Absence Of Periodontitis Research Articles

Association of periodontitis with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in hypertensive individuals: insights from a NHANES cohort study

BackgroundThe objective of this research is to clarify the impact of periodontitis on overall and cardiovascular-related death rates among hypertensive individuals.MethodA total of 5665 individuals with hypertension were included from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data spanning 2001–2004 and 2009–2014. These individuals were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of periodontitis and further stratified by the severity of periodontitis. We employed weighted multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier curves (log-rank test) to evaluate the impact of periodontitis on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Additional analyses, including adjustments for various covariates, subgroups, and sensitivity analyses, were conducted to ensure the robustness and reliability of our results.ResultOver an average follow-up duration of 10.22 years, there were 1,122 all-cause and 297 cardiovascular deaths. Individuals with periodontitis exhibited an elevated risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.18–1.51; p < 0.0001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.15–1.89; p = 0.002). Moreover, we observed a progressive increase in both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality (p for trend are both lower than 0.001) and correlating with the severity of periodontitis. These associations remained consistent across various subgroup and sensitivity analyses.ConclusionOur findings suggest a significant association between periodontitis and increased risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among hypertensive individuals. Notably, the severity of periodontitis appears to be a critical factor, with moderate to severe cases exerting a more pronounced impact on all-cause mortality. Additionally, cardiovascular disease mortality significantlly increases in individuals with varying degrees of periodontitis.

The Effect of Periodontitis on Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Levels in Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients.

Introduction Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is known to cause an increase in fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Periodontitis, a condition recognized as a risk factor for CKD, is also potentially associated with the increment of FGF23. This study aims to compare FGF23 levels in CKD patients with and without periodontitisand non-CKDpatients with and without periodontitis. Correlation with serum phosphate, calcium, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was assessed. Additionally, associations between FGF23, calcium, phosphate, iPTH, creatinine, urea, plaque score, and bleeding score with periodontitis in CKD patients were determined. Method A total of 124 participants were categorized into four groups: CKD patients with periodontitis (n=31), CKD patients without periodontitis (n=32), periodontitis patients without CKD (n=32), and healthy population (n=29). The selected CKD patients include those from stages 3 and 4 (predialysis) patients. Serum levels of FGF23, calcium, phosphate, iPTH, creatinine, and urea were analyzed. Oral examinations were conducted to determine the presence and absence of periodontitis and assess plaque and bleeding scores. Result A significantly higher level of FGF23 was found in CKD compared to non-CKD groups; however, no difference was observed with the presence of periodontitis in both CKD and non-CKD. There was no significant correlation found between FGF23 and serum calcium, phosphate, or iPTH concerning periodontal status. Apart from the bleeding score, there was no association between FGF23, calcium, phosphate, iPTH, creatinine, urea, and plaque score with the presence of periodontitis in CKD patients. Conclusion The presence of periodontitis was not associated with higher FGF23 levels in CKD patients. Changes in FGF23, calcium, phosphate, iPTH, creatinine, urea, and plaque score could not be attributed to the presence of periodontitis in CKD patients.

Periodontal Health and Its Relationship with Psychological Stress: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Studies suggest that chronic psychological stress can lead to oral health deterioration, alter the immune response, and possibly contribute to increased inflammation, which can impact the physiological healing of periodontal tissues. This cross-sectional study seeks to assess and improve clinical understanding regarding the relationship between perceived stress, mindfulness, and periodontal health. Methods: A total of 203 people were analyzed from December 2022 to June 2023. The Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) score and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), and Plaque Control Record (PCR) of every patient were registered. Subsequently, participants completed the Sheldon Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Mindfulness Awareness Attention Scale (MAAS) questionnaires. The collected data underwent statistical analysis, encompassing the evaluation of correlations and dependencies. Applying Welch’s t-test to assess the relationship between MAAS and the variable indicating the presence or absence of periodontitis, a noteworthy p-value of 0.004265 was obtained. Results: This underscores a significant distinction in MAAS scores between patients affected by periodontitis and those unaffected by the condition. Additionally, Pearson correlations were computed for GBI and perceived stress, PCR and perceived stress, PCR and MAAS. The resulting p-values of 2.2–16, 3.925–8, and 2.468–8, respectively, indicate a statistically significant correlation in each instance. Conclusions: These findings contribute valuable insights into the interconnectedness of these variables, emphasizing the significance of their associations in the study context. Despite the limitations, the findings of this study suggest a significant relationship between psychological stress, mindfulness, and periodontal tissue health. Clinical trials are necessary to incorporate the assessment of a patient’s psychological status as a new valuable tool in the management of periodontal health.

