Serum levels of various vitamins in periodontal health and disease- a cross sectional study.

Objectives: Vitamins are micronutrients that are required in small or trace amounts. They play an essential role in the metabolism and maintenance of tissue function. This investigation aimed to assess if a deficiency of certain essential vitamins is a risk factor for developing periodontitis. Methods: The subject population consisted of 100 subjects, 50 with generalized chronic periodontitis and 50 periodontally healthy volunteers. The following clinical parameters were measured: Gingival Index, pocket depth (mm); Clinical Attachment Loss (mm). Serum samples were collected and analyzed for levels of cis-ß-carotene, ß-cryptoxanthin, vitamin B 12, folate, vitamin D, and vitamin E. Individual data collected was summarized and analyzed using statistical software. Results: All the clinical parameters for periodontal status in the periodontitis group compared to healthy volunteers were highly significant (p < 0.0001). The mean levels of all the micronutrients, vitamin A precursors cis-ß-carotene and ß-cryptoxanthin, folate, vitamin B 12, D & E were lower in the periodontitis group than the healthy volunteers, although the difference was statistically significant only in case of ß-cryptoxanthin, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of our study suggest that serum micronutrient levels especially Vitamin A, Vitamin B 12, and Vitamin D may be modifiable risk factors for periodontal disease. Providing an optimized combination of various vitamins in each meal in combination with sufficient measures of standard oral hygiene care may provide an important role in the prevention of periodontitis.

Gustatory dysfunction and oral ulceration in COVID-19 patients: A cross sectional study.

Background: Over the past year, patients infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 presented with severe gustatory dysfunction, the prevalence of which varies among different populations. Furthermore, there have been sporadic reports of oral ulceration observed in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients due to varied reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate and characterize the presence of gustatory disorders, oral ulceration, and other oral changes in patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, a total of 402 participants who were detected COVID-19 positive by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were included. Their demographic and clinical data were recorded through hospital records. The participants were interviewed either in person or on the telephone to record any change in taste and/or changes within the oral cavity. t-test for independent means was used to compare mean age, while other characteristics were compared by Chi-square test and Z-score test. P < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Out of the total sample of 402 individuals, 262 were male and 140 were female. The prevalence of gustatory dysfunction and oral ulceration was 43.53% and 15.67%, respectively, in the studied sample. Significantly more females had gustatory dysfunction than males and older subjects more commonly than younger. The symptom of loss/change of taste and oral ulceration were more probable to occur together. In addition, the tongue was the most common site for ulceration in our studied sample. Conclusion: Loss of taste is a common symptom of COVID-19 patients, whereas oral ulceration is not so commonly reported. However, the presence of both these symptoms could impair the quality of life of patients and hamper adequate nutritional uptake.

Effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on gingival crevicular fluid levels of Interleukin-35 in patients with periodontitis.

Objective: Interleukin (IL)-35 is a comparatively novel immunosuppressive cytokine produced by T-regulatory cells, the purpose of which in periodontal well being and disease still eludes the researchers. This study intends to measure and compare the levels of IL-35 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) taken from periodontitis patients before and at first, second and third week post non-surgical periodontal therapy. Methodology: ology: Twenty patients having generalized chronic periodontitis (mean age of 36.25 ± 5.12 years) with moderate to severe disease were assessed clinically for the following parameters: plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss. GCF samples were collected from deepest pockets before performing a full mouth non-surgical periodontal therapy. GCF samples were again collected at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd week after non-surgical periodontal therapy and, IL-35 levels in the GCF samples were measured using an ELISA kit. Results: All the clinical parameters improved significantly over time from baseline to 3rd week. The results for plaque index, gingival index, and probing pocket depth were highly significant (p < 0.001) and significant (p < 0.05) for clinical attachment loss. The IL-35 concentration in GCF increased post periodontal therapy from baseline till third week and results were statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation (p < 0.001) was found between clinical parameters and IL-35 levels. Conclusions: With the healing of the previously diseased periodontal tissues, the levels of IL-35 in GCF increases significantly. Therefore, IL-35 can be considered as potential inflammatory marker of periodontal health and disease.

Oral health awareness and practices in pregnant females: A hospital-based observational study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the oral health awareness, methods adopted to maintain hygiene, prevalent myths regarding oral health in pregnancy, and importance of oral health during pregnancy, to help formulate oral health program for pregnant females in partaking hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 225 pregnant females participated in the study. After complete demographic assessment of participants, a questionnaire was provided to them. Questionnaire included simple multiple choice questions on how they maintained oral hygiene, their oral health status, visit to the dentist, and barriers in seeking treatment. This was followed by a questionnaire regarding common myths and understanding of the importance of oral health during pregnancy which had three choices: true, false, and do not know. The results were expressed in percentages, and one sample t-test for percentages was applied where ever required. RESULTS: Majority of participants self-reported some form of oral health problems with bleeding gums as a chief complaint leading the survey. Around half of the participants had never visited a dentist, and an abundant number of pregnant females reported safety concerns for developing the child as a reason for not taking any treatment during pregnancy. A highly significant number of participants were unaware of the importance of oral health during pregnancy and believed in age-old myths. CONCLUSION: The oral health care still remains on the backseat in care provided to pregnant female. A complete overhaul of understanding through individual, family, and community counseling is required to spread awareness.

