High Prevalence Of Periodontal Disease Research Articles

СТРУКТУРА ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЙ ПАРОДОНТА У ПАЦИЕНТОВ ПСИХИАТРИЧЕСКОГО СТАЦИОНАРА В ВОЗРАСТНОМ АСПЕКТЕ

The literature provides information on the high prevalence of periodontal diseases and hard tooth tissues in patients in a psychiatric hospital. The relationship between periodontal microbiota and psychiatric pathology and the need to maintain oral health among this group of patients is discussed. The aim of the investigation was the study of the structure of periodontal diseases in patients of a psychiatric hospital, in various age groups. Material and methods of research. In the Republican Clinical Psychiatric Hospital named after V.N. Bekhterev (Kazan) in the period from 2014 to 2018, 200 patients (95 women and 105 men) aged 35 to 65 years (average age 56,26 ± 6,74) were examined. The questionnaire recorded the patient's age, sex, diagnosis of the underlying disease, dental formula, a standard periodontal diagram was filled in. The maximum depth of the periodontal pocket was determined by sequential measurements. The results of the study. In 100% of patients in a psychiatric hospital, periodontal tissue damage was detected, of which 86.5% in the form of chronic periodontitis. The maximum number of patients with periodontitis was detected in the age group of 51–60 years. The largest number of teeth removed in patients over 70 years of age. There was a direct strong correlation between age and the number of teeth removed (rp = 0.923; p < 0.001). The maximum depth of the periodontal pocket was also in the age group of 51–60 years and amounted to 4,25 ± 1,14 mm. A direct strong correlation of the depth of the periodontal pocket with the number of teeth removed was revealed. The deeper the patient has pathological pockets, the more teeth are removed (rp = 0.892). Conclusions. The results of the study suggest the need to develop training programs for patients and psychiatric hospital staff to improve the quality of life of patients and general health.

Unraveling the Oral-Gut axis: Interconnection between Periodontitis and IBD, Current Challenges, and Future Perspective.

As the opposite ends of the orodigestive tract, the oral cavity and the intestine share anatomical, microbial, and immunological ties that have bidirectional health implications. A growing body of evidence suggests an interconnection between oral pathologies and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), implying a shift from the traditional concept of independent diseases to a complex, reciprocal cycle. This review outlines the evidence supporting an "Oral-Gut" axis, marked by a higher prevalence of periodontitis and other oral conditions in IBD patients and vice versa. We present an in-depth examination of the interconnection between oral pathologies and IBD, highlighting the shared microbiological and immunological pathways, and proposing a "multi-hit" hypothesis in the pathogenesis of periodontitis-mediated intestinal inflammation. Furthermore, the review underscores the critical need for a collaborative approach between dentists and gastroenterologists to provide holistic oral-systemic healthcare.

Pretreatment periodontitis is predictive of a poorer prognosis after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

BackgroundPoor oral health is an independent risk factor for upper-aerodigestive tract cancers, including esophageal cancer. Several studies have investigated short-term outcomes after esophagectomy and the impact of periodontal disease, but few have examined the impact of periodontal disease on long-term outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the rate of periodontitis among esophagectomy patients and the prognostic value of periodontitis and its effect on prognosis after esophagectomy.MethodsA total of 508 patients who underwent esophagectomy received oral health care from a dentist before cancer treatment at Akita University Hospital between January 2009 and December 2021. We assessed the presence and severity of the patients’ periodontitis and divided them into no-periodontitis, mild periodontitis, severe periodontitis and edentulous jaw groups. We then assessed 10-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) and determined whether periodontitis was an independent prognostic factor affecting OS and DSS.ResultsWe found that 101 (19.9%) patients had no periodontitis, 207 (40.8%) had mild periodontitis, 176 (34.6%) had severe periodontitis requiring tooth extraction, and 24 (4.7%) had edentulous jaw. Both OS and DSS were significantly poorer in the periodontitis than no-periodontitis group (p < 0.001). In detail, the edentulous jaw group had the poorest prognosis (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that periodontitis was an independent risk factor affecting OS and DSS.ConclusionEsophageal cancer patients had a high prevalence of periodontitis. Moreover, the presence of periodontitis and severity of periodontitis are independent risk factors contributing to a poorer prognosis after esophagectomy.