Subgingival biofilm microbiome in individuals with asthma and periodontitis: Metagenomic analysis.

This observational study aimed to explore the metagenomics of subgingival biofilms in individuals with varying degrees of asthma, from severe to none, to elucidate the association between the subgingival microbiome and asthma. Subgingival biofilm samples were collected from thirty participants at the Asthma Control Program Outpatient Clinic in Bahia (ProAR). These samples were categorized into six groups based on the severity of asthma and the presence or absence of periodontitis. We employed next-generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq), targeting the 16S rRNA gene, to characterize the microbial communities present. Our analysis included descriptive statistics and sequencing data, evaluated using multivariate statistical methods such as the Shannon index, principal coordinate analysis, and the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity. Our findings indicate a higher prevalence of periodontally detrimental bacterial genera in individuals with severe asthma and periodontitis. Additionally, individuals with asthma, but without periodontitis, exhibited a tendency toward dysbiosis, particularly in cases of severe asthma. This research provides new insights into the composition of the subgingival microbiome in individuals with varying severities of asthma and periodontitis. The genera identified in this study underscore the need for further investigations to build upon these findings.

The impact of maxillary non-impacted third molars on the distal alveolar bone of adjacent teeth using CBCT: a retrospective study.

The purpose of the study was to determine how the maxillary non-impacted third molars impact the distal region of alveolar bone of adjacent second molars. The periodontal condition of maxillary second molars for which the neighboring third molars were missing (NM3- group) and those with intact non-impacted third molars (NM3+ group) was analyzed in a retrospective study. Using CBCT, the patients were categorized based on the presence or absence of periodontitis, and the alveolar bone resorption parameters in the distal area of the second molars were measured. A total of 135 patients with 200 maxillary second molars were enrolled in this retrospective study. Compared to the NM3- group, the second molars of the NM3+ group exhibited greater odds of increasing alveolar bone resorption in the distal region (health, OR = 3.60; periodontitis, OR = 7.68), regardless of the presence or absence of periodontitis. In healthy patients, factors such as female sex (OR = 1.48) and age above 25 years old (OR = 2.22) were linked to an elevated risk of alveolar bone resorption in the distal region of the second molars. In patients with periodontitis, male sex (OR = 3.63) and age above 45 years old (OR = 3.97) served as risk factors. Advanced age, sex, and the presence of non-impacted third molars are risk factors associated with alveolar bone resorption in individuals with adjacent second molars. In addition, the detrimental effects of non-impacted third molars in the population with periodontitis may be exacerbated. From a periodontal perspective, this serves as supportive evidence for the proactive removal of non-impacted third molars.

Association of cardiovascular health and periodontitis: a population-based study

BackgroundThere is a strong association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and periodontitis. This study utilized the Life Essentials 8 (LE8) score, a composite measure of cardiovascular health (CVH), to elucidate the relationship between CVH and periodontitis.MethodsData from 8,649 nationally representative participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed. The independent variable in our study was the CVH score (a higher CVH score indicates better cardiovascular health), and the dependent variable was the presence or absence of periodontitis. The association between CVH and periodontitis was investigated using weighted multivariable logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline (RCS). We controlled for potential confounders such as age, sex, race, education, and socioeconomic status to minimize bias.ResultsThere was a negative association between the total CVH score and the odds of periodontitis. After adjusting for all covariates, a 10-point increase in total CVH score was associated with a 10% lower in the odds of periodontitis [0.90 (0.87, 0.93)]. Participants with a higher CVH had 40% lower odds of periodontitis compared with those with a lower CVH. Socioeconomic status (education and income) modified this association (P for interaction < 0.05).ConclusionOur study suggests that better cardiovascular health, as indicated by higher CVH scores, is associated with a reduced likelihood of periodontitis among US adults. The relationship between CVH and periodontitis appears to be influenced by socioeconomic status, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in populations with lower socioeconomic status.

