Bleeding Gums Research Articles

Oral health-related quality of life among diabetic patients in a tertiary facility: A comparative study

Background: Diabetic patients display an increased risk of oral disorders and reduced oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This study aimed to compare the OHRQoL among diabetic and non-diabetic patients attending a tertiary health facility in Lagos State. Methods: A descriptive comparative study involving 110 participants, each recruited from the Diabetes and Outpatient clinics in a tertiary hospital, using simple random sampling. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection, which included socio-demographic characteristics, oral complaints, glycaemic control, periodontal status and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) to determine the OHRQoL. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of OHRQoL, and p-value was set at ≤ 0.05 for significance. Results: The most commonly reported oral complaint was bleeding gums (55.5% in Diabetics, 20.0% in Non-Diabetics), while the least reported was bad breath/mouth odour (12.7% in diabetics, 2.7% in non-diabetics). The mean OHRQoL of the diabetic participants was 9.9 ± 12.3, which is higher than the 6.2 ± 8.8 for non-diabetics. This trend was consistent across all OHIP-14 subscales, with non-diabetics showing significantly lower mean OHRQoL in psychological discomfort (p = 0.004), psychological disability (p = 0.009), social disability (p = 0.013), and handicap (p = 0.001). Diabetic respondents also showed a higher negative impact on OHRQoL in healthy periodontal status, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Conclusion: A significantly increased OHRQoL was observed in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Therefore, routine oral health screening is advocated for all diabetic patients to ensure improvement in their overall quality of life and glycaemic control.

CLINICAL AND PARACLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER DURING PREGNANCY AT MILITARY HOSPITAL 103 IN 2023

Objectives: To describe clinical and paraclinical characteristics of Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) during pregnancy at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Hospital 103 in 2023. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 162 pregnant patients diagnosed with DHF and treated at the Department of Infectious Diseases during the 2023 epidemic (from January 2023 to December 2023). Results: The average age was 28.92 ± 5.64 years old, and the average gestational age was 18.98 ± 16.75 weeks. Clinical characteristics: Fever was 84.4%; headache and eye socket pain was 76.5%; bleeding gums was 8.6% and abnormal vaginal bleeding was 2.5%; pleural or peritoneal effusion was 7.4%. Paraclinical characteristics: Decreased white blood cell (WBC) (< 4 G/L) was 28.4%, decreased platelet (< 150 G/L) was 69.1%. The first-trimester group had the highest average hematocrit (HCT) (%) and WBC (p < 0.05), and the second-trimester group had the lowest average platelet (p < 0.05) compared to other groups. Blood biochemistry tests showed increased AST (≥ 40 U/L) and ALT (≥ 40 U/L) in 46.7% and 49.3% of cases, respectively. The third-trimester group had the highest average AST and ALT compared to other groups (p < 0.01). Disease severity was classified as DHF with warning signs in 24.7% of cases and severe DHF in 1.8% of cases. The third-trimester group had the highest rate of DHF with warning signs and severe DHF (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Pregnant women with DHF exhibit different clinical and paraclinical characteristics depending on the stage of pregnancy. The third-trimester group experienced more severe liver injury and disease severity compared to the first and second-trimester groups.

Awareness of periodontitis and its relationship with systemic health among undergraduate medical students at a teaching hospital in Nepal: A cross-sectional study.

Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease primarily caused by bacterial plaque, but may be affected by the host immune response, diabetes, inadequate nutrition, smoking and stress. The systemic implications of periodontitis, particularly its associations with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and respiratory infections, highlight the importance of medical students acquiring in-depth insight into this condition. This knowledge is essential for promoting both oral and general health in the public. To assess the awareness of periodontitis and its relationship with systemic health among undergraduate medical students at a teaching hospital in Nepal. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to assess awareness of periodontitis and its relationship with systemic health. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3rd-, 4th-, and final-year medical students and interns at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, from January 2024 to March 2024. The data were analyzed via descriptive statistics in SPSS version 27. A total of 218 participants were included in the study with a mean age of 24.03 ± 1.85 years. The majority (76.1%) of the students were male. Approximately 95.9% (209) of the participants had heard of term periodontitis. The majority of participants identified bad breath (83.5%), gum recession (78.4%), bleeding gums (85.3%), and loose teeth (71.1%) as symptoms of periodontitis, with more than 80% correctly recognizing gum recession in all groups except for 3rd-year students (52.8%). The majority of the students were aware of the risk factors associated with periodontitis. There was a notable gap in the recognition of symptoms, risk factors, and systemic links related to periodontitis among 3rd year students compared with 4th year, final year students and interns. This highlights the need for improved education on the topic among 3rd and 4th year medical students.

