Gingival Index Research Articles

Probing the salivary proteome for prognostic biomarkers in response to non-surgical periodontal therapy.

This prospective study investigated the salivary proteome before and after periodontal therapy. Ten systemically healthy, non-smoking, stage III, grade C periodontitis patients underwent non-surgical periodontal treatment. Full-mouth periodontal parameters were measured, and saliva (n = 30) collected pre- (T0), and one (T1) and six (T6) months post-treatment. The proteome was investigated by label-free quantitative proteomics. Protein expression changes were modelled over time, with significant protein regulation considered at false discovery rate <0.05. Treatment significantly reduced bleeding scores, percentages of sites with pocket depth ≥5 mm, plaque and gingival indexes. One thousand seven hundred and thirteen proteins were identified and 838 proteins (human = 757, bacterial = 81) quantified (≥2 peptides). At T1, 80 (T1 vs. T0: 60↑:20↓), and at T6, 118 human proteins (T6 vs. T0: 67↑:51↓) were regulated. The salivary proteome at T6 versus T1 remained stable. Highest protein activity post- versus pre-treatment was observed for cellular movement and inflammatory response. The small proline-rich protein 3 (T1 vs. T0: 5.4-fold↑) and lymphocyte-specific protein 1 (T6 vs. T0: 4.6-fold↓) were the top regulated human proteins. Proteins from Neisseria mucosa and Treponema socranskii (T1 vs. T0: 8.0-fold↓, 4.9-fold↓) were down-regulated. Periodontal treatment reduced clinical disease parameters and these changes were reflected in the salivary proteome. This underscores the potential of utilizing saliva biomarkers as prognostic tools for monitoring treatment outcomes.

Impact of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on the Oral Health of Children –A Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM), is a metabolic disorder occurring when there is decreased production of insulin hormone or if there is poor body response to it. Type 1 DM is most common in children and adolescents and has a strong impact on their lifestyle. Conflicting evidence is available in the scientific literature on caries prevalence in children with diabetes and healthy children. Many studies have also reported higher plaque accumulation with greater gingival index scores in children with diabetes. Diabetes Mellitus plays a very noteworthy role in oral complications and therefore it becomes important for health practitioners to take good care of these children’s general and oral hygiene.

Evaluation of E-max Porcelain Veneer Failures: A Retrospective Study.

Aim This retrospective study aimed to evaluate if E-max veneers over five years caused changes in gingival, periodontal health, and veneer failures. Background As aesthetic dentistry progresses, dental veneers are becoming increasingly popular in both general and specialized dental practices. Due to technological advancements in dental ceramics and adhesive systems, porcelain veneers have become a highly sought-after solution for improving aesthetics in dental patients. The success of porcelain laminate veneers, a commonly used method for aesthetic restoration, relies on various factors. E-max veneers are frequently utilized, with their long-term durability contingent upon factors such as color stability, resistance to abrasion, as well as good compressive, tensile, and shear strength, along with maintaining marginal integrity. Methodology In this study, data was collected through a checklist form used to record clinical parameters. The clinical parameters evaluated were inflammation and bleeding on probing (BOP). The gingival health was evaluated by gingival index, gingival color, texture, and bleeding on probing, and periodontal health was evaluated by the pocket depth and radiographic evaluations. Finally, the veneer was visually inspected for chipping, staining, and debonding history. The score for most of the cases ranged between 0-1, with only 10 cases displaying moderate gingival inflammation and BOP (Gingival Index 2). Siemens Orthopantomogram (OPG) systems were used for radiological evaluation and documentation of cases. E-max porcelain veneers were only included in the research. Results Out of 28 patients, each with 6-to-10-unit veneer cases was examined, 18 patients (64.3%) displayed healthy gingival status with no bleeding area recorded in none of the veneers amongst the 6 to 10 units. In 10 patients (35.7%) most of the veneers had inflamed gingival tissue that was bleeding on probing. The majority revealed the presence of stippling (92.9%), absence of recession (96.4%), and pocket depth (67.9%). Half of our participants had their veneer for more than five years (50%) and the majority presented with no significant changes in veneer recorded like marginal staining, debonding, or chipping (89.3%). Conclusion Multiple factors such as patient selection, proper treatment planning, and design, including material selection, play a significant role in the long-lasting success of ceramic veneers. The retrospective study indicated that proper oral hygiene measures are vital for the long-term sustainability of E max veneers.