Gene variants for the WNT pathway are associated with severity in periodontal disease

ObjectiveStudies of Wnt variants-related to bone resorption in periodontitis are limited. The aim of this study was to establish the genotype and allele frequency of gene variants associated with the Wnt pathway in systemically healthy individuals with and without periodontitis (PD).Materials and methodsOne hundred fifty-seven systemically healthy individuals were evaluated, 90 with PD and 67 without PD. Periodontal clinical indexes, serological and clinical indices of inflammation, and the following variants associated with the Wnt pathway: DKK, SOST, LRP5, and KREMEN were analyzed by high resolution melting and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.ResultsIn the PD-free group, 67.2% of the individuals presented the variant for DKKrs1896367 (p = 0.008) and 82.6% had the variant for KREMEN rs132274 (p = 0.016). The heterozygous variant for the DKK rs1896367 polymorphism was associated with the absence of PD and lower severity OR: 0.33 (CI95% 0.15–0.70) and OR: 0.24 (CI95% 0.11–0.53), respectively. Similarly, KREMEN rs132274 was the homozygous variant associated with the absence of PD (OR: 0.33 (CI95% 0.13–0.88)). On the contrary, 85.6% of individuals with PD presented a variant for DKK rs1896368 (p = 0.042), all suffering severe forms of periodontitis.ConclusionThe presence of DKKrs1896367 and KREMENrs132274 variants in individuals without PD suggests that these single nucleotide polymorphisms could be protective factors for bone loss in PD. A very interesting finding is that the DKKrs1896368 variant was found in a high percentage of severe cases, suggesting that the presence of this variant may be related to the severe bone loss observed in PD.

Risk factors for the development of oral precancerous lesions in a cohort of 293 oral lichen planus patients with or without chronic periodontitis in southern Taiwan

Background/purposeOral lichen planus (OLP) may contribute to the risk of chronic periodontitis, and no reports have shown whether OLP patients with periodontitis have a greater risk of oral precancerous lesions, Candida infection or other clinicopathological diseases. This study aimed to assess the risk factors for the development of oral precancerous lesions in a cohort of 293 OLP patients with or without chronic periodontitis in southern Taiwan. Materials and methodsThe current study recruited 293 OLP patients without preexisting periodontitis at a tertiary institution from 1995 to 2018. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of periodontitis. The study compared various clinical and pathological characteristics between the two groups, and also estimated the odds ratio (OR) and the 10-year cumulative risk of chronic periodontitis in OLP patients using logistic regression models and Kaplan‒Meier analysis methods, respectively. ResultsAfter adjusting for age and gender, the significant contributors to oral precancerous lesions in OLP patients (P < 0.05) were periodontal disease (OR = 2.24) and the male gender (OR = 7.52). Betel nut consumption (OR = 2.61), smoking (OR = 2.46), and candidiasis infection (OR = 3.02) also showed significant associations. Older OLP patients had a lower lesion risk, while a longer OLP duration heightened the periodontal disease likelihood. ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that coexisting periodontal disease increases the likelihood of developing precancerous lesions in patients with OLP. Periodontal management with oral hygiene care and quitting betel nut consumption and smoking can reduce the risk.

Association between breastfeeding and periodontitis in Korean women using Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES): a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe effect of breastfeeding on periodontal disease in women remains unclear. This cross-sectional study used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to explore the association between breastfeeding and periodontitis in Korean women using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VII).Materials and methodsCross-sectional data was analyzed from the KNHANES 2016–2018. The study population included 5,587 parous women aged ≥ 30 years. The outcome variable was the presence or absence of periodontitis. The explanatory variable, period of breastfeeding, was defined as “none”, “1–11 months”, and “more than 12 months”. Confounder variables (socio-educational, personal healthcare practice, and systemic medical characteristics) were adjusted for in the logistic regression analysis.ResultsApproximately 60% of the participants breastfed for ≥ 12 months. In all statistical models, the prevalence of periodontitis was approximately 60% greater in women that did not breastfeed compared to women that had breastfed for 12 months or longer. When adjusted for age, statistical significance was only present in the 50–59 years age group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.678; 95% confidence interval [CIs], 1.046–2.691).ConclusionOur study shows that women that breastfed for a relatively long duration had a lower risk of periodontitis. Therefore, breastfeeding may be beneficial for women’s periodontal health. These results are expected to be helpful in oral health education for pregnant women.