Impact of an oral care intervention protocol on oral health outcomes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation or chemoradiation therapy

BackgroundHead and neck cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy may experience a notable and frequently sudden decline in their oral health. These alterations include oral mucositis that develops during and shortly after treatment, candida infections, trouble speaking, difficulty eating, bleeding gums, and tissue fibrosis.Materials and methodsThis study aimed to determine the effectiveness of oral care intervention protocol (OCIP) on oral health and oral complications. The experimental group received a structured oral care protocol, and the control group received oral care as per the standard of care of the study setting. These patients were observed every week for up to 6 weeks until the completion of radiation therapy/chemoradiation. An experimental design using a randomized controlled trial was adopted for the study. After providing informed consent, the data were collected from 80 head and neck cancer patients.ResultsThe maximum number of patients, i.e., 42.5% in the experimental group and 32.5% in the control group, were diagnosed with tongue cancer. Most of the participants, i.e., 57.5% in the experimental group and 67.5% in the control group, received chemoradiation as the treatment plan. Among all the oral complications, the median days to develop mucositis (p =.015), swallowing difficulty (p =.009), and chewing difficulty (p =.032) were significantly different from those of the control, indicating that the intervention was effective. As treatment progressed over the weeks, the severity of the oral problems increased in both groups (p =.001). Compared with routine care, oral care intervention improved oral health scores among cancer patients receiving head and neck radiation therapy/chemoradiation [F (401.982), p =.001].ConclusionThese data suggest that the OCIP is clinically helpful in maintaining overall oral health among cancer patients receiving head and neck radiation/chemoradiation. The OCIP effectively delays the incidence of oral complications arising from head and neck radiation therapy/chemotherapy but does not prevent them. The findings of this study can also contribute to providing evidence for the use of an oral care kit, including all evidence-based interventions for patients receiving head and neck radiation/chemoradiation.

Periodontal diseases, potential mediators and development of liver fat content: a community-based large cohort.

A high level of liver fat content (LFC) is a key indicator of steatotic liver disease (SLD), reflecting its pathological essence. Periodontal disease (PD) recognized as a chronic inflammatory condition and cause a widespread adverse health impact. This study aims to investigate the relationship between PD and LFC development. In the UK Biobank, PD were gathered through a digital questionnaire, including gum pain, gum bleed, or teeth loose. LFC was measured by Fatty Liver Index (>60 indicates SLD) in cross-sectional analysis and by magnetic resonance imaging (quantified by Proton Density Fat Fraction, PDFF) in longitudinal analysis. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were conducted to investigate the association of PD and LFC. In cross-sectional analysis, 164,150 (37.4%) individuals were diagnosed with SLD, and PD showed a significant association with SLD (odds ratio: 1.104, 95% CI: 1.075-1.132). In prospective analysis, a total of 39,656 participants with a median follow-up of 10.3 years were included. PD showed an arithmetic mean difference of 0.091 in PDFF (95% CI: 0.047-0.139), with males exhibiting a stronger association than females (P for interaction <0.05). Significant mediating effects were observed for body mass index (19.58%), C-reactive protein (11.61%), blood glucose (6.70%), and healthy diet score (5.99%) between PD and PDFF (P for all <0.001). There was a pronounced correlation between PD and LFC, with males predominantly driving this link. This correlation may be partially mediated by body fat, inflammation, dietary habit, and insulin resistance.

Reevaluating Dengue Management: Insights Into Fever Trends, Thrombocytopenia, and Clinical Outcomes.