Association of Fc gamma-receptors IIa, IIIa, and IIIb genetic polymorphism with susceptibility to chronic periodontitis in South Indian population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) are the members of the immunoglobulin superfamily and may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Genetic variation in these receptors and its link with various forms of periodontitis is being studied in different populations. The aim of the present study is to determine whether specific FcγRIIa, FcγRIIIa, and FcγRIIIb alleles and/or genotypes are associated with risk for susceptibility to generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) in South Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 120 South Indian subjects; 60 with GCP and 60 periodontally healthy. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from samples collected by scrapping buccal epithelium. FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIa genotyping were performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA with allele-specific primers followed by allele-specific restriction digestion of the products. However, FcγRIIIb genotyping was done by allele-specific PCR. RESULTS: No significant difference in the distribution of FcγRIIa H/R and FcγRIIIa NA1/NA2 genotypes or their respective alleles was observed in GCP patients and healthy subjects. For FcγRIIIa F/V genetic polymorphism, the homozygous V/V genotype and V allele were significantly overrepresented in GCP patients while F/F genotype and F allele in controls. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that FcγRIIIa V/V genotype, as well as V allele, could be a possible risk factor for chronic periodontitis in South Indian population.

Epithelial antimicrobial peptides: guardian of the oral cavity.

Gingival epithelium provides first line of defence from the microorganisms present in dental plaque. It not only provides a mechanical barrier but also has an active immune function too. Gingival epithelial cells participate in innate immunity by producing a range of antimicrobial peptides to protect the host against oral pathogens. These epithelial antimicrobial peptides (EAPs) include the ß-defensin family, cathelicidin (LL-37), calprotectin, and adrenomedullin. While some are constitutively expressed in gingival epithelial cells, others are induced upon exposure to microbial insults. It is likely that these EAPs have a role in determining the initiation and progression of oral diseases. EAPs are broad spectrum antimicrobials with a different but overlapping range of activity. Apart from antimicrobial activity, they participate in several other crucial roles in host tissues. Some of these, for instance, ß-defensins, are chemotactic to immune cells. Others, such as calprotectin are important for wound healing and cell proliferation. Adrenomedullin, a multifunctional peptide, has its biological action in a wide range of tissues. Not only is it a potent vasodilator but also it has several endocrine effects. Knowing in detail the various bioactions of these EAPs may provide us with useful information regarding their utility as therapeutic agents.

Clinical evaluation of topical application of perio-Q gel (Coenzyme Q(10)) in chronic periodontitis patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Coenzyme Q(10) is a well studied antioxidant in medical literature, but studies regarding its efficacy in periodontal diseases are few. Hence, the aim of this study was to test the efficacy of coenzyme Q(10) in the form of gel (Perio-Q) in patients with chronic gingivitis and periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 patients were enrolled. A split mouth design was used for topical (extrasulcular) application, intra-pocket application alone, intra-pocket application combined with scaling and root planing (SRP) and SRP only in each quadrant, respectively. Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level were assessed at baseline, 3rd week, and 6th week. The results were subjected to statistical analysis, which were expressed as mean±SD and proportions as percentages. Intra group comparisons were made by paired t-test and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for inter-group comparisons. Categorical data was analyzed by Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The results showed on intra-group analysis significant reduction (P<0.01) of clinical parameters (plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), periodontal probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL)) in all four treatment groups, whereas on inter-group analysis, intra-pocket gel application in combination with SRP showed significant reduction (P<0.05) for PI, GI, GBI, and CAL in comparison to intra-pocket gel alone. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: In the present study, in chronic periodontitis patients, sub-gingival mechanical debridement only and with Perio-Q gel showed almost similar clinical results without any statistically significant differences. Hence, it confirmed the primary role of basic mechanical approaches in periodontal therapy and did not provide enough clinical support for the superiority of adjunctive use of Perio-Q gel. However, it appears that Perio-Q gel in this study may have a potential additive effect. Further, long term clinical studies of Perio-Q gel with various doses and duration need to be conducted.

Toll-like receptors and their dual role in periodontitis: a review.

Innate immunity is the first line of host defense and represents inherited resistance to infection. Innate immunity works through toll-like receptors (TLRs), which recognize the conserved molecular patterns on pathogenic bacteria known as pathogen-associated molecular patterns. The periodontium is a unique environment in which oral microorganisms are in constant contact with the host immune system. The TLRs present on gingival epithelial cells are continuously stimulated, resulting in production of cytokines and defensins that help to maintain oral health. If the epithelial barrier is breached, allowing invasion of bacteria into the underlying connective tissue, the TLRs on other resident and non-resident cells of the periodontium become activated. This leads to an exaggerated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other biological mediators, which may cause host tissue destruction. The present review examines the role of TLRs and their signaling in periodontal health and disease.

A rare case report of peri-implant bone necrosis: Mapping the distance of initial peri-implant complication toward a path of success.

In the past decade, science of implant placement has greatly advanced and at the same time much success has been experienced with the endosseous implant. Despite the long-term predictability of the implants, however, biological, technical and esthetic complications do occur. The use of osseointegrated implants as a foundation for prosthetic replacement of missing teeth has been highly predictable, but still at present, there is no consensus of how to best manage the complications occurring after implant placement. In this report, we discuss post-insertion complication of bone necrosis and its successful management.

Role of coenzyme Q(10) as an antioxidant and bioenergizer in periodontal diseases.

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease process resulting from the interaction of a bacterial attack and host inflammatory response. Arrays of molecules are considered to mediate the inflammatory response at one time or another, among these are free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Periodontal pathogens can induce ROS overproduction and thus may cause collagen and periodontal cell breakdown. When ROS are scavenged by antioxidants, there can be a reduction of collagen degradation. Ubiquinol (reduced form coenzyme Q(10)) serves as an endogenous antioxidant which increases the concentration of CoQ(10) in the diseased gingiva and effectively suppresses advanced periodontal inflammation.