits (63%) and increased access and quality of care (57%). Among nonusers, 60% felt there was no need, and 39% had concerns with reimbursement. CONCLUSIONS: Teledentistry has gained popularity in since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic but may be underused, despite its potential to benefit a wider range of patients and applications than many believe. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Education on the capabilities and benefits of teledentistry may help increase adoption and improve patient care.

Histological assessment and gene expression analysis of intra-oral soft tissue graft donor sites.

AIM: To determine the structural and gene expression features of different intra-oral soft tissue donor sites (i.e., anterior palate, posterior palate, maxillary tuberosity and retromolar pad). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized mucosal tissue punch biopsies were collected from at least one donor site per subject. Histological processing was performed to determine tissue morphometry and quantify collagen composition. Site-specific gene distribution was mapped using targeted gene expression analysis and validated using real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). RESULTS: A total of 50 samples from 37 subjects were harvested. Epithelial thickness did not differ between sites. However, lamina propria was thicker in the maxillary tuberosity (2.55 ± 0.92 mm) and retromolar pad (1.98 ± 0.71 mm) than in the lateral palate. Type I collagen was the predominant structural protein in the lamina propria (75.06%-80.21%). Genes involving collagen maturation and extracellular matrix regulation were highly expressed in the maxillary tuberosity and retromolar pad, while lipogenesis-associated genes were markedly expressed in the lateral palate. The retromolar pad showed the most distinct gene expression profile, and the anterior and posterior palate displayed similar transcription profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Tissue samples harvested from the anterior and posterior palate differed morphologically from those from the maxillary tuberosity and retromolar pad. Each intra-oral site showed a unique gene expression profile, which might impact their biological behaviour and outcomes of soft tissue augmentation procedures.

A Comparative Study to Assess the Add on Effects of Probiotic in Allergic Rhinitis Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Probiotic intervention may have a promising role in the prevention of AR, in preventing allergic diseases including AR. Probiotics can exert beneficial effects on the host through distinct cellular and molecular pathways, these mechanisms of action may vary from one kind of probiotic to another for the same immune response and may be regulated by a combination of several events. Material and methods- Research site-Tertiary Care Government Hospital and Medical College in a major metropolitan city.TYPE OF STUDY-Prospective comparative Study.No. of Subjects -100 cases.Study Duration-Duration for collection of data-24 months.Sample size -100 patientsData Collection:Was collected from data of case proforma of all patients.Mode of Selection -Patients presenting in Out Patient Department (OPD)and In PatientDepartment(IPD) who meet the inclusion criteria and who consent to be a part of the study.Results-Significant difference was found in 12 weeks of treatment among group A and group B. Mild symptoms were seen more after 12 weeks in group B while severity of symptom reduction was less in group A as compared to group B in 12 weeks of treatment.Conclusion Probiotic intervention may have a promising role in the prevention of AR, in preventing allergic diseases including AR.Probiotics can exert beneficial effects on the host through distinct cellular and molecular pathways, these mechanisms of action may vary from one kind of probiotic to another for the same immune response and may be regulated by a combination of several events. Thus making probiotics' mechanism of action a challenging, complex, and fertile area for investigation. Probiotics appear to prevent allergy recurrences, alleviate the severity of symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients with allergic rhinitis.

Parents with periodontitis drive the early acquisition of dysbiotic microbiomes in their offspring.