Introduction Dengue fever remains a major public health challenge in endemic regions, leading to significant hospital admissions and resource utilization. This study aimed to analyze the clinical course of dengue, focusing on fever trends, thrombocytopenia, hematocrit fluctuations, and bleeding manifestations. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted on 135 confirmed dengue patients admitted to Alkhidmat Raazi Hospital, a secondary care hospital in Rawalpindi, which is a dengue-endemic region. Clinical and laboratory data, including fever patterns, platelet counts, hematocrit levels, and total leukocyte count trends, were recorded over the course of the illness. Patient outcomes and symptomatology were analyzed to determine the necessity of hospitalization. Results Among 135 patients, 118 (87.4%) had uncomplicated dengue fever, while 12 (8.9%) developed dengue hemorrhagic fever. Despite all patients experiencing thrombocytopenia at some stage, 19 (14.1%) had platelet counts below 20,000/µL without any bleeding. Fever trends followed a biphasic pattern, with resolution observed in 101 (74.5%) patients by day 10. A total of 38 (28.1%) patients remained afebrile for over 72 hours despite a declining platelet count, indicating fever resolution independent of thrombocytopenia. The median length of hospital stay was three days (range: 1-10 days), with 107 (79.3%) patients having no comorbidities. Bleeding manifestations were seen in 22 (16.3%) patients, with nasal bleeding in eight (36.3%) and gum bleeding in six (27.2%) patients. Conclusion This study reinforces the idea that hospital admissions for dengue should not be based solely on platelet counts. Structured outpatient monitoring could help reduce unnecessary admissions, optimizing healthcare resources. Future studies should explore home-based care models to improve dengue management.

Oral health of pregnant women and possibilities for improving oral health prophylaxis in Lithuania.

The aim of the study was to identify potential areas for improvement in the prevention of oral diseases in pregnant women by assessing their oral care habits and awareness regarding oral health. An original, anonymous, web-based survey was conducted among women at any stage of pregnancy. The survey consisted of 23 questions regarding oral care habits, knowledge about oral health of mother and child, general and oral health changes, and attendance of oral healthcare services during pregnancy. The data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 27.0 version software. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyse the data. The level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 714 pregnant women participated in the study, with a mean (SD) age of 30.2 (4.4) years. Majority of the respondents demonstrated acceptable oral health-related knowledge and habits. A lack of interdental care among pregnant women was discovered. Nearly a third (27.6%) of the respondents reported a decline in their oral health during pregnancy. The most commonly reported general and oral health issues during pregnancy were increased stomach acid levels (71.3%) and gum bleeding (43.3%). Pregnant women were most frequently informed about the importance of oral care by an obstetrician-gynaecologist (25.4%). The study revealed the need for targeted interventions to enhance oral health awareness and practices among pregnant women in Lithuania. While overall oral hygiene habits were acceptable, deficiencies in interdental care and knowledge regarding oral health during pregnancy were evident. Higher level of education and urban residency were associated with superior oral care practices of pregnant women. In order to improve oral health of mother and child, interdisciplinary collaboration and dissemination of accessible, evidence-based information are essential.

Lupus anticoagulant-hypoprothrombinemia syndrome presenting as bleeding diathesis – A study of two cases

Lupus anticoagulant (LA)-hypoprothrombinemia syndrome is a combination of acquired factor II (FII) deficiency and LA. Herein, we report two young females presenting with a clinical history of menorrhagia, epistaxis, and gum bleeding with prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. The inhibitor screen suggested the presence of an immediate-acting inhibitor; tests for the presence of LA were positive. Factor assays performed showed low FII levels. Early diagnosis of this entity is crucial as it results in fatal complications due to bleeding.

The association between oral health and risk behaviours of university students.

Young adults are exposed to a variety of risk-related behaviours such as alcohol, smoking, and changes in dietary habits, which may result in unknown outcomes in their oral health. There is limited evidence on whether different risk behaviours are associated with oral health behaviours in the university student population. This study gathers data on the behaviours of students in their first year of university, which will inform the future development of oral health behaviour change interventions for this population. This longitudinal quantitative survey involved 205 first-year students aged 18-24 at the University of Manchester. Students completed online questionnaires at baseline and again at a 6-month follow-up interval, providing information regarding self-reported oral health status, hygiene routines, and risk behaviours (e.g., diet, smoking, alcohol). The findings showed associations between oral health behaviours with risk behaviours, including links with oral care routines, bleeding gums, brushing frequency, with exercise, vaping, and unhealthy food and drink intake. Significant changes over the two-time points were also observed, including the worsening of the self-reported condition of the teeth (p < 0.001), a reduction in the self-reported condition of the gums (p = 0.004), a decrease in brushing frequency (p = 0.003), fewer regular dental visits (p = 0.013), more students intending to visit their previous dentist rather than finding a new dentist at university (p = 0.026), and greater consumption of unhealthy non-alcoholic drinks (p = 0.003). Positive changes over time included reduced frequency and units of alcohol consumption (p = 0.030 and p = 0.001), fewer instances of binge drinking (p = 0.014), and less frequent consumption of unhealthy foods (p = 0.034). The findings highlighted the complex relationship between oral health and risk behaviours in this demographic. Poorer oral health behaviours were linked to engagement in risk behaviours. Thus, oral health behaviours should be targeted alongside other risk behaviours, and tailored interventions should be developed to improve behaviours among university students.