Periodontitis and the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A longitudinal study of an adult Japanese cohort.

To examine the relationship between periodontitis as an independent effect of smoking and the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Japanese people based on longitudinal data. We targeted 4745 people who underwent pulmonary function tests and dental check-ups at baseline and 8 years later. The Community Periodontal Index was used to assess periodontal status. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the relationship between the incidence of COPD and periodontitis and smoking. To clarify the interaction between smoking and periodontitis, interaction analysis was performed. In a multivariable analysis, both periodontitis and heavy smoking had significant effects on COPD development. When periodontitis was analysed as a continuous value (number of sextants with periodontitis) and as a category (presence or absence of periodontitis) in the multivariable analyses after adjusting for smoking, pulmonary function and other variables, periodontitis had significantly higher hazard ratios (HRs) for the incidence of COPD; the HRs were 1.09 (1.01-1.17) and 1.48 (1.09-2.02), respectively. Interaction analysis showed no significant interaction between heavy smoking and periodontitis on COPD. These results suggest that periodontitis has no interaction with smoking but has an independent effect on developing COPD.

Characterizing the Literature on Validity and Assessment Tool of Oral Frailty: A Systematic Scoping Review

To systematically review all studies on assessment tools used to diagnose oral frailty in older adults. A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus for articles yielded the tools published from January 2010 to January 2022. The search included articles reporting the use of the Oral Frailty risk assessment tool in older adults. A standardized protocol Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used for data extraction. Flowchart and tables were used to demonstrate the results. A total of 19 studies were eligible out of 58 studies retrieved from selected databases. A total of three tools were structured for oral frailty assessment in older adults as follows: Oral and maxillofacial frailty index, oral frailty index-8 (OFI-8), and oral frailty checklist. The most critical parameter in assessing oral frailty was tongue pressure and dryness of the mouth. Other parameters for assessing oral frailty include the number of remaining teeth, oral diadochokinesis (ODK), masticatory performance, pain, dysphagia, taste alteration, use of dentures, bacterial count in the tongue coat, and presence or absence of periodontitis. The predictive validity of tools for differentiating high and low risks for oral frailty did not explore yet. There has not been much research into assessment tools for oral frailty. This comprehensive review of the available literature identified only three structured assessment tools as follows: The oral frailty checklist, the oral and maxillofacial frailty index, and OFI-8. The oral frailty checklist is the only available validated oral frailty assessment tool despite the disproportionately high prevalence of oral frailty and the projected increase. Because an oral function examination for the elderly in their 60s is required to promote effective oral frailty countermeasures, an oral frailty assessment tool appropriate for the setting must be developed. This tool can be used as a population-wide standard of practice for screening oral frailty.

Presence of periodontitis may synergistically contribute to cancer progression via Treg and IL-6

A close causal relationship has been suggested to exist between cancer and periodontitis. We hypothesized that the immune surveillance system is impaired in patients with periodontitis, which contributes to cancer development and growth. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between immune surveillance mechanisms and periodontitis in cancer patients. The presence or absence of periodontitis was assessed and the peripheral blood (PB) concentrations of IL-6, immunosuppressive cytokines (VEGF, TGF-β1, and CCL22) and proportion of T regulatory cells (Treg, CD3 + CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 +) were measured. Subjects were classified into the following four groups: non-cancer patients without periodontitis (C − P −), non-cancer patients with periodontitis (C − P +), cancer patients without periodontitis (C + P −), and cancer patients with periodontitis (C + P +). The results of a multivariate analysis showed that the PB concentration of IL-6 was significantly higher in C + than in C- and higher in C + P + than in C + P −. The PB proportion of Treg was significantly higher in C + P + than in C + P −, C − P + , and C − P −. The results of this study suggested that the presence of periodontitis and cancer synergistically increased Treg in PB, which may be one of the underlying causes of immunosuppression and immune evasion in cancer. It was also suggested that the presence of periodontal disease and/or cancer also increases IL-6 in PB, which would be associated with cancer progression. These results suggest the possibility that the presence of periodontitis might synergistically contribute to cancer progression.