AIM: To evaluate the microbial colonization in different dentition phases on individuals from 0 to 18 years of age belonging to families with a history of periodontitis compared to descendants of periodontally healthy parents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The offspring of subjects with periodontitis ('Perio' group) and the offspring of periodontally healthy subjects ('Healthy' group), matched for gender and age, were included in this cross-sectional study and divided according to the dentition phase: pre-dentate, primary, mixed and permanent. The patients were clinically assessed, and their saliva was collected. DNA was extracted, and V1-V3 and V4-V5 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were sequenced. RESULTS: Fifty children of parents with periodontitis and 50 from healthy parents were included in the study and divided according to the dentition phase: pre-dentate (n = 5/group), primary dentition (n = 15/group), mixed dentition (n = 15/group) and permanent dentition (n = 15/group) in each group. The microbiome composition was different between dentitions for both groups. Children of the Perio group presented a microbial diversity different from that of the Healthy group in mixed and permanent dentitions. The more intense shift in the community occurred between primary and mixed dentition in the Perio group, while the transition between mixed and permanent dentition was the period with greater changes in the microbiome for the Healthy group. Furthermore, a pathogen-rich environment-higher prevalence and abundance of periodontitis-associated species such as Prevotella spp., Selenomonas spp., Leptotrichia spp., Filifactor alocis, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola and Tannerella forsythia- was observed in the Perio group. CONCLUSIONS: The parents' periodontal status significantly affects the microbiome composition of their offspring from an early age. The mixed dentition was the phase associated with establishing a dysbiotic and pathogen-rich microbiome in descendants of parents with periodontitis.

A commercial SnF2 toothpaste formulation reduces simulated human plaque biofilm in a dynamic typodont model.

AIMS: We present a dynamic typodont biofilm model (DTBM) incorporating (1) human dentition anatomy, (2) fluid flow over intermittently fluid bathed tooth surfaces and (3) an oxic headspace to allow aerobic and anaerobic niches to develop naturally, as a screening tool to assess the effect of stannous fluoride (SnF2 ) toothpaste against a simulated human plaque biofilm (SPB). METHODS AND RESULTS: First, hydroxyapatite (HA) coupons were inoculated with human saliva/plaque and cultured at 37°C under air. Selected species representative of common commensal and anaerobic pathogens were quantified for relative abundance changes over 4 days by PCR densitometry to confirm the culture conditions allowed the proliferation of these species. A continuous culture DTBM reactor on a rocker table was inoculated with saliva/plaque and incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Tooth shear stress was estimated by particle tracking. A SnF2 toothpaste solution, or a sham rise was administered twice daily for 3 days to mimic routine oral hygiene. SPB biomass was assessed by total bacterial DNA and methylene blue (MB) staining. Early colonizer aerobes and late colonizer anaerobes species were detected in the HA and DTBM, and the trends in changing abundance were consistent with those seen clinically. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with the SnF2 solution showed significant reductions of 53.05% and 54.4% in the SPB by MB staining and DNA, respectively. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY: The model has potential for assessing dentition anatomy and fluid flow on the efficacy of antimicrobial efficacy against localized SPB and may be amenable to the plaque index clinical evaluation.

Biome-microbiome interactions in peri-implantitis: A pilot investigation.

BACKGROUND: Dental implants replace missing teeth in at least 100 million people, yet over one million implants fail every year due to peri-implantitis, a bacterially induced inflammatory disease. Our ability to treat peri-implantitis is hampered by a paucity of information on host-microbiome interactions that underlie the disease. Here, we present the first open-ended characterization of transcriptional events at the mucosal-microbial interface in the peri-implant crevice. METHODS: We simultaneously sequenced microbial and human mRNA from five pairs of healthy and diseased implants from the same patient and used graph theoretics to examine correlations between microbial and host gene expression in the peri-implant crevice. RESULTS: We identified a transcriptionally active peri-implant microbiome surrounding healthy implants. Microbial genes encoding phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, cysteine, methionine, arginine, proline, and histidine metabolism correlated to human genes encoding cell development, metabolism, morphogenesis, adhesion, gap junctions, cell-cell signaling, and immunoinflammatory pathways, suggesting a role for commensals in protecting epithelial integrity. In disease, we found 4- to 200-fold upregulation in microbial genes encoding biofilm thickness, heme transport and utilization, and Gram-negative cell membrane synthesis. These genes correlated with mucosal zinc finger proteins, apoptosis, membrane transport, inflammation, and cell-cell communication. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of a small sample size, our data suggest that microbial dysbiosis in the peri-implant sulcus might promote abandonment of host-bacterial transactions that dictate health and instead drive a move towards chronic programming of a non-healing wound.