Self-Reported Dental Health Perception, its Consequences and Utilization of Oral Health Services among School Going Adolescent Girls in a Selective School of Dhaka Mohanagar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Oral health is an essential part of overall health and quality of life. The aim of the study was to assess the self-reported perception of dental condition, its consequences and utilization of oral health services among school girls in a selective secondary school of Dhaka Mohanagar. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 155 adolescents’ girls aged between 15 to 18 years at Siddheswari Girls’ High School, Dhaka in December 2023 using a convenient sampling method. After obtaining informed written consent from participants, data were collected through face-to-face interview using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire (Bengali language) regarding sociodemographic characteristics, self-perception of dental health condition &amp; its consequences and utilization of oral health services. Collected data were edited and analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 27. Descriptive statistics presented by frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and bivariate analysis was done by Chi-square test (level of significance &lt;.05). Results: The sample comprised adolescents’ girl aged 15 to 18 years (M = 17.03, SD = 1.12, 95% CI [16.85, 17.21]). A majority of the students (68.4%) were in the 17-18 age group, while 31.6% were 15-16 years old. Regarding educational status, nearly half of the students (49.7%) were in 10th grade and all were belonged from (89.7%) Muslim and (92.3%) nuclear families. Moreover, the most of students mentioned their monthly family’s income (49.68%) reported income between 30,000 and 49,999 Taka. Regarding self-reported perceived dental condition (table 2), the majority of students reported their teeth to be in average (45.2%) or good (40.6%) condition. In addition, most of girls rated their gum condition as good (45.8%) or average (40.6%). Whereas, the most prevalent consequence was dental sensitivity and pain (56.4%) often, and 21.3% reported it sometimes and gum bleeding during tooth brushing was reported as occurring sometimes by 47.8% and often by 13.0%. Most of students (70.3%) reported never visited to dentist. For the 46 students who had visited a dentist, the most common reason was for dental fillings (47.8%), followed by scaling (26.1%) and tooth extraction (21.7%). Alarmingly, only 14.8% of students reported having access to such programs, while the vast majority (85.2%) did not. There is statistically signification association found between age with last visit to dentist (&lt;.050), reason for receiving dental treatment (&lt;.070), periodic oral health checkup by school authority (&lt; .001); and class (&lt; .001) &amp; Monthly family income (&lt;.001) with periodic oral health checkup by school authority. Conclusion: School authority should take necessary steps to promote oral health classrooms and enhance periodic school based oral health programs biannually for achieving optimal oral health. Journal of Dentistry and Allied Science, Vol. 7 No 2: 8-18

Clinical and demographic profiling of snakebite envenomation in a tertiary care centre in northern India

BackgroundSnake bites are a major cause of emergency visits in tropical countries like India, with actual mortality and morbidity likely higher due to underreporting. The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical and demographic profiles of snake bites at the Department of Emergency Medicine, AIIMS Rishikesh, over two years (July 2021 to July 2023).MethodsPatients aged over 18 with witnessed or suspected snake bites were included. Data on demographics, clinical history, laboratory parameters, treatment, and outcomes were collected.ResultsMost patients were male (68.3%) and aged 31–50 years (35.6%). Farmers made up 57.4% of the cohort. Bites occurred mostly in the evening (46.5%) and during the monsoon (71.3%). Symptoms varied: 48.5% were asymptomatic, 31.7% had hemotoxic symptoms, and 15.8% experienced neurotoxic symptoms, including ptosis. Hemotoxic bites frequently involved bleeding at the bite site (93.8%) and gum bleeding (46.9%). Local complications were noted in 7.9% of cases. Neuroparalytic bites required ventilatory support in 62.5%. Blood products were administered to 31% of patients with hemotoxic bites, hemodialysis to 19%, and plasmapheresis and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to 6.3%. Out of the 69 symptomatic patients (68.3%) who received anti-snake venom (ASV), 28 (40.6%) patients developed adverse reactions.ConclusionThis study provides a detailed analysis of suspected snakebites in Uttarakhand and surrounding areas, highlighting the importance of early recognition, prompt treatment, and timely referral to prevent fatalities. The administration of anti-snake venom (ASV) is identified as the most critical intervention, though lack of awareness in rural areas complicates management. The study calls for targeted public health campaigns to educate communities about early snakebite recognition and the role of ASV. It also stresses the need for region-specific protocols and improved healthcare access, emphasizing the importance of referral systems for advanced interventions like hemodialysis and intubation. Overall, the study advocates for enhanced public awareness and healthcare infrastructure to reduce snakebite incidence and mortality in rural populations.