TNF ALPHA AND SEX PREVALENCE OF ORAL MANIFESTATIONS IN CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DISEASES: IT'S COMPLICATED

<h3>Objectives</h3> Several studies have linked chronic inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease (CD) or inflammatory arthritis to increased risk for periodontal disease (PD). It is attractive to attribute this to increased circulating pro-inflammatory cytokine levels such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Women show a higher incidence of CD, and women with CD have a higher risk of developing PD. How sex differences affect disease susceptibility and how this might be linked to pro-inflammatory cytokines is not well understood. The TNFΔARE (TNFΔ/WT) mouse is an established model for CD and inflammatory arthritis. The prolonged and increased TNF-α production led to spontaneous development of these 2 inflammatory diseases from a young age. Here, we used this model to test sex prevalence and the role of circulating TNF-α in the development of PD. <h3>Study Design</h3> Both male and female TNFΔARE (TNFΔ/WT) and control WT mice were analyzed at 2 and 4 months of age for changes to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), buccal mucosa, gingival epithelium, and alveolar bone. MicroCT scans were acquired using a Milabs U-CT scanner and analyzed using Avizo 9.1.1. Oral manifestations were analyzed using histology (hematoxylin & eosin, Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), Safranin O) and immunofluorescence to assess proliferation (Ki67), inflammation (CD45), and bone remodeling (Sclerostin (SOST), Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)). <h3>Results</h3> Four-month-old but not 2-month-old TNFΔ/WT showed various oral manifestations associated with arthritis (TMJ) or CD (cobblestone mucosa). No evidence of active periodontal disease was found. Four-month-old female mice showed gingival hyperplasia, severe TMJ arthritis, malocclusion, and alveolar bone loss in the absence of other signs of PD (epithelial inflammation, bleeding). Four-month-old TNFΔ/WT male mice presented TMJ arthritis, cobblestone mucosa, lack of hyperplasia but limited presence of leukocytes at the gingival epithelium, periodontal ligament, and buccal mucosa. Other signs of PD (epithelial inflammation, bleeding) were also missing. <h3>Conclusions</h3> We present strong evidence that circulating TNF-α is not sufficient to induce PD. The role of TNF-α in oral tissues is complex. TMJ arthritis and malocclusion might trigger alveolar bone loss in female TNFΔARE mice in the absence of PD. Sex-specific differences in oral manifestations (hyperplasia vs cobblestone mucosa) might be directly related to local rather than systemic differences in TNF-α.

Impact of Red Complex Bacteria and TNF-α Levels on the Diabetic and Renal Status of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients in the Presence and Absence of Periodontitis.

Simple SummaryPeriodontitis, referred to as gum disease, is a serious bacterial infection that damages the surrounding structures of the teeth, including the bones, lastly resulting in tooth loss without prompt treatment. The disease primarily occurs as a result of improper maintenance of the oral cavity, eventually causing gum infections, and teeth that are filled with food, tartar, and bacterial deposits. These harmful bacteria under the influence of various environmental and genetic risk factors may migrate to the blood vessels and reach various other organs, including the kidneys, thereby triggering the infection and resulting in the progression of the systemic diseases. In this study, we focused on identifying the levels of gum-disease-causing bacteria and their byproducts, namely, TNF alpha in patients with or without chronic kidney disease. The study comprised 120 participants categorised into 4 groups on the basis of patients who had gum disease and a kidney disorder. Gum, renal, and diabetic parameters were recorded. The bacteria and their products were assessed and found to be higher in patients having both gum disease and CKD disorder. This study indicates that patients with severe gum disease and poor oral health are at risk of developing kidney problems. Thus, the early prevention of gum ailments might reduce the risk of future kidney diseases.Scientific evidence shows a positive association in the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Various confounding factors, such as obesity, diabetes, and inflammation, also play a significant role in the progression of CKD, which remains unexplored. We hypothesise the role of red complex bacteria with various confounding factors associated with chronic kidney disease. The study comprised a total of 120 participants categorised into 4 groups: the control group (C), periodontitis subjects without CKD (P), periodontally healthy chronic kidney disease subjects (CKD), and subjects having both periodontitis and CKD (P + CKD), with 30 subjects in each group. Demographic variables, and periodontal, renal, and diabetic parameters were recorded. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels and those of red complex bacteria such as Prophyromonas gingivalis (P.g), Treponema denticola (T.d), and Tonerella forsythia (T.f) were assessed, and the obtained results were statistically analysed. Among the various demographic variables, age showed a level of significance. Mean PI, GI, CAL, and PPD (the proportion of sites with PPD ≥ 5 mm and CAL ≥ 3 mm) were elevated in the P + CKD group. Diabetic parameters such as fasting blood sugar (FBS) and HbA1c levels were also greater in the P + CKD group. Renal parameters such as eGFR and serum creatinine levels were greater in CKD patients. The estimation of red complex periodontal pathogens such as Pg, Td and Tf levels were significantly greater in the P and P + CKD groups. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant correlation of red complex bacteria with all variables. Greater levels of P.g, T.d and T.f were found in the P groups, thus indicating their important role in the initiation and progression of inflammation of periodontitis and CKD, with diabetes as one of the confounding factors. The study also confirmed a log-linear relationship between TNF-α levels and red complex bacteria, thereby demonstrating the role of inflammatory biomarkers in periodontal disease progression that could contribute to the development of systemic inflammation such as CKD.