Periodontal health status in systemic sclerosis patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the periodontal health of systemic sclerosis patients compared with non-systemic sclerosis controls. Online databases were searched for eligible studies on February 24, 2023. The primary outcomes of interest in systemic sclerosis patients and controls included the clinical attachment level, periodontal probing depth, recession depth, plaque index, bleeding on probing score, gingival index, number of teeth with periodontitis, prevalence of periodontitis and gingivitis, and extent and severity of periodontitis. Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria and were incorporated in the qualitative and quantitative analysis. In comparison with the controls, systemic sclerosis patients had a higher prevalence of periodontitis (OR = 7.63 (1.74-33.50), p = 0.04, I2 = 69%), including more severe forms of periodontitis (OR = 6.68 (3.39-13.15), p = 0.85, I2 = 0%), as well as higher periodontal probing depth ((0.88 (0.45-1.31), p = 0.02, I2 = 99%)), clinical attachment level (1.22 (0.8-1.64), p = 0.003, I2 = 98%), and plaque presence (0.83 (0.13-1.53), p = 0.03, I2 = 96%). There was no statistically significant difference in gingival inflammation (1.14 (0.07-2.21), p = 0.04, I2 = 98%). The systematic review and the meta-analysis showed that systemic sclerosis patients suffer from worse periodontal health than non-systemic sclerosis individuals.

Association between periodontal health status and quality of life: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionAttachment loss due to periodontal diseases is associated with functional limitations as well as physical pain and psychological discomfort, which may lead to a reduced quality of life. The purpose of this study is to determine if the oral health status, specifically the periodontal status, influences oral health–related quality of life.Materials and methodsSurvey data were collected in a US dental school clinical setting in a cross-sectional study. Quality of life related to oral health was assessed with the Oral Health Impact Profile-49 (OHIP-49). In addition, DMFT index, periodontal status, and health literacy scores (dental and medical health literacy) were recorded, and the data of n = 97 subjects were statistically analyzed.ResultsThe DMFT index of the study population was 14.98 ± 6.21 (D: 4.72 ± 4.77; M: 3.19 ± 3.46; F: 7.12 ± 4.62). Of the subjects, 44% were identified as periodontitis cases. These periodontitis cases demonstrated significantly higher OHIP-49 scores (66.93 ± 30.72) than subjects without signs of periodontal diseases (NP) (32.40 ± 19.27, p &amp;lt; 0.05). There was also a significant difference between NP patients and patients with gingivitis (66.24 ± 46.12, p &amp;lt; 0.05). It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between Stage 3 (severe) periodontitis and periodontal health (p = 0.003). Pearson correlations were completed, and positive relationships were found with OHIP-49 and DMFT (0.206, p &amp;lt; 0.05), and periodontal risk self-assessment (0.237, p &amp;lt; 0.05). Age [odds ratio (OR) 4.46], smoking (OR 2.67), and the presence of mobile teeth (OR 2.96) are associated with periodontitis.ConclusionsPeriodontal diseases may negatively impact the oral health–related quality of life. Patients suffering from periodontitis also showed more missing teeth, which might influence function. Age and smoking are associated with a higher prevalence of periodontitis. A good general health literacy was no guarantee for having an adequate oral literacy.

Analysis of Correlation of Periodontal Disorders with Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Background: Periodontal disease is caused by pathological damage to periodontal tissues, evident through increased gingival sulcus depth and bleeding gums. Its etiology includes local factors such as plaque, calculus, cavities, and poor dental hygiene, as well as systemic causes like hormonal shifts, diabetes, and blood disorders. Objective: This study aims to correlate periodontal disorders with Hepatitis C infection. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Institute of Dentistry, LUMHS Jamshoro. Two hundred participants were selected using non-probability convenient sampling, comprising 100 cases infected with the Hepatitis C virus and 100 controls without Hepatitis C. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, employing Student's t-test and Chi-square test for evaluating continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results: The Mean± SD of cases and controls was 41.7±7.31 and 40.9±5.6 years respectively (p=0.076). Of the 100 cases, 57% were male and 43% female, while in the control group, 61% were male and 39% female. Seventy-one percent of cases reported not brushing their teeth. The frequency of brushing techniques such as straight, circular, and up-down motions was observed in 34% and 45%, 54% and 47%, &amp; 12% and 8% of cases and controls, respectively (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study indicates a high prevalence of periodontal disease among individuals infected with Hepatitis C. Given the prevalence of Hepatitis C infection in the population, further research is recommended regarding the oral health of HCV-infected patients.