The effects of an integrated supportive programme on oral health in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy: A randomized controlled trial.

This study determines the effect of an integrated 12-month follow-up support programme on the oral health of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who received radiotherapy (RT). Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 47) or a control group (n = 45). The intervention group received usual care and an integrated supportive programme, which included face-to-face education and telephone coaching. The control group received usual care. After a clinical dental examination, the prevalence of caries, gingival inflammation and plaque were registered. Oral health impact profile (OHIP)-14 and the WHO Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults were used to evaluate oral health in both groups. A total of 79 participants completed a 12-month follow-up. The intervention group had lower caries increment between baseline and the 12-month follow-up compared with controls, although this was not statistically significant. After 12 months, the intervention group had statistically significant better outcomes in the plaque index (p = 0.038) and the OHIP-14 (p = 0.002) than the control group. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups concerning gingival index. However, the intervention group reported an overall better state of teeth (p = 0.034) and gums after 12 months (p = 0.042). The integrated supportive programme showed positive effects on improving oral health in patients with HNC regarding plaque control, the state of teeth and gums and oral health-related quality of life during the 12-month follow-up.

Comparison of oral health status, oral hygiene management behaviours and satisfaction of patients with fixed orthodontic appliance and clear aligner: A quasi-experimental design.

This study aimed to determine the overall oral health statuses of patients with fixed orthodontic appliance and clear aligner, as well as their oral hygiene management behaviours and satisfaction. We selected 40 participants (20 each with fixed orthodontic devices and clear aligners) who visited a dental clinic. We conducted a survey to determine the oral hygiene management behaviours of the subjects and their satisfaction with their orthodontic treatment. Three measurements were also conducted at 4-week intervals to determine the oral health statuses of the subjects. The Löe and Silness gingival index of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances indicated moderate gingivitis (1.1 ± 0.3), and those with clear aligners had mild gingivitis (0.6 ± 0.4) (p < 0.001). The modified O'Leary index also indicated that the degree of dental plaque deposition in the oral cavity was lower in patients treated with a clear aligner (43.0 ± 18.2 points) than in those treated with a fixed orthodontic (28.1 ± 10.9 points) (p = 0.004). Regarding oral hygiene management, the fixed orthodontic group received scaling more frequently (p = 0.006), received more oral health education (p < 0.001) and had a longer brushing time (p = 0.008) than the clear aligner group. No significant difference was observed in satisfaction between the fixed orthodontic appliance and the clear aligner. Regarding the oral health status by orthodontic appliance type, the clear aligner group had the advantages of reduction in dental plaque attachment and gingival health. The fixed orthodontic group exhibited better oral hygiene management behaviours. Satisfaction with orthodontic treatment was found to be similar for the two device types.

Effectiveness of Surgical Periodontal Therapy in Oral Health-Related Quality of Life.

Background and objective The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the surrogate and true end points following surgical periodontal therapy using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Materials and methods The study included a total of 30 participants, comprising 15 males and 15 females aged between 25 and 50 years. All individuals who had undergone periodontal flap surgery for generalized chronic periodontitis at the Department of Periodontology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals were included in the study. The OHIP-14 questionnaire was used to assess the patient-centered outcomes (true end points) pre- and post-flap surgery at baseline and six months. Surrogate end points such as the clinical attachment level (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), and gingival index (GI) were recorded at baseline and six months pre- and post-flap surgery. Results Clinical parameters such as the GI (p=0.03*), CAL (p=0.03), and PPD (p=0.02*) showed a statistically significant improvement after surgery. Patient-centered outcomes showed statistically significant differences in terms of taste perception, reduction in pain sensation, improvement in self-consciousness and reduction in anxiety levels, diminution of the feeling of embarrassment and enhancement in the ability to relax due to problems associated with gums, and improvement in the workplace (p<0.05) post-operatively. Conclusion Surgical periodontal therapy plays a pivotal role in improving oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among patients with chronic periodontal disease. Utilizing OHIP-14 as an assessment tool enables a comprehensive evaluation of treatment outcomes, encompassing various dimensions of oral health impact. Patient-centered outcomes such as psychological discomfortand functional limitations can be achieved only by an interdisciplinary approach.

