Periodontal Health Indicators Research Articles

Association of Oral Microbiome with Periodontal Disease Progression: A Longitudinal Study

Periodontal disease, a prevalent oral health condition, is characterized by the inflammation and destruction of the supporting tissues around the teeth and poses significant challenges to global public health. Objectives: To examine the association between the oral microbiome and periodontal disease progression in a Pakistani population. Methods: A total of 350 patients aged ≥ 18 years, diagnosed with periodontal disease, were registered from August 2023 to February 2024. Participants were evaluated for periodontal health indicators, including probing depth and clinical attachment loss, and their oral microbiome profiles were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest and Support Vector Machines, were applied to predict disease progression based on microbial profiles. Results: Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia were strongly associated with greater probing depths and clinical attachment loss (β = 0.45, p < 0.01), indicating their role in disease progression. Conversely, Streptococcus and Lactobacillus were linked to reduced disease severity (β = -0.30, p < 0.05). The oral microbiome exhibited high diversity, with Firmicutes (35%), Bacteroidetes (25%), Proteobacteria (20%), and Actinobacteria (15%) being the predominant species. The Random Forest model predicted disease progression with 85% accuracy (Area under the curve (AUC) = 0.87), emphasizing the predictive value of microbial profiles. Conclusions: It was concluded that the study confirms a strong link between specific oral microbiota and periodontal disease progression, emphasizing the importance of microbial analysis in predicting and managing periodontal health.

How do maternal socioeconomic and behavioral patterns affect oral health in early childhood?

A prospective longitudinal observational cohort study. The data analyzed were derived from a comprehensive observational study on BRISA prenatal cohort conducted in São Luís City, Brazil, between 2010 and 2013. A convenience sample included pregnant women recruited from both public and private prenatal health services in the city. To participate in the study, women needed to have undergone an obstetric ultrasound before the 20th week of pregnancy to estimate gestational age. Multiple pregnancies were excluded. Initially, the pregnant women were interviewed and assessed for oral health indicators between the 22nd and 25th weeks of pregnancy. A follow-up interview was conducted within 48 h after delivery. In the child's second year, the mothers were re-interviewed, and the children were examined for the second follow-up. The study received approval from the local ethics committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all participants. The research followed the STROBE guidelines for reporting observational studies. At baseline, a structured questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographic and lifestyle information like maternal age, family income, education level, occupation of the family head, pre-gestational BMI, alcohol and soft drink consumption, and smoking status during pregnancy. Dental examinations were conducted by 6 trained and calibrated dentists who assessed DMFT index and periodontal health indicators. In the second follow-up, children's oral health was evaluated using visible plaque index (VPI), gingival bleeding, and the modified dmft index. Children's weight and height were measured by a digital scale, and BMI z-scores were calculated based on WHO standards. Sugar-sweetened beverage intake was categorized by terciles based on the percentage of total daily energy from these beverages. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze multiple pathways among a set of latent and observed variables. Three latent variables were proposed and measured: Socioeconomic Status and Periodontal Maternal Status in the mothers, and Chronic Oral Disease Burden (CODB) in the children. CODB was inferred from 3 observed indicators: VPI, gingival bleeding, and tooth decay. Total, direct, and indirect effects were calculated for variables from the gestational period and the child's second year of life. In total, 1141 mother-child dyads were included. Periodontal Maternal Status correlated with more decayed teeth in pregnant women (standardized coefficient (SC) = 0.089; p = 0.008). Addictive risk behaviors were highly correlated, with SCs of 0.679 (p < 0.001) for alcohol and smoking, and 0.262 (p < 0.001) for soft drink and alcohol consumption. Obesity (SC = 0.081; p = 0.048) and added sugar consumption (SC = 0.142; p = 0.040) were interconnected across generations from pregnant women to their offspring. Children's consumption of sugar was strongly associated with CODB (SC = 0.357; p = 0.005). Caries and periodontitis were correlated in pregnant women. Obesity and sugar consumption have intergenerational impacts. Early sugar intake relates to CODB in early childhood. Intergenerational behavioral risks affect oral health in the first 1000 days of life, influencing long-term health outcomes.

Assessment of Periodontal Health Status and Treatment Needs Among Pregnant Women.