PREVALENCE OF PERIODONTAL TISSUE DISEASES IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

It is known that among the many factors that cause dental diseases in children, disorders of mental development and disorders of the nervous system, including autism, are important. The study of dental incidence in children with autism is relevant in view of the need to develop and implement effective methods of treatment and prevention of the main dental diseases in these children.&#x0D; The aim of the study was to study the prevalence and features of the course of periodontal tissue diseases in children with autism.&#x0D; Methods and Material. 38 children with autism and 49 practically healthy children aged 13-18 were ex-amined. Assessment of periodontal tissue condition was carried out on the basis of clinical data. For an objective assessment of periodontal status, the papillary-marginal-alveolar index (PMA) was determined (S. Parma, 1960). The prevalence of periodontal diseases was determined using WHO criteria.&#x0D; Results. When analyzing the obtained results, periodontal tissue pathology was diagnosed in children of the main group in 68.42±6.67%, which is 1.4 times more than among children in the control group (48.86±5.89%, p&lt;0.05 ). Basically, chronic catarrhal gingivitis (CCG) was diagnosed, the prevalence of which was 60.72±4.67%. In addition, 14.99±2.46% of the children of the main group had generalized periodontitis of mild severity. It was established that, on average, children with autism have a PMA index of 39.01±3.76%, which corresponds to the average severity of gingivitis. So, among the children of the main group, a mild degree of severity of CCG was diagnosed, on average, in 41.96±3.56%, an average degree in 44.92±7.64% of children with autism, severe in 5.34±2, 33%.&#x0D; Conclusions. Summary, children with autism have a high prevalence of periodontal diseases, in particular, chronic catarrhal gingivitis and generalized periodontitis. This requires the creation of special educational programs for children with autism in order to develop algorithms for providing individualized dental care to these children.

Adherence to dental home care in dogs with periodontitis: a post-treatment survey

BackgroundPeriodontitis is a common disease in dogs, and daily dental home care in the form of tooth brushing is essential for prevention and treatment. Despite this, many studies reveal low adherence to tooth brushing advice. This study aimed to assess compliance with dental home care among dogs with periodontitis and understand the factors influencing brushing routines. A questionnaire survey was emailed to 63 dog owners whose dogs had been diagnosed with periodontitis, received dental cleaning at the University Animal Hospital, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and were given tooth brushing instructions. The survey was supplemented by telephone interviews, resulting in a 57% response rate.ResultsThe study presents dog owners' routines, experiences, attitudes, and motivation regarding tooth brushing. Approximately 42% brushed their dogs' teeth daily while others did so less frequently or not at all. Reported challenges, such as uncooperative dogs and difficulty establishing a routine, may explain infrequent brushing.ConclusionsWhile the study suggests that owners of dogs with periodontitis tend to follow dental care recommendations better than the general dog owner population, it also reveals that preventive care is inadequate for more than half of the dogs. Given the high prevalence of periodontitis, there's a need for resources to address infrequent tooth brushing. Understanding dog owners' needs can help establish daily brushing as a routine, improving canine oral health and overall well-being.

Metabolomics as a diagnostic tool for periodontal diseases- An overview

Periodontal disease results in gingivitis and periodontitis, is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory condition affecting the teeth and its supporting tissues. High prevalence of periodontal disease has an adverse effect on systemic health, mastication, and esthetics. There are many local and systemic factors that contribute to clinical manifestations of periodontal disease. The diagnosis is still based on conventional clinical examinations despite the high prevalence and greater understanding of the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. The term ‘metabolome’ was first coined by Steven Oliver and colleagues in the late 1990s which are active participants in metabolic reactions that are essential for normal physiological functions. GCF and saliva have been used for metabolomics based periodontal diagnosis: Mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are the two main methods used to collect data on metabolomics. In a way that genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics could not fully utilize, metabolomics offers a special chance to affect discovery-driven science. The field of salivary research is one that is emerging, and it is hoped that the analysis of numerous protein metabolites will enlighten the mechanisms of periodontal disease development and focus attention on the functional relationships between metabolites whose expression varies over time in relation to diseases, medications, or other protein metabolites.