Clinical Use of Paraprobiotics for Pregnant Women with Periodontitis: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Periodontal disease is very common in pregnant women. Paraprobiotics are a subset of probiotics. They can be defined as inactivated microbial cells providing health benefits to the host and are considered particularly safe. The aim of this study was to compare the periodontal health of pregnant women and puerperae after 6 months of home use of paraprobiotics. A total of 30 pregnant women were enrolled and divided into two groups: the test group, who had to use a paraprobiotic-based toothpaste (Biorepair Peribioma Pro, Coswell S.p.A., Funo di Argelato, BO, Italy) and mousse (Mousse Mouthwash Biorepair Peribioma, Coswell S.p.A.) twice a day, and the control group, who had to use only the paraprobiotic-based toothpaste. The time frames of the study were: 1 month (T1), 3 months (T2) and 6 months (T3), and data were collected during pregnancy and in the period immediately following delivery. The following indices were evaluated at T0, T1, T2 and T3: clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque control record (PCR), modified marginal gingival index (mMGI), papillary marginal gingival index (PMGI) and recessions (R). All data were subjected to statistical analysis. PCR decreased significantly from T0 to T1 in the control group and from T0 to T2 and from T0 to T3 in the test group. BOP tended to decrease in both groups, but a significant reduction was observed only in the test group. CAL, PPD, PMGI and mMGI tended to decrease gradually in both groups without significant differences between or within groups. The combination of the paraprobiotic-based toothpaste and the paraprobiotic-based mousse significantly reduced BoP and plaque control over time, although there were no significant differences with the use of the paraprobiotic-based toothpaste alone. In addition, the combination of the two products promoted a trend towards the better stabilization of recessions.

Effect of sleeve gastrectomy on the levels of oral volatile sulfur compounds and halitosis-related bacteria

BackgroundThe association between sleeve gastrectomy and halitosis remains relatively unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of sleeve gastrectomy on halitosis and the oral bacterial species associated with halitosis in patients with obesity. MethodsThis was a prospective longitudinal cohort study that examined patients before and after sleeve gastrectomy and followed the patients at three time intervals (1, 3, and 6 months) after sleeve gastrectomy. Clinical periodontal measurements (plaque index [PI], gingival index [GI], and probing depth [PD]) were obtained. In addition, plaque samples were collected for quantification of the periodontopathogenic bacteria: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Fusobacterium nucleatum using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In addition, breath samples were collected to analyze the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), namely hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), and dimethyl sulfide (CH3SCH3), via portable gas chromatography (Oral Chroma™). ResultsOf the 43 patients initially included, 39 completed the study, with a mean age of 32.2 ± 10.4 years. For PI and GI repeated measurements one way analysis of variance showed a significant increase (p-value < 0.001 for both) one month after surgery, with mean values of 1.3 and 1.59, respectively, compared to the baseline. During the same period, the number of P. gingivalis increased, with a p-value = 0.04. Similarly, the levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH) increased significantly in the first month after surgery (p-value = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). ConclusionThis study demonstrated that sleeve gastrectomy may lead to increased halitosis one month post-surgery, attributed to elevated and P. gingivalis counts, contributing to the development of gingivitis in obese patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy. This emphasizes the importance of including oral health professionals in the multidisciplinary team for the management of patients undergoing bariatric surgery

The Effect of Nicotine-Containing Products on Peri-Implant Tissues: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Smokers have a higher chance of developing peri-implant diseases and are therefore considered an at-risk population. Our aim was to compare peri-implant characteristics in users of electronic cigarettes (EC), waterpipes (WP), cigarettes (CS), smokeless tobacco (ST), and nonsmokers (nonusers of any nicotine and tobacco product; NS). A systematic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL) was performed until April 2023, restricted to English language. Thirty-nine observational studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, of which 32 studies were included in a Bayesian network meta-analysis. Using a predesigned form, two researchers independently collected data about marginal bone loss (MBL), probing pocket depth (PPD), plaque index, bleeding on probing, modified plaque index, probing pocket depth > 4 mm (PPD > 4), gingival index, peri-implant sulcular fluid volume, and TNF-α and IL-1β levels. QUIPS and CINeMA were used to evaluate the risk of bias and certainty of evidence. Nonsmokers had the smallest MBL. Most nicotine-containing product users had significantly higher MBL (CS, mean difference [MD]: 1.34 credible interval [CrI]: 0.85, 1.79; WP, MD: 1.58 CrI: 0.84, 2.35; ST, MD: 2.53, CrI: 1.20, 3.87) than NS. Electronic cigarettes did not show significant difference compared to NS (MD: 0.52 CrI: -0.33, 1.36). In secondary outcomes, NS were ranked in first place. Subset analysis based on smoking habit, implant duration, and maintenance control revealed no differences in ranking probability. Most nicotine-containing product users presented worse peri-implant parameters compared to NS, while EC users did not show significant differences to NS in many outcomes. Alternative nicotine-containing products are gaining popularity and are often considered less harmful by the general public compared to traditional cigarettes. This is the first network meta-analysis comparing users of four nicotine-containing products and NS. This study shows that CS, WP, and ST have a detrimental effect on the overall health of peri-implant tissues. EC users also presented inferior parameters compared to NS; however, the difference was not significant in many outcomes. It is essential to educate patients who are using nicotine-containing products, and to provide proper maintenance and appropriate cessation support. Well-designed multiarmed studies are needed for direct comparison of different products, including heated tobacco products. Greater transparency of confounding factors is needed regarding smoking habit and oral hygiene.