Oral health conditions and unmet need among Chinese male adults: a national oral health survey

BackgroundBased on the present global burden of oral diseases, unmet dental needs affect a more significant population worldwide. It is characterized by the need for dental care but receiving delayed or no care. Contributing factors include a lack of knowledge about oral health, its consequences, and the availability of dental services. We need to find out the scale of the problem of unmet dental needs of Chinese male adults. Therefore, the aim was to determine the relationship between the presence of oral conditions and the quality of life-related to oral health.MethodsA total of 46,439 Chinese male adults were recruited to the study between August 2022 and October 2023. The questionnaire was administered using standard procedures. This questionnaire sought to gather various types of information, including basic demographic details, oral health status, and specific oral care needs. To gain insight into the frequency and types of oral conditions in our study population, a thorough clinical oral examination was performed. For data interpretation and evaluation, descriptive statistics and Chi square tests were utilized, with a significant level of 5%.ResultsThe study results indicated that one of the most prevalent oral conditions was oral surface calculus, which was noted in 22,263 (47.94%) participants. The rate of bleeding gums was 6289 (13.54%), with a range of oral diseases such as dental ulcer (1488; 3.2%), trauma (1342; 2.89%), gingivitis (814; 1.75%), pericoronitis (786; 1.69%), and cheilitis (527; 1.13%). The study population reported a 22.41% prevalence of dental caries, with an additional 15.59% of participants having untreated caries. A significant portion of participants (54.62%) expressed a strong need for oral healthcare treatment, with 79.11% self-reporting their need for regular checkups. Furthermore, 81.09% of participants expressed a desire to receive knowledge guidance.ConclusionsApproximately one-fourth of the participants had caries, revealing that age, occupation and location influenced their oral health. Most participants expressed the need for oral treatment, checkups, and knowledge support, stressing the importance of accessibility and availability of oral health services. By specifically targeting age groups and addressing common oral conditions, oral health can be enhanced. Planning strategies should consider demographic factors to maximize impact.

Fast unmasking toxicity of safe personal care products.

Fast unmasking toxicity of safe personal care products.

Investigating the impact of Terminalia chebula, an underutilized functional fruit, on oral squamous cell carcinoma: Exploring cell death mechanisms.

Investigating the impact of Terminalia chebula, an underutilized functional fruit, on oral squamous cell carcinoma: Exploring cell death mechanisms.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Mouthwash Containing Spilanthol and Cannabidiol on Improving Oral Health in Patients with Gingivitis-Clinical Trial.

Background/Objectives: Plaque-associated gingivitis is widely regarded as a local inflammatory condition initiated by the accumulation of a non-specific dental biofilm in the interaction with the host immune system. The initial symptom noticed by the patient is bleeding gums. The use of mouthwash can serve to supplement mechanotherapy. However, there is an increasing interest in mouthwashes comprising natural ingredients, including cannabidiol (CBD) and spilanthol. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an oral rinse containing spilanthol and CBD oil compared to a rinse containing tea tree oil on the oral microbiota and the values of selected oral status indicators in patients with gingivitis. Methods: The study included 40 patients treated with a rinse containing tea tree oil (TTO)/TTO + spilanthol + CBD for a period of 42 days. Patients rinsed their mouth twice daily for 30 s. The patients' oral microbiome was assessed before and after treatment, and bleeding on probing (BOP) and approximal plaque index (API) were assessed. The study was double-blind. Results: API and BOP were reduced in all groups, both the test and control. The most significant decrease in baseline BOP-1 scores was observed in test groups A and D (p = 0.005062 and p = 0.005062, respectively). A significant difference in API improvement was observed between the initial and final visits in the test (A, D) and control (B, C) groups (p = 0.012516, p = 0.005062, p = 0.004028, p = 0.003172, respectively). Conclusions: Firstly, the use of a mouthwash containing cannabidiol (CBD) and spilanthol was demonstrated to be efficacious in the maintenance of oral microbiota homeostasis. Secondly, the combination of TTO with spilanthol and CBD in the rinse was shown to result in a more significant reduction in selected oral health parameters (BOP and API) and anti-inflammatory effects when compared to a rinse with TTO alone. It should be noted that this is a pilot study and will continue.