Background Pregnancy-related periodontal health is vital for maternal and fetal well-being, with implications on birth outcomes. However, comprehensive data on periodontal health among pregnant women in Pakistan are lacking. This research aimed to assess the periodontal health status and treatment needs among pregnant women in Pakistan. Methodology This study conducted at Multan Medical and Dental College in Multan, Pakistan, utilized a cross-sectional design over one year from January 2023 to December 2023. It enrolled 230 pregnant women from the prenatal care clinic, employing strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure data integrity. Data collection involved a systematic questionnaire and clinical examination by qualified dental practitioners, covering demographic details, obstetric history, dental hygiene habits, and periodontal health parameters. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to evaluate periodontal health status determinants. Results This study, comprising 230 participants, delineates key demographic and periodontal health indicators. Notably, the age group between 26 and 30 years made up the greatest percentage (n = 87, 37.83%), followed by the age group between 18 and 25 years (n = 58, 25.22%). The chi-square test showed a significant association betweenage and periodontal health (χ² = 8.23, df = 3, p = 0.041). University-educated participants showed decreased periodontal risks (odds ratio = 0.51, p = 0.037), with education level also emerging as a significant factor (χ² = 12.76, df = 2, p = 0.002). Regarding dental hygiene, 44.35% of people brushed twice a day, and 27.83% flossed every day. Periodontal data revealed that 53.04% of individuals had gingivitis and that the mean probing depth was 3.22 mm. Scaling and root planing were the most requested therapy (50.00%). Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the periodontal health status and treatment needs of pregnant women in Pakistan. Investigative analyses including chi-square tests and logistic regression identified significant associations between demographic factors, oral hygiene practices, and periodontal health outcomes among pregnant women in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to enhance maternal and child health.

Analysis on the effect of CGF scaffold material combined with pulpotomy in the treatment of caries-derived pulpitis and the value of coronal pulp regeneration

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of concentrated growth factor scaffold combined with pulpotomy in the treatment of caries-derived pulpitis. Methods: In this study, 120 patients with caries-derived pulpitis treated in our hospital from June 2021 to June 2022 were selected for retrospective analysis. Among them, 60 patients were treated with pulpotomy plus concentrated growth factor material scaffold plus root repair material (IROOT) material coverage (research group), another 60 patients were selected for pulpotomy treatment plus IROOT material coverage (control group), and the pain degree, periodontal gingival index, inflammatory factors in gingival crevicular fluid, dentin thickness, and treatment success rate were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: The pain degree of the two groups before and after treatment was evaluated and compared, and there was no significant difference in the baseline visual analogue pain scale score between the research group and the control group before treatment (P &gt;0.05); the pain degree of the patients was significantly relieved, and the VAS scores of the patients in the study group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt;0.05); there was no significant difference in the levels of substance P , IL-8 and MMP-8 in gingival crevicular fluid between the two groups before treatment (P &gt;0.05); the above indicators were detected again after 7 days of treatment, the substance P and IL-8 in the gingival crevicular fluid of the research group were lower than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P &lt;0.05); there was no significant difference in the probing depth of periodontal pocket, probing bleeding index, gingival index, and plaque index between the research group and the control group before treatment (P &gt;0.05); after 7 days of treatment the above indicators were tested again, and the probing depth of periodontal pockets, probing bleeding index, and gingival index in the research group were lower than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P &lt;0.05); the treatment success rate of the group was 98.33% higher than that of the control group, which was 85.00%, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt;0.05); before treatment, there was no significant difference in the dentin thickness between the study group and the control group (P &gt;0.05); while dentin thickness was measured again after 3 months and 6 months of treatment, and the difference between the research group and the control group was not statistically significant (P &gt;0.05). Conclusion: concentrated growth factor stent combined with pulpotomy in the treatment of caries-derived pulpitis can better relieve pain, reduce the degree of inflammatory response, improve periodontal health indicators, and improve the success rate of treatment.

Association of stress, depression and anxiety with periodontal health indicators: A clinical study in adult population of Rishikesh

: Chronic periodontitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the tissues that support teeth, gradual attachment loss, and bone loss. Stress is the body's feedback towards detrimental forces, diseases, and additional atypical circumstances that are determined to distress its routine physiological equilibrium. On the other hand, the most prevalent psychological problems connected to periodontitis are anxiety and sadness.: This study intends to assess the relationship between stress, depression, and anxiety with indices of periodontal health.: A total of 171 patients were assessed &amp; divided into 2 groups. Gingival index, modified sulcus bleeding index, community periodontal index for treatment needs, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were evaluated. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale–21 questionnaire used as the basis for the psychometric evaluation.: The statistical analysis made use of the student 't' test and Pearson's correlation coefficient. When compared between the two groups, Group A had significantly higher values for each metric. The psychometric parameters and the periodontal parameters had a weakly positive connection (p&amp;#60;0.0001).: According to the current study, people who are stressed, depressed, or anxious are more likely to develop periodontal disease. Therefore, stress, depression &amp; anxiety could be viewed as a significant periodontal disease risk factor.