Longitudinal Analysis of Canine Oral Microbiome Using Whole Genome Sequencing in Aging Companion Dogs.

Aged companion dogs have a high prevalence of periodontal disease and canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) and the two disorders are correlated. Similarly, periodontal disease and Alzheimer's Disease are correlated in people. However, little is known about the oral microbiota of aging dogs. The goal of this project was to characterize the longitudinal changes in oral microbiota in aged dogs. Oral swabs were taken from ten senior client-owned dogs on 2-3 occasions spanning 24 months and they underwent whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequencing. Cognitive status was established at each sampling time. A statistically significant increase in alpha diversity for bacterial and fungal species was observed between the first and last study visits. Bacteroidetes and proteobacteria were the most abundant bacterial phyla. Porphyromonas gulae was the most abundant bacterial species (11.6% of total reads). The species Lactobacillus gasseri had a statistically significant increase in relative abundance with age whereas Leptotrichia sp. oral taxon 212 had a statistically significant positive longitudinal association with cognition score. There is an increased fungal and bacterial alpha diversity in aging dogs over time and nearly universal oral dysbiosis. The role of the oral microbiota, particularly Leptotrichia and P. gulae and P. gingivalis, in aging and CCDS warrants further investigation.

Assessment of Dental Patients' Awareness of the Correlation Between Systemic and Periodontal Diseases: A Questionnaire-Based Study.

The correlation between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases has been proven. Considering the high prevalence of periodontitis, as well as the high prevalence of systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and anemia, in Saudi Arabia, patients visiting dental clinics need to be educated about this correlation. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness levels of dental patients on the correlation between periodontal and systemic diseases and compare the awareness levels of the population based on their gender, educational level, and age group specifications. The awareness level of patients was assessed using a questionnaire consisting of 18 questions about the correlation between periodontal and systemic health, along with demographic data (gender, age, and educational level). The questionnaire was distributed to randomly chosen patients who were attending Qassim University dental clinics. Patients could select their responses from three options: "yes," "no," and "no idea." The awareness level of patients was categorized based on their educational qualifications, age, and gender. A total of 252 patients participated in the study. Out of the 252 patients, 116 (46%) were male, and the remaining 136 (54%) were female. Females were found to be more aware of the correlation between pregnancy and anemia, independently, and periodontal diseases. Additionally, younger age groups were found to be more aware of the interaction between periodontal diseases and hyperparathyroidism. However, the awareness level based on educational qualification was almost equivalent between high school and college graduates. The general public of the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia needs to be educated further on the correlation between systemic and periodontal disease. Being part of the community, we wish to contribute to improving the level of awareness about the relationship between periodontal and systemic diseases, as our study has concluded that more efforts are required to achieve higher health standards.

THU409 Relationship Between Bone Loss And Oral Health Among Post-menopausal Women With And Without Diabetes