Dentist-administered vaccines: An American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators Panel survey.

BACKGROUND: With many states in the United States permitting dentists to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, there is much discussion about their scope of practice in relation to delivering other vaccines. METHODS: Survey questions were developed to assess dentists' awareness about their vaccine administration scope of practice and attitudes and barriers if choosing to incorporate vaccine delivery into their practice scope. The survey was deployed electronically to members of the American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators (ACE) Panel (N = 989) on September 2, 2021, and remained open for 2 weeks. Data were summarized descriptively in Qualtrics and SAS Version 9.4. RESULTS: Of the 330 ACE Panel members who responded to the survey, 42% were not aware of which vaccines their state permits them to deliver. More than one-half (55%) would be willing to administer influenza or COVID-19 vaccines in their practice setting, but at present only 2% of respondents administer vaccines. To overcome vaccine administration barriers, the top 3 resources respondents want access to are the following: training or education, financial support, and access to protocols. Of all the respondents, 91% indicated the dental hygienist should be involved in certain capacities. CONCLUSIONS: Few dentists are administering vaccines, possibly owing to a number of challenges. Dental hygienists may play an integral role in the administration of vaccines in the dental clinic, but few dentists are educating their patients about vaccines. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although dentists wishing to administer vaccines in their practice may encounter barriers, support at the state, federal, and organizational levels could help them overcome these challenges.

Predicted functional and taxonomic analysis of subgingival biofilm of Grade C periodontitis in young patients under maintenance therapy.

BACKGROUND: In Grade C periodontitis in young patients (PerioC-Y), the functional roles of the subgingival community after years of periodontal treatment are still underexplored. This study evaluated the taxonomic and predicted functional content of the subgingival microbiome of PerioC-Y patients under supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). METHODS: Clinical and microbiological data from subgingival biofilm were assessed from 10 PerioC-Y patients at two time points: at baseline and after 5.7 ± 1.3 years of SPT. This was compared with 15 patients without a history of periodontitis. The V1-V3 and V4-V5 regions of the 16S rRNA were sequenced using the Illumina Miseq. Microbial composition was evaluated by the core microbiome, and alpha- and beta-diversity. The microbiome functional content was predicted using Picrust2, and the gene differential abundance was analyzed with DESeq2. RESULTS: Clinical improvements were seen in PerioC-Y-SPT. Differences in ß-diversity between PerioC-Y and health were observed (health x PerioC-Y-baseline, P = 0.02; health x PerioC-Y-SPT, P = 0.05). Moreover, although ß-diversity did not statistically change between baseline and SPT in PerioC-Y, the microbial correlation evidenced increased Streptococcus and decreased Treponema network contributions during SPT. Based on predicted functional data, treatment induced a reduction in genes related to flagellar protein and signal transduction in PerioC-Y. However, compared with healthy individuals, some genes remained more highly abundant in PerioC-Y-SPT, such as quorum sensing and efflux pump transporters. CONCLUSION: Despite clinical improvements and a shift in taxonomic composition, the PerioC-Y patients' periodontal treatment was not enough to reach a similar microbiome to patients without disease experience. Some functional content in this biofilm remained altered in PerioC-Y regardless of disease control.

An in vitro model for studies of attenuation of antibiotic-inhibited growth of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Y4 by polyamines.