Effects of Saliva From Periodontally Healthy and Diseased Subjects on Barrier Function and the Inflammatory Response in in vitro Models of the Oral Epithelium.

Background: Periodontitis is a multifactorial, bacteria-mediated chronic inflammatory disease that results in the progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues. It is well-known that saliva from subjects suffering from this disease generally contains higher levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), and bacteria-derived toxic products. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of saliva from periodontally healthy and diseased subjects on the barrier function and inflammatory response in in vitro models of the oral epithelium.Methods: Unstimulated saliva samples from two groups of subjects, one with a healthy periodontium (n = 12) and one with severe generalized periodontitis (n = 11), were filter-sterilized. All the saliva samples were analyzed using an immunological multiplex assay to determine the levels of various cytokines and MMPs relevant to periodontitis. The impact of saliva on epithelial barrier integrity was assessed by monitoring transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) in an oral epithelium model using the B11 keratinocyte cell line. GMSM-K oral epithelial cells were treated with saliva from both groups to determine their ability to induce the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8), as determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: Saliva from the periodontitis subjects contained significantly higher concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), IL-8, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) compared to saliva from the healthy subjects. Saliva from the healthy and periodontitis subjects affected cytokine secretion and TER in a similar manner. More specifically, saliva from both groups increased TER and induced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in the in vitro oral epithelium models used.Conclusion: Independently of the presence or absence of periodontitis, saliva can increase the relative TER and the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 in in vitro models of the oral epithelium.

Changes in gingivitis and protective factors among adults: A 4-year prospective population-based study.

There are limited longitudinal data regarding gingival inflammation in adults. This study aimed to assess changes in gingivitis over 4years and to determine protective factors. A representative sample of 1023 adults living in Porto Alegre, Brazil, was obtained in the Caries-Perio Collaboration Study. At follow-up, 402 individuals were re-examined. Gingivitis was assessed by the gingival bleeding index (GB) at both time points. Individuals were dichotomized into those showing reductions≥15% and those showing reductions<15% or increase in bleeding sites. Multivariable Poisson regression models were fitted with 11 possible risk factors, estimating relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Percentage of individuals with GB≥10% reduced from 72.4% to 53.8%. Bleeding sites significantly reduced (25.9%-20.1%), and in a higher magnitude in buccal/palatal sites (34.1%-24.0%). 31.0% of individuals presented GB reduction≥15% in all sites. Toothbrushing≥3times/d increased 72% the probability of ≥15% GB reduction compared with ≤1/d (RR=1.72; 95% CI 1.01-3.16). For each 10 pack-years smoked, the probability of ≥15% GB reduction was 3% higher (RR=1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.04). At buccal/palatal sites, normal weight individuals had 26% higher probability of reducing GB than overweight-obese individuals (RR=1.26; 95% CI: 1.01-1.62). A 5% higher decrease in GB sites was observed in the absence than the presence of periodontitis. Younger individuals had higher reduction in GB sites. In the studied population, gingivitis reduced over time, with younger age, better oral hygiene, absence of periodontitis and normal weight being found to be protective factors. Smoking was associated with lower levels of gingivitis over time, probably due to its vasoconstrictive effect.