Abstract Disclosure: S. Ahmad: None. R. Nauman: None. K. Batra: None. A. Gupta: None. K.E. Izuora: Research Investigator; Self; Novo Nordisk. Background: There is a high prevalence of periodontal disease (PD) and bone loss (osteopenia and osteoporosis) among patients with diabetes. Understanding the relationship between these conditions in the context of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as a risk factor will help better understand their pathophysiology and provide guidance for more appropriate care. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled post-menopausal women presenting for routine bone density evaluation. Following informed consent, we obtained information about their demographics, diabetes status, and dental history using an investigator-administered questionnaire. We measured their height and weight with a stadiometer and inspected their oral cavity for teeth loss and PD. We then obtained their bone density assessment after interpretation by the radiologist. Data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression tests with the significance level set at 5%. Results: Among 66 eligible participants, the mean age and body mass index (BMI) were 67.67 ± 8.1 years and 29.76 ± 5.45 kg/m2 respectively. Twelve participants (18.2%) had T2DM, 19 (28.8%) had &amp;lt; 20 natural teeth and 17 (25.8%) had normal bone mineral density. Using a binary logistic regression, significant predictors of bone loss included age (OR 1.217, p=0.008), BMI (OR 0.827, p=0.04), and a diagnosis of T2DM (OR 0.056, p=0.033). The number of natural teeth, number of broken or decayed teeth, and presence of periodontal disease were not associated with bone loss. Conclusion: Among our population of post-menopausal women, clinical variables associated with bone loss included older age and lower BMI. Having T2DM was associated with a higher bone mineral density which does not translate to stronger bones according to previous reports. Oral health outcomes were not associated with bone loss and may reflect the similarity in the risk factors for the two conditions. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Clinical and immunological parameters of dental status in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: Destructive processes in the pancreas in type 1 diabetes mellitus alter oral homeostasis. The first signs of a change in dental health in type 1 diabetes mellitus are pastosity of the oral mucosa and hyposalivation, which causes dental plaque formation. Many researchers note the high prevalence of periodontal disease in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.&#x0D; AIM: To examine the dental status, cytokine profile, and specific factors of oral immunological protection in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups of children aged 617 years were examined. The main group (n=53) included patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, whereas the comparison group (n=30) included children without somatic pathologies. The study analyzed the results of a clinical examination of patients, including an assessment of the intensity of caries, oral hygiene, and periodontal status, and results of an immunological examination of the oral fluid, including the level of cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor-, IL-4, and IL-10) and immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM).&#x0D; RESULTS: Both groups had satisfactory levels of oral hygiene, and the extent of plaque formation on the proximal surfaces of the teeth was unacceptable. The prevalence of chronic catarrhal gingivitis was higher in the main group. An immunological study showed that both groups had pro-inflammatory cytokine imbalance in the oral fluid, and the levels of these cytokines are higher in the main group. The levels of immunoglobulins in the oral fluid were also different: the levels of IgA and IgM in the saliva of the main group were 1.1 and 1.2 times higher, and the IgG level was 1.25 times lower.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of periodontal disease in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus was associated with poor oral hygiene and carbohydrate metabolism. Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus showed a pronounced imbalance of oral immunological protection factors. With worsening compensation of carbohydrate metabolism, immunological changes in the oral cavity became more pronounced.

A two-arm, randomised feasibility trial using link workers to improve dental visiting in people with severe mental illness: a protocol paper

BackgroundPeople with severe mental illness (e.g. psychosis, bipolar disorder) experience poor oral health compared to the general population as shown by more decayed, missing and filled teeth and a higher prevalence of periodontal disease. Attending dental services allows treatment of oral health problems and support for prevention. However, people with severe mental illness face multiple barriers to attending routine dental appointments and often struggle to access care. Link work interventions use non-clinical support staff to afford vulnerable populations the capacity, opportunity, and motivation to navigate use of services. The authors have co-developed with service users a link work intervention for supporting people with severe mental illness to access routine dental appointments. The Mouth Matters in Mental Health Study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention within the context of a feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) measuring outcomes related to the recruitment of participants, completion of assessments, and adherence to the intervention. The trial will closely monitor the safety of the intervention and trial procedures.MethodsA feasibility RCT with 1:1 allocation to two arms: treatment as usual (control) or treatment as usual plus a link work intervention (treatment). The intervention consists of six sessions with a link worker over 9 months. Participants will be adults with severe mental illness receiving clinical input from secondary care mental health service and who have not attended a planned dental appointment in the past 3 years. Assessments will take place at baseline and after 9 months. The target recruitment total is 84 participants from across three NHS Trusts. A subset of participants and key stakeholders will complete qualitative interviews to explore the acceptability of the intervention and trial procedures.DiscussionThe link work intervention aims to improve dental access and reduce oral health inequalities in people with severe mental illness. There is a dearth of research relating to interventions that attempt to improve oral health outcomes in people with mental illness and the collected feasibility data will offer insights into this important area.Trial registrationThe trial was preregistered on ISRCTN (ISRCTN13650779) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05545228).