Comparison of Short-Term Restorative Effects and Periodontal Health Status of Restorations Made of Different Materials in Full-Crown Restoration of Mandibular Premolar Tooth Defects.

Purpose To compare the short-term restorative effect and periodontal health status of restorations with different materials in full-crown restoration of mandibular premolar tooth defects. Methods A total of 105 cases (123 affected teeth) of mandibular premolar tooth defects who visited the Department of Stomatology between January 2019 and January 2020 were selected, of which 58 cases (68 affected teeth) restored with cobalt-chromium alloy porcelain crowns were included in the metal-ceramic crown (MCC) group and 47 cases (55 affected teeth) repaired by zirconium dioxide all-ceramic crowns were assigned to the zirconia crown (ZC) group. The restorative effect, inflammatory factors (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) and periodontal health indicators (human cartilage glycoprotein-39 (YKL-40), resistin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) after treatment, and the occurrence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results The ZC group outperformed the MCC group in terms of margin fitness, restoration fracture, gingival condition, and color matching. After restoration, hs-CRP and TNF-α were statistically decreased in both groups, while YKL-40, resistin, AST, and ALP were significantly increased; and compared with the MCC group, hs-CRP, TNF-α, YKL-40, resistin, AST, and ALP were lower in the ZC group. The ZC group also scored statistically higher in retention effect, aesthetic effect, masticatory function, voice function, and comfort. Moreover, the ZC group had a higher total effective rate and a lower incidence of adverse reactions than the MCC group, with statistical significance. Conclusions Zirconia dioxide all-ceramic crowns contribute to a better short-term restorative effect in the full-crown restoration of mandibular premolar tooth defects, with little impact on periodontal health and high patient satisfaction, which deserves popularization and application.

A cross-sectional study of relationships between periodontal disease and general health: The Hitachi Oral Healthcare Survey

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study performed to clarify the relationship between periodontal disease and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) by introducing dental examinations into the annual health examinations conducted by Japanese companies, and to highlights the importance of a medical system that connects dental and medical professionals.MethodsA total of 1.022 Hitachi Ltd. employees were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. We examined correlations and odds ratios (ORs) between the dental and overall health of employees using stratification and multiple logistic regression analyses based on the periodontal health indicators, general health indicators, and occlusal force.ResultsThe adjusted OR of PPD for obesity (OR, 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.84; p = 0.009), IGT (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.00–2.20; p = 0.049), and COPD (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.02–1.88; p = 0.038) significantly differed. The adjusted OR of body mass index (OR, 1.28; 95% CI 1.15–1.42; p < 0.001), haemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) (OR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.89–9.98; p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels (OR, 1.08; 95% CI 1.04–1.11; p < 0.001), postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio (%FEV1) (OR, 0.95; 95% CI 0.91–1.00; p = 0.031) and smoking (OR, 2.32; 95% CI 1.62–3.33; p < 0.001) for severe periodontal disease also significantly differed. Occlusal force was significantly reduced in employees aged 50–59 years compared to those aged 40–49 years. Both PPD, HbA1c, FBG levels were significantly associated with occlusal force among employees with moderate/severe periodontitis. PPD was significantly associated with occlusal force among employees with and moderate COPD, and ASCVD. %FEV1 was significantly associated with occlusal force among employees with IGT.ConclusionsThis cross-sectional study revealed mutual relationships among periodontal disease, NCDs, and occlusal force on Japanese corporate workers. We demonstrated that a comprehensive, regional healthcare system centred on annual integrated dental and physical health examinations in the workplace will benefit employees and positively impact corporate health insurance.

Evaluation of the Relationship between Salivary Lipids, Proteins and Total Antioxidant Capacity with Gingival Health Status in Type-1 Diabetic Children.