The influence of smoking on periodontal health: A case–control study in Afghanistan

AbstractBackgroundPeriodontal disease, a prevalent oral health condition, is exacerbated by smoking, which accelerates tissue destruction and complicates disease management. This study investigates the association between smoking and periodontal health by comparing key periodontal indicators between smokers and nonsmokers in Afghanistan, where smoking prevalence is rising.MethodsA case–control study was conducted at Ghalib University Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, involving male participants aged 15–50 years. Smokers with stage II or III periodontitis, as defined by the clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD) criteria, were included in the case group, while nonsmokers without signs of periodontitis were assigned to the control group. Periodontal assessments included PPD, CAL, and bleeding on probing (BOP). The data were analyzed to evaluate differences in periodontal health indicators between the two groups and to assess the association between smoking duration and periodontal severity.ResultsSmokers exhibited significantly worse periodontal health compared to nonsmokers. Mean PPD was 3.8 mm in smokers versus 2.5 mm in nonsmokers, and mean CAL was 2.9 mm in smokers compared to 1.7 mm in nonsmokers (p &lt; 0.001 for both measures). Additionally, smokers showed a reduced BOP score, with bleeding observed in only 45% of sites among smokers versus 78% among nonsmokers, indicating a masking effect of nicotine on gingival inflammation. Longer smoking duration was associated with more severe periodontal damage, with increased PPD and CAL values.ConclusionThis study underscores the negative impact of smoking on periodontal health, particularly in populations with limited access to dental care. The findings support the need for integrating smoking cessation programs into oral healthcare strategies to mitigate periodontal disease progression among smokers. Public health initiatives should prioritize smoking prevention and cessation, particularly in underserved regions with high smoking prevalence.Plain Language SummarySmoking has a major impact on oral health, specifically by worsening periodontal (gum) disease. This study aimed to understand how smoking affects gum health by comparing smokers and nonsmokers in Afghanistan. Periodontal disease is a common condition in which the structures that support the teeth become inflamed and, if untreated, can lead to tooth loss. This study involved examining the gums of 122 participants, some of whom smoked while others did not. Several indicators of gum health were measured, such as probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing.The findings revealed that smokers showed significantly worse gum health than nonsmokers. Smokers had deeper pockets around their teeth, more attachment loss, and less gum bleeding, which can make it harder to detect early signs of disease. These results confirm that smoking is a serious risk factor for periodontal disease, suggesting that quitting smoking could be key to improving oral health. This research highlights the importance of public health programs focusing on smoking prevention and cessation to reduce periodontal disease risk in communities where smoking rates are high.

Genetic risk factors for periodontitis: a genome-wide association study using UK Biobank data

ObjectivesPeriodontitis is linked with many health conditions, but its genetic basis is not yet understood. This genome-wide association study (GWAS) aimed to investigate the genetic variants associated with periodontitis.Materials and methodsThis study utilised UK Biobank participants of European descent. Individuals were categorised as “having periodontitis” if they self-reported having ‘painful gums’, ‘bleeding gums’ or ‘loose teeth’ (n = 68,482), or as “controls” for those without these symptoms (n = 307,342). We conducted GWAS of this binary periodontitis phenotype using logistic regression models with PLINK2.0 adjusting for age, sex and the first 15 principal components to account for population stratification.ResultsThere were 376,611 participants (mean baseline age = 57 ± 7.9 SD) included in the GWAS, and four significant loci were identified: rs775476621 on chromosome 11 (Odds Ratio, OR[T]: 3.08, p = 1.01 × 10− 8), rs751014048 on chromosome 11 (OR[G]: 3.07, p = 1.04 × 10− 8), rs149922301 on chromosome 4 near gene RP11-61G19.1 (OR[A]: 1.18, p = 2.71 × 10− 8) and rs368467810 on chromosome 6 near gene HIST1H3L (OR[TTTA]: 0.96, p = 3.88 × 10− 8).ConclusionsWithin the current limitations, such as self-reported phenotype and older age of the study population, four loci were detected for periodontitis that have not previously been linked with this condition. Further exploration of the function of these loci may contribute to improved understanding of periodontitis aetiology and subsequent drug development.Clinical relevanceThese findings offer new targets for future research to investigate the genetic impact on periodontitis and aid the future understanding of periodontitis pathology and the disease’s progression.