Unraveling the Link Between Periodontal Disease and High Cholesterol: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between high cholesterol levels and the prevalence of periodontal disease among patients in the United States, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2017 and 2020. We hypothesize that patients with high cholesterol levels will have a high prevalence of periodontal disease. The study utilized a cross-sectional design, analyzing data from NHANES 2017-March 2020 pre-pandemic survey, a nationally representative survey. The sub-sample consisted of 7,042 participants aged 30 years and older who underwent the NHANES survey questionnaire. Information on high cholesterol levels and periodontal disease was obtained through self-reported data. Statistical analyses, using SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC), were performed to assess the association between high cholesterol levels and periodontal disease prevalence while controlling the potential confounding variables. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used. Results: The study included a total of 7,042 participants. The mean age (SD) of the participants was 60.2 (13.7); 54% were females and 46% were males. Out of the total, 23% (1636) of the samples had periodontal disease and 52% (3669) of the participants had high cholesterol levels. Findings indicated a significant association between high cholesterol and periodontal disease (odds ratio, OR = 1.21, 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.06-1.40). Socioeconomic factors such as poverty and education, and other factors such as age, gender, race, smoking, physical activity, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, sugar intake, cholesterol intake, saturated fatty acids intake, and oral hygiene were identified as potential confounders. This large-scale cross-sectional study investigated the association between high cholesterol and periodontal disease while comprehensively controlling for potential confounding factors. After adjusting for the relevant confounders, we found a weak positive association between high cholesterol and periodontal disease. While these findings provide valuable insights into the interplay between systemic health and oral health, the cross-sectional nature of the study limits the establishment of causality.

Changes of micro elements, activity of metalloenzymes-antioxidants and metal-dependent enzymes in the blood serum of patients with periodontitis influenced by complex non-surgical treatment

Data provided by WHO show that the prevalence of aggressive periodontitis is observed in almost 19% of the adult world population and is associated with the destruction of the attachment apparatus and premature tooth loss. Development of a periodontal pocket and foci of infection also negatively affect the body on the whole. Despite the great number of the researches in this field and the dramatic improvement in the treatment and prophylaxis, the problem of high prevalence of periodontal diseases remains actual. The article demonstrates the biochemical changes of Iron, Copper, Zinc, Manganese and metal-dependent oxidant-antioxidant enzymes in the blood serum of patients diagnosed with periodontitis gained after complex periodontal therapy with Spirulina platensis of blue-green microalgae. It was established that the micro- and macro-elements in the introduced agent significantly contribute to the correction of the Iron, Copper, Zinc and Manganese content, they also influence the activity of metaloproteins therefore, normalize the antioxidant defense of the body in general.

The Croatian Primary Sjögren's Disease Oral Health Study: Oral Status and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life.

To determine salivary flow rate, oral and periodontal status, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), objective and subjective indexes, and serum antibody reactivity in patients with primary Sjögren's disease (pSD). Thirty-one patients with pSD and 31 control subjects participated in this cross-sectional, single-center study. The unstimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSFR) and stimulated whole salivary flow rate (SWSFR), salivary pH, DMFT index (DMFT = D-decayed, M-missing, F-filled tooth), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), interincisal distance, OHRQoL, objective European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) and subjective (EULAR SS Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), 6-items-VAS-SS (Visual Analog Scale), Profile of Fatigue) indexes were analyzed. The patients with pSD had a blood sample taken in the morning between 7 and 10 a.m. for comprehensive laboratory analysis. Patients with pSD had statistically significant lower UWSFR (0.20 vs. 0.90 mL/min) and SWSFR (0.56 vs. 1.64 mL/min) values compared with control subjects (p < 0.001, Mann-Withney U test). Salivary pH value of pSD patients was significantly lower compared with control subjects (6.00 vs. 7.00; p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). The mean DMFT index of patients with pSD compared to control subjects was not statistically significant (23.74 ± 7.28 vs. 20.77 ± 5.73; p = 0.08, t-test). Interincisal distance was significantly decreased in the pSD group compared with control subjects (43.80 ± 0.38 vs. 47.60 ± 0.50; p = 0.003, t-test). The prevalence of periodontitis was similar in patients with pSD and control subjects (83.9% vs. 77.4%; p = 0.35, λ2 test). The mean Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) total score was statistically significantly higher in pSD patients compared with control subjects (32.00 vs. 8.00; p < 0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). Patients with pSD have decreased salivary flow and salivary pH, poor oral health, decreased interincisal distance, high prevalence of periodontitis, and worse OHRQoL. These findings highlight the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with pSD that includes physical and psychological aspects of the disease.