Assessment of jaw bone mineral density, resorption rates, and oral health in patients with severe hemophilia: a case-control study.

Knowledge about oral hygiene, gingival bleeding, mineral density, and resorption of jaw bones in patients with hemophilia is limited. We evaluated the periodontal and bone status in such patients. Material and methods: Forty-eight patients with severe type A/B hemophilia and 49 age- and sex-matched controls were included. Assessments included simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), calculus index, debris index, gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding time index (GBTI), and decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFTI). Bone resorption was evaluated using panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mental index (MI), and alveolar crest ratio (ACR). Mineral density in the condyle, angulus, and premolar areas was assessed using fractal analysis, with fractal dimensions denoted as condyle fractal dimension (CFD) for the condyle, angulus fractal dimension (AFD) for angulus, and premolar fractal dimension (PFD) for premolar region. The mean scores were DMFTI = 11.77, OHI-S = 2.44, PMI = 0.268, MI = 5.822, GI = 3.02, GBTI = 2.64, ACR = 2.06, CFD = 1.31, AFD = 1.31, and PFD = 1.17 in the hemophilia group and DMFTI = 11.449, PMI = 0.494, MI = 7.43, GI = 0.67, GBTI = 0.98, OHI-S = 1.45, ACR = 2.87, CFD = 1.35, AFD = 1.35, and PDF = 1.23 in the control group. Differences were significant for all parameters (p < 0.005) except for the DMFTI index. Conclusions: Because of poor oral hygiene, high bone resorption, and low bone mineral density in these patients, clinicians should consider potential bone changes when planning to treat these patients.

Comparative effectiveness of Propolis with chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingivitis – a randomized controlled clinical study

BackgroundTo assess and compare the effectiveness of propolis mouthwash with chlorhexidine mouthwash in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis.MethodsA single centre, latin-square cross-over, double masked, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 45 chronic generalized gingivitis subjects who were chosen from the dental clinic of MAHSA University, Malaysia. A total of 45 subjects were randomly assigned into one of the three different groups (n = 15 each) using a computer-generated random allocation sequence: Group A Propolis mouthwash; Group B Chlorhexidine mouthwash; and Group C Placebo mouthwash. Supragingival plaque and gingival inflammation were assessed by full mouth Plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) at baseline and after 21 days. The study was divided into three phases, each phase lasted for 21 days separated by a washout period of 15 days in between them. Groups A, B and C were treated with 0.2% Propolis, Chlorhexidine, and Placebo mouthwash, respectively, in phase I. The study subjects were instructed to use the assigned mouthwash twice daily for 1 min for 21 days. On day 22nd, the subjects were recalled for measurement of PI and GI. After phase I, mouthwash was crossed over as dictated by the Latin square design in phase II and III.ResultsAt baseline, intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant difference between Groups A, B and C (p > 0.05). On day 21, one-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant difference between the three groups for PI (p < 0.001) and GI (p < 0.001). Bonferroni post-hoc test showed statistically significant difference between Propolis and Chlorhexidine mouthwash (P < 0.001), with higher reduction in the mean plaque and gingival scores in propolis group compared to chlorhexidine and placebo groups.ConclusionsPropolis mouthwash demonstrated significant improvement in gingival health and plaque reduction. Thus, it could be used as an effective herbal mouthwash alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash.Trial registrationThe trial was retrospectively registered on 25/07/2019 at clinicaltrials.gov and its identifier is NCT04032548.