Polyamines are ubiquitous polycationic molecules that are present in all prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and they serve as important modulators of cell growth, stress, and cell proliferation. Polyamines are present at high concentrations in the periodontal pocket and could potentially affect the stress response of periodontal bacteria to antibiotics. The effects of polyamines on inhibition of growth by amoxicillin (AMX), azithromycin (AZM), and doxycycline (DOX) were investigated with the Y4 strain of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). Bacteria were grown in brain heart infusion broth under the following conditions: (1) Aa only, (2) Aa + polyamine mix (1 mM putrescine, 0.4 mM spermidine, and 0.4 mM spermine), (3) Aa + antibiotic, and (4) Aa + antibiotic + polyamines. Growth curve analysis, minimal inhibitory concentration determination, and transcriptomic studies were conducted. The presence of exogenous polyamines produced a small, but significant increase in Aa growth, and polyamines attenuated the inhibitory effects of AMX, AZM, and DOX on growth. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that polyamines upregulate expression of ribosomal biogenesis proteins and small subunits, attenuate the bacterial stress response to antibiotics, and modulate bacterial nutritional pathways in a manner that could potentially increase the virulence of Aa. In summary, the polyamine-rich environment found in periodontal pockets appears to protect Aa and reduce its susceptibility to several antimicrobial agents in this in vitro model.

Estimating salivary carriage of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in nonsymptomatic people and efficacy of mouthrinse in reducing viral load: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Many people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) never develop substantial symptoms. With more than 34 million people in the United States already infected and highly transmissible variants rapidly emerging, it is highly probable that post- and presymptomatic people will form an important fraction of those seeking dental care. Salivary carriage rates in these populations are not known. Moreover, although preventing transmission is critical for controlling spread, the efficacy of mouthrinses in reducing oral viral load is poorly studied. METHODS: The authors recruited 201 asymptomatic, presymptomatic, postsymptomatic, and symptomatic people and measured copy numbers of SARS-CoV-2 in unstimulated saliva using real-time reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Subsequently, the authors inducted 41 symptomatic people into a randomized, triple-blinded study and instructed them to rinse with saline, 1% hydrogen peroxide, 0.12% chlorhexidine, or 0.5% povidone-iodine for 60 seconds. The authors measured viral load 15 and 45 minutes after rinsing. RESULTS: Salivary SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 23% of asymptomatic, 60% of postsymptomatic, and 28% of presymptomatic participants. Neither carriage rate nor viral load correlated with COVID-19 symptomatology, age, sex, or race or ethnicity. All 4 mouthrinses decreased viral load by 61% through 89% at 15 minutes and by 70% through 97% at 45 minutes. The extent of reduction correlated significantly with initial viral load. CONCLUSIONS: Nonsymptomatic people can pose a risk of transmitting the virus, and mouthrinses are simple and efficacious means of reducing this risk, especially when the load is less than 104 copies per milliliter. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: At a time when resources are stretched, the findings of this study contribute to evidence-based selection of personal protection equipment and simple infection-control practices to reduce contagion at source. This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. The registration number is NCT04603794.

Smoking cessation counseling and treatment: An American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators Panel survey.

BACKGROUND: Given the oral health implications of smoking, vaping, and using smokeless tobacco products (STPs), the dental office can be an effective setting for clinicians to offer smoking cessation counseling and treatment (SCCT). METHODS: A survey tool was developed to assess dentists' approach and experience with SCCT. This survey was deployed electronically on May 21, 2021, to the American Dental Association Clinical Evaluators (ACE) Panel (N = 982), and 1 week later, nonresponders were sent reminders. Results were summarized in SAS Version 9.4. RESULTS: Of the 283 survey responders, one-half offered SCCT to their patients. Of those who offered SCCT, 69% would be willing to prescribe pharmacologic agents to help with cessation. Nine of 10 times, SCCT conversations included the dentist. Of the 49% of respondents who did not offer SCCT, one-quarter were current or past smokers, vapers, or STP users. Out of all of the survey respondents, 40% were aware that SCCT is part of most medical benefits. Most respondents (82%) perform surgeries on patients who smoke, vape, or use STPs. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of SCCT in the dental office was split among ACE panelists, but when it was offered, the dentist was almost always involved. Awareness about SCCT medical benefits and surgical protocols for current smokers, vapers, and STP users differed among this sample. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists can benefit from more formal training and resources around SCCT and access to reimbursement for having these crucial conversations with their patients.