Effect of the Darolac® (Oralis SB®) Probiotic Formulation on Oral Health: A Narrative Review.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are prevalent periodontal conditions associated with dysbiosis of the oral cavity, which leads to inflammation and bleeding of gums, loss of tooth attachment, and degradation of the underlying bone structure. The standard adjunctive treatment for periodontal conditions, chlorhexidine mouthwash, is effective but is associated with several side effects. Probiotics have been explored as an alternative solution that promotes oral health by restoring homeostasis in the oral cavity. This review presents a summary of clinical trials using the Darolac® (Oralis SB®) probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell®-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell®-11, Bifidobacterium longum Rosell®-175 and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079) as a mouthwash to support the maintenance of oral health or the restoration of its balance. In reviewed studies, Darolac® is compared to a placebo or other common solutions for periodontal conditions, including chlorhexidine mouthwash. Studies show that Darolac® is as effective or even superior to other available solutions, which supports its use as an effective adjuvant to oral health. The effects of Darolac® on the reduction in oral pathogens and markers of oral dysbiosis are reviewed, and the association between periodontitis, inflammation, and systemic diseases, as well as their implications and the use of probiotics in the periodontal field, are discussed.

A Cross-sectional Study Investigating the Oral Health Status of Adult and Elderly Swiss Community-Dwellers.

To evaluate the oral health status of community-dwellers ≥ 45 years of age in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. Data were collected using a questionnaire (including sociodemographic factors, medical history, oral health behaviour) and a clinical examination comprising caries, periodontal disease, oral hygiene, and prosthetic rehabilitation. χ2/Fisher's tests and Cochrane Armitage trend tests as well as a binary logistic regression were performed to assess the association between oral disease presence (i.e., periodontal disease [PSI (periodontal screening index) score 3-4] and/or active dental caries [ICDAS 4-6, root ICDAS 2]) and the independent variables. A total of 275 participants were included in the present study: 154 (56%) males and 121 (44%) females, with a mean age of 69.7 years (SD 11.6). The majority presented with good oral health behaviour; 221 (86%) brushed their teeth at least twice daily, 196 (79%) had regular dental visits. Nevertheless, 82 (32%) participants presented with an approximal plaque index of > 50%. The older age groups and participants with bleeding gums had higher odds of having active dental caries and/or periodontal disease (65-74 years - OR 2.88 [95% CI 1.33-6.25], ≥75 years - OR 2.60 [95% CI 1.17-5.78], bleeding gums OR 3.52 [95% CI 1.07-11.50]). The present study shows an association between age, oral hygiene, and the presence of active caries and periodontal disease. The study highlights the importance of good oral hygiene maintenance, especially in older adults.

Association Between Oral Health Complaints and Nutritional Status among Patients with Cancer: A Study Utilising the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form.

Oral health problems in patients with cancer can substantially affect their quality of life, treatment outcomes, and overall nutritional well-being. This study investigated the relationship between nutritional status and self-reported oral health complaints in patients with cancer. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with cancer at the King Saud University Medical City Oncology Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patients' nutritional status was assessed using the mini nutritional assessment short form (MNA-SF), and self-reported oral health problems were documented. Data were analysed using the Chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression. This study included 200 participants who completed both the MNA-SF assessment and self-reported their oral health complaints. Common oral health problems included xerostomia (81%), bleeding gums (60.5%), toothaches (35%), and mouth ulcers (24%). Malnourished individuals reported higher rates of all oral complaints, with 54% of them experiencing bleeding gums, 50% reporting toothaches, and 54% experiencing speech problems. Notably, 71% of malnourished patients reported mouth ulcers (P 0.05). Regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association (P 0.05) between xerostomia and the 'At risk of malnutrition' group, with an odds ratio of 1.004 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.411-2.449). In the 'Malnourished' category, mouth ulcers showed a statistically significant association (P 0.05) with an odds ratio of 1.402 (95% CI: 0.409-4.800). Our findings highlighted statistically significant correlations between nutritional status, as assessed using the MNA-SF, and oral health complaints in patients with cancer. Well-nourished individuals reported fewer oral complaints, whereas malnourished patients reported a higher prevalence of oral health issues.