A Clinico - Microbial Study to Assess the Benefits of Medicinal Plant Extracts in Chronic Periodontitis

Background: There has been an increasing trend for the development of natural formulations for plaque control using medicinal plants as an adjunct, which can be a feasible alternative as these are widely available, cost-effective, and have fewer side effects. Aim: The evaluation of the effects of medicinal plant extracts in chronic periodontitis (CP). Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in two phases; first the antibacterial activity of two medicinal plant extracts was tested on periodontal pathogens, thereafter, a clinical assessment was carried out on subjects with CP. Forty-five individuals suffering from CP were randomized into three different groups; Group A: Scaling and root planing (SRP) along with Piper longum rinse, Group B: SRP along with mixture of Tinospora cordifolia and P. longum rinse, Group C: SRP along with chlorhexidine (CHX) (control group). The clinical parameters (gingival index [GI], plaque index, gingival bleeding index [BI], probing pocket depth [PPD], and clinical attachment level [CAL]) were recorded at baseline and months 1 and 3. The intra- and intergroup comparison of clinical parameters for all groups at different time intervals was performed. Results: At the end of the trial, all the three groups showed a statistically significant reduction when compared to baseline for all the clinical parameters. In intergroup comparison, statistically significant reduction in GI, PPD, and CAL for both Group A and Group C was seen at 3 months as compared to Group B. Comparable reduction was seen between Group A and C for all the clinical parameters. Reduction in plaque and gingival BI was seen to be highest in Group A. Conclusion: P. longum can be effectively utilized as an additive to mechanical periodontal treatment in comparison to CHX mouthwash for CP patients.

Clinical efficacy of nano-hydroxyapatite combined with one-time root canal therapy in the treatment of pulpitis

This study investigates the clinical efficacy of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) combined with one-time root canal therapy in the treatment of pulpitis. A total of 92 patients diagnosed with pulpitis and treated at our hospital between September 2021 and November 2022 were selected and randomly designed into a control group filled with calcium hydroxide paste and gutta-percha (n = 46) or an observation group filled with nHA and gutta-percha (n = 46). We compare the cure rate, complication rate, and recurrence rate between the two groups. After treatment, the total effective rate of patients in the observation group was 96.70%, which was significantly higher than 86.00% in the control group. Additionally, the observation group demonstrated lower Visual Analog Scale and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 scores than those of the control group. After treatment, both groups showed reduced serum levels of various inflammatory factors compared to pretreatment values. However, the observation group displayed notably lower levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein compared to their baseline levels. Furthermore, the occlusal force, gingival sulcus bleeding index, and gingival index were significantly lower in the observation group when compared with those in the control group. The incidence of adverse reactions after 6 months of treatment was only 4.30% in the observation group, which was markedly lower than that observed in the control group (18.5%). In summary, we demonstrate the remarkable clinical efficacy of n-HA combined with one-time root canal therapy in the treatment of pulpitis, highlighting its significant potential for clinical application.

Preformed Stainless-Steel Crowns: Their Effects on Oral Hygiene Maintenance and Gingival Health – A Prospective Original Research

ABSTRACT The stainless-steel crown (SSC) is a durable restoration and has several indications for use in primary teeth such as following a pulpotomy/pulpectomy, fractured teeth, teeth with developmental defects, or large multi-surface caries lesions where amalgam is likely to fail. Due to its durability and a lifespan like the primary tooth, it could well be the gold standard in restorative care. SSCs protect the crown from fracture, reduce the possibility for leakage, and ensure a biological seal. However, the placement of the SSC should follow a meticulous technique. There are some clinical situations where the SSC may fail, leading to plaque accumulation and gingivitis. This could be secondary to improper crimping of crown margins, which lead to poorly adapted SSC. In some clinical situations, ledge formation under the crown or failure to clean excess cement can contact the gingiva and cause gingival inflammation. This study was carried out on 41 children between the ages of 4 and 10 in Al Qassim region to study the effects of SSCs on gingiva and oral hygiene. The study also aims to establish the correlation between SSC adaptation and post-insertion inflammation. The plaque and gingival index were recorded at 3 months’ post SSC insertion. Clinical examination was undertaken, and gingival index (Loe and Silness 1967) and plaque index (Silness and Loe 1967) were used to record gingival health and plaque accumulation, respectively. The result for post-inflammation and SSC adaptation showed that there was no statistically significant difference in post-insertion inflammation and crown adaptation (P value = 0.216). The result for pre-operative inflammation and post-operative inflammation shows that there is no significant difference in post-inflammation and adaptation (P value = 0.47). We found that oral hygiene care had a heightening effect and oral hygiene maintenance plays a key role in preventing gingival inflammation irrespective of the SSC adaptation over short periods of time (3 months).