Association between intracranial carotid artery calcifications and periodontitis: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

Intracranial carotid artery calcifications (ICACs) are one type of calcification that may be detected as incidental findings in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). This retrospective study aimed to examine the prevalence of ICACs on CBCT images and their associations among age, gender, chronic periodontitis, and patient-reported cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A total of 303 CBCT scans were reviewed and a total of 208 patients met the inclusion criteria. The presence or absence of ICACs was evaluated in the ophthalmic and cavernous segments of each scan. Patient demographic data, including age, gender, and medical history, specifically focused on CVDs were recorded. The presence or absence of periodontitis was recorded from each subject with full mouth radiographs and clinical measurements. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated as part of the logistic regression analysis. Overall, ICACs were found in 93 subjects (45%). The bilateral ICACs were found in 43 subjects (21% of the total subjects, 46% of the subjects with ICACs). There were statistically significant associations between presence of ICACs and periodontitis (OR=4.55), hypertension (OR=3.02), hyperlipidemia (OR=2.87), increasing age (OR=2.24), and the male gender (OR=1.85). Smoking status was not significantly correlated with ICACs. This study revealed that nearly half (45%) of the subjects displayed ICACs on the CBCT images. ICACs are significantly related to the status of chronic periodontitis, age, gender, and CVDs. A more careful review of CBCT scans is highly recommended to detect these calcifications and refer patients for further medical evaluation.

Parents with periodontitis impact the subgingival colonization of their offspring

Early acquisition of a pathogenic microbiota and the presence of dysbiosis in childhood is associated with susceptibility to and the familial aggregation of periodontitis. This longitudinal interventional case–control study aimed to evaluate the impact of parental periodontal disease on the acquisition of oral pathogens in their offspring. Subgingival plaque and clinical periodontal metrics were collected from 18 parents with a history of generalized aggressive periodontitis and their children (6–12 years of age), and 18 periodontally healthy parents and their parents at baseline and following professional oral prophylaxis. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed that parents were the primary source of the child's microbiome, affecting their microbial acquisition and diversity. Children of periodontitis parents were preferentially colonized by Filifactor alocis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Streptococcus parasanguinis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and several species belonging to the genus Selenomonas even in the absence of periodontitis, and these species controlled inter-bacterial interactions. These pathogens also emerged as robust discriminators of the microbial signatures of children of parents with periodontitis. Plaque control did not modulate this pathogenic pattern, attesting to the microbiome's resistance to change once it has been established. This study highlights the critical role played by parental disease in microbial colonization patterns in their offspring and the early acquisition of periodontitis-related species and underscores the need for greater surveillance and preventive measures in families of periodontitis patients.

Health behavior and nutritional status according to the presence or absence of periodontal disease

Health behavior and nutritional status according to the presence or absence of periodontal disease

Microbiological findings of the maternal periodontitis associated to low birthweight.

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine the association between the presence of periodontal pathogens and low birthweight.MethodsThis observational and case-control study consisted of mothers of infants weighing <2,500g (Group A), and mothers of newborns weighing ≥2,500g (Group B), born at Hospital da Mulher in Feira de Santana (BA), Brazil. A semi-structured questionnaire covering demographic data, gestational history and aspects related to general and oral health was employed postpartum. Following a complete periodontal examination, biofilm samples were collected at six sites in the mouth. The participants were further categorized in terms of presence or absence of periodontitis. Differences between the groups were determined using Pearson’s χ 2 test, odds ratio, and confidence intervals were obtained using the Mantel-Haenszel test.ResultsAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia and Prevotella intermedia were detected by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 303 postpartum women were evaluated, 224 (73.9%) in Group B. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found for age, body mass index and history of previous low birthweight babies. Group A had a higher frequency of periodontitis (33.34%) than Group B (16.22%). P. gingivalis and P. intermedia were detected more frequently among women with periodontitis (74.19% and 88.70%, respectively).ConclusionIn this population, there was no association between the presence of maternal periodontal pathogens and the occurrence of low birthweight infants.