Current status and factors of periodontal disease among Japanese high school students: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence of periodontal disease and the factors of the disease among high school students.MethodThe participants were all students aged 15–18 years (n = 1202) at a high school in Japan. The data on oral health perceptions and behaviours were collected by a questionnaire survey. The prevalence of periodontal disease among them was investigated with the partial community periodontal index (PCPI). A logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with the PCPI.ResultsA total of 1069 students (88.9%) participated in this study. The prevalence of gingival bleeding, calculus, pocket depth of 4–5 mm, and pocket depth of 6 mm or more were 44.2%, 42.2%, 11.4%, and 1.6%, respectively. Approximately one-third of the students had a fear of dental treatment, and only 28.4% used dental floss. The results of logistic regression analysis, adjusted for sex and school year, showed that not visiting dentists regularly, not using dental floss, brushing teeth for less than 5 min, fear of dental treatment, and drinking sports drinks frequently were positively associated with periodontal conditions.ConclusionThis study identified a high prevalence of periodontal disease among Japanese high school students aged 15–18 years and its risk factors, such as poor oral health behaviours and fear of dental treatment.

Periodontal health status in cirrhotic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesLiver cirrhosis is a disease with widespread prevalence and high mortality. Oral manifestations, particularly periodontal-related manifestations such as bleeding gums, red and swollen gums, are common in cirrhotic patients but may often be overshadowed by other systemic complications, making them easy to ignore. So this article conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis of periodontal health status in patients with cirrhosis.Material and methodsWe performed electronic searches on the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Risk of bias evaluation was carried out according to the Fowkes and Fulton guidelines. Meta-analyses were performed with tests for sensitivity and statistical heterogeneity.ResultsOf the 368 potentially eligible articles, 12 studies were included for qualitative analysis, and 9 contributed to the meta-analysis. In terms of periodontal-related parameters, cirrhotic patients presented a greater mean of clinical attachment loss (CAL) (weighted mean differences [WMD] = 1.078, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.546–1.609, p < 0.001), probing depth (PD) (WMD = 0.796, 95% CI: 0.158 to 1.434, p = 0.015) and alveolar bone loss (ABL) (WMD = 3.465, 95% CI: 2.946–3.984, p < 0.001) than those without, while no statistical difference was found in the papillary bleeding index (PBI) (WMD = 0.166, 95% CI: -0546 to 0.878, p = 0.647) and bleeding on probing (BOP) (WMD = 4.913, 95% CI: -3.099 to 12.926, p = 0.229). The prevalence of periodontitis was higher in cirrhotic patients than in the control group (odds ratio [OR] = 2.630, 95% CI: 1.531–4.520, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results indicate that cirrhotic patients have poor periodontal conditions and a higher prevalence of periodontitis. We advocate that they should receive regular oral hygiene and basic periodontal treatment.

Periodontal Health as Perceived by Rheumatologists and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

The aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge and attitudes towards periodontal health among rheumatologists and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Two questionnaires comprising questions on demographics, knowledge, and attitudes towards periodontal health were created via Qualtrics survey software. A link to the survey was sent via email to rheumatologists registered under the Australian Rheumatology Association (ARA) practising in Western Australia, and a separate survey was distributed to patients via Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA social media pages. Seven and 76 responses were received from rheumatologists and RA patients, respectively. Statistically significant results (p &lt; 0.05) were found between the length of RA diagnosis and signs of periodontal disease, as well as the type of RA diagnosis and knowledge levels. Employed and retired participants attended the dentist more regularly, and a higher percentage believed that maintaining good oral hygiene is important for overall health. A significant correlation was found between patients who thought improving oral hygiene would impact their RA and whether they received periodontal treatment. No significant differences were found for rheumatologists; however, younger practitioners more frequently asked about their patients’ oral health and performed oral exams. There is a deficit in knowledge about the relationship between periodontal disease and RA among both rheumatoid patients and rheumatologists. The high prevalence of periodontitis and the two-way relationship between RA and periodontal disease would benefit from improved knowledge in relation to their association and could have significant benefits in their clinical and public health implications.