Assessment of Oral Hygiene and Gingival Health Condition and their Relationship with Some Salivary Variables among Boxers

Background: Background oral hygiene means the degree of cleanliness of the oral cavity. Good oral hygiene is necessary to prevent common oral diseases. Objectives: to evaluate the relation of some salivary variables to oral hygiene and gingival health conditions among Iraqi boxers. Subjects and Methods: There was a cross-sectional comparative study. The total sample consisted of 80 males, including 40 male boxing players with weights ranging from (46-60 kg) attending different sports clubs for boxers in Baghdad (study group). And 40 male school students from some schools in Baghdad (comparative groups), ages ranging from (15-16) years old. This study was conducted from January-2022 to the end of May -2022. The unstimulated salivary analysis included samples collected flow rate, pH, and Minerals (calcium and phosphate) and salivary immunoglobulin A. After that, the clinical Assessment of gingival disease, calculus and plaque were assessed. Results: The results demonstrate that plaque and calculus are higher in the study group than in the control with a significant difference in plaque index and no significant difference in calculus. Concerning correlations, a weak negative significant correlation between flow rate and plaque index in control weakens the negative significance between Gingival index and PH, while other results are insignificant. Also, Findings show a weak negative significant correlation between plaque index and salivary IgA and a weak negative significant correlation between Gingival index and calcium and phosphorous in control. Conclusions: In conclusion, boxer players were associated with high gingival index, calculus and plaque index compared to control groups.

The Prevalence of Smokeless Tobacco Consumption and Its Effects on Gingival and Periodontal Health Among the Adults in the Emirates of Sharjah, UAE – A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Introduction: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) has been linked with various oral signs and symptoms, such as oral mucosal lesions and gingival and periodontal effects. However, there is limited research on the prevalence of SLT use and its impact on gingival and periodontal health in the adult population of the Emirates of Sharjah. Aim: To assess the prevalence of SLT consumption and its effects on gingival and periodontal health in the adult population of the Emirates of Sharjah. Methods: The study evaluated 171 dentate patients aged 18–77 years who use SLT or are nonsmokers. Data were collected through a questionnaire on SLT use and periodontal health assessed using plaque index, gingival index (GI), attachment score, and gingival recession (GR). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 27.0 version. Results: Among 390 screened participants, 28 subjects (21 males and 7 females) were SLT users with prevalence of 7.18%. No significant differences were found in plaque index, GI, or periodontal pocket depth. However, SLT users had significantly higher clinical attachment loss scores (mean 4.01 mm, SD 0.35) compared to non-users (mean 1.49 mm, SD 1.12). Significant differences were also observed in GR. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the prevalence and impact of SLT use on periodontal and gingival health in UAE adults. SLT usage is associated with a higher risk of periodontitis and gingivitis, indicating the need for awareness and intervention. Further research is required to validate results and consider confounding factors.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Octenidine Hydrochloride and Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthrinses in Reducing Plaque and Oxidative Stress in Institutionalized Children with Down Syndrome.

Due to decreased manual dexterity, a lack of motivation, and difficulty on the part of the caregiver conducting efficient oral hygiene measures at home, patients with Down syndrome (DS) are badly affected. The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of 0.1% octenidine (OCT) hydrochloride and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate on plaque control and oxidative stress in institutionalized children with DS. In 20 children, salivary samples were collected for analysis of the inflammatory marker high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and oxidative stress markers, specifically malondialdehyde (MDA). Plaque index (PlI) and gingival index (GI) were scored. After oral prophylaxis, the participants were randomly assigned to two groups, each consisting of 10 individuals (octenidol and CHX). Salivary oxidative stress marker assays were carried out using a modified version of Yagi's (1984) method, and absorbance was measured at 540 nm using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer at 535 nm. hsCRP assays were conducted via latex turbidimetric immunoassay. On comparison between the two groups, the OCT group showed a statistically significant reduction in GI, PlI, and MDA values (p < 0.05). It was seen that the use of 0.1% OCT hydrochloride could facilitate the maintenance of good oral hygiene and periodontal status, especially in patients with motor difficulties. PMS/IEC/2016/02. Raj AS, George S, S A, et al. Comparing the Effectiveness of Octenidine Hydrochloride and Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthrinses in Reducing Plaque and Oxidative Stress in Institutionalized Children with Down Syndrome. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(4):437-441.

Impact of oral health preventive program using specialized audio and tactile aids in visually impaired school children. A cross-sectional study.

The maintenance of oral hygiene and subsequent health related issues in visually handicapped children is a challenging task. Hence, tools must be used to ensure good oral health in these children. The study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of preventive programs on oral health using specialized audio and tactile aids in visually impaired school children. 100 visually handicapped children were selected for the study. They were divided into two groups: Group A (Training using Braille) and Group B (training by means of audio aids). Children were trained using appropriate tools and oral health was assessed using Plaque and Gingival bleeding indices. Independent 'T-test' was used for comparing mean ± SD values. Statistically significant improvements in both plaque and gingival bleeding indices were obtained on follow-up observations at 3rd and 6th months. The use of specialized tactile and audio tools significantly improved the oral health status of visually impaired school children.

Comparative Evaluation of 0.2% Chlorhexidine and Oxygenated Mouthwash as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing in Chronic Periodontitis Patients - A Clinico-microbiological Study

ABSTRACT Background and Objective: Oxygen therapy has been proven to be beneficial in the treatment and healing of chronic wounds. Oxygenated mouthwash could help in the management of oral infections like periodontal disease by reducing the levels of reactive oxygen species. The current study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Blue M, an oxygenated mouthwash as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP). Materials and Methods: Forty-two CP patients were randomly divided into 3 groups (Group A – only SRP, Group B – SRP with oxygenated blue®m mouthwash, and Group C-SRP with 0.2% chlorhexidine [CHX] mouthwash). Clinical parameters-plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and relative attachment level were evaluated at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months while microbial analysis was carried out, using chairside N-benzoyl-DL-arginine-2-naphthylamide Assay for detection of either presence or absence of Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and/or Tannerella forsythia at baseline and 3 months. Results: All groups showed a significant reduction in clinical and microbiologic parameters from baseline to 3 months (P &lt; 0.05). Intergroup analysis showed Group B and Group C to be significantly better than Group A (P &lt; 0.05) while Group B showed similar results when compared to Group C (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: Blue M mouthwash showed better improvement as compared to SRP alone while it showed similar improvements in clinical as well as microbiologic parameters when compared with CHX. It can be concluded that Blue M mouthwash could well be a futuristic prospect as an alternative to chemical agents like CHX in the treatment of CP.

Assessment of Interleukin-6 Levels and Lactobacillus casei Counts in Pediatric Stainless Steel and Zirconia Crowns: A Comparative Study.

Pediatric dental crowns play an integral role as they maintain the form and function and prolong the life of the affected tooth. However, placing a crown in the oral cavity creates a new niche for the adhesion of microorganisms that can lead to plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and the development of secondary caries, which in the long term might determine the clinical success of the restored tooth. The present study allowed us to assess the changes caused by the full coverage restorations at a clinical, immunological, and microbiological level using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and microbial analysis. The in vivo analysis consisted of a total of 26 children aged 3-10 years. They were divided into two groups, group I (n = 13) children receiving preformed zirconia crowns and group II receiving stainless steel crowns (SSCs). Plaque index (PI) scores, gingival index (GI) scores, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were assessed at baseline and at 45 days of follow-up. The in vitro part of the study consisted of 13 preformed zirconia crowns and 13 SSCs which were immersed in artificial saliva containing strains of Lactobacillus casei which were then processed for their microbial analysis. On mean comparison, preformed zirconia crowns performed superiorly both clinically and immunologically compared to SSCs. Microbial analysis using independent t-test revealed that the colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter was statistically significantly higher for the SSCs, and the mean difference among the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Preformed zirconia crowns can be a relative replacement for SSCs in primary teeth with the advantage of esthetics and superior periodontal health. Saharia NP, Malik M, Jhingan P, et al. Assessment of Interleukin-6 Levels and Lactobacillus casei Counts in Pediatric Stainless Steel and Zirconia Crowns: A Comparative Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(4):395-403.