Statement of the Problem: Alteration in salivary composition and its effect on the oral cavity in diabetic child patients remains equivocal.Purpose: This study was performed to assess the relationship between salivary factors and gingival status in children with type-1 diabetes mellitus (DM).Material and Method: In this cross-sectional study, 120 subjects aged 6-16 years (60 well-controlled and poorly-controlled diabetics and 60 healthy individuals) were examined to determine the gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PI). The unstimulated saliva samples were collected to measure the salivary triglyceride, cholesterol, albumin, α-amylase, total protein levels by the laboratory kits. Total antioxidant capacity and the free radicals scavenger index were measured by the Ferric Reducing Ability Of Plasma (FRAP) and 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assays, respectively. Data were analyzed by parametric and non-parametric, Pearson correlation, and t tests at a 5% error level.Results: GI of diabetics was significantly higher than that of healthy individuals (1.51± 0.71 and 0.9±0.81, respectively, p< 0.001). No significant difference was found between the PI of diabetics compared to healthy volunteers (1.59±0.69, 1.63±0.74, respectively). The levels of salivary triglyceride and cholesterol, albumin and total proteins in healthy subjects were significantly higher than that in people with DM (p< 0.001). A significantly more salivary α-amylase activity was found in diabetics compared to non-diabetics (p< 0.001). No significant differences were found between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects in terms of DPPH (95.5, 95.9%, respectively) and FRAP (9.77±0.13, 9.78±0.12 (µmol/mL), respectively).Conclusion: More gingival inflammation and salivary α-amylase activity and lower level of salivary lipids, albumin, and total proteins were found in diabetic patients, but there was no association between the level of lipids, proteins, and the total antioxidant capacity of saliva with periodontal health indicators in patients with DM and healthy individuals.

Association of Stress, Depression and Anxiety with Periodontal Health Indicators among Professional Students

Background: Stress is known to result in the development of depression and anxiety. This is commonly thought to have a net-negative effect on the efficacy of the immune response, subsequently resulting in periodontal breakdown. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the association of depression, anxiety and stress with periodontal health indicators among professional students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted amongst 50 undergraduate professional students visiting to private dental clinics. The stress and anxiety levels were assessed using Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale (DASS) and the clinical examination was done to assess the plaque index, gingival index, probing depth and clinical attachment level. Results: A total of 31 women and 19 men participated in this study. Out of the 50 distributed and collected questionnaires, all 50 were complete and hence used for final analysis. DAS score shows moderate positive correlation with plaque score (rs=0.617), high positive correlation with gingival score (rs=0.840) and high positive correlation with periodontal score (rs=0.814) respectively. There was a significant relationship between DAS score and periodontal parameters score (P&lt; 0.05). It was also found that there is no significant correlation among gender and psychological factors. Conclusion: Psychological factors have an adverse effect over the plaque levels and gingival status among the students. Keywords:Stress, periodontal health, plaque index.

A 5-Year Retrospective Study Evaluating Periodontal Health and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life of Implant-Supported Overdentures With Locator and Magnetic Attachments.

This study compared peri-implant vertical bone loss, the periodontal index, prosthodontic maintenance requirements and oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) of patients using mandibular implant-supported overdentures with 2 different attachment systems after an average of 5 years of use. Sixteen mandibular overdenture patients with magnet attachments (group 3), 24 with implant-supported mandibular overdentures with Locator attachments (group 2), and 25 conventional complete denture patients (group 1) were included in the study. The existing at least 5 years old dentures of all patients were evaluated for prosthodontic maintenance by the same prosthodontist and the patients were administered the oral health impact profile-14-Turkish version (OHIP-TR-14) questionnaire. Peri-implant tissue health was evaluated clinically in terms of plaque scores, bleeding scores, probing depth, and gingival index. Radiographic evaluation was performed in terms of peri-implant vertical bone loss. Radiographic evaluations were performed 5 years after overdenture insertion. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of total OHIP-TR-14 scores (P > .05). Although the average vertical bone resorption measured in group 2 at the end of 5 years was 1.38 mm, there was an average vertical bone loss of 1.45 mm in group 3, but this difference was not statistically significant (P > .05). Among the periodontal health indicators, there were no statistically significant differences in the mean values for periodontal indexes. According to results of the study, there were no differences in peri-implant vertical bone loss in groups 2 and 3, in periodontal health in mandibular overdentures with groups 2 and 3, or between total OHIP-TR-14 scores of patients in all groups.

Effect of stress, depression, and anxiety over periodontal health indicators among health professional students

Background: Stress has become a part of one's life, which results in the development of depression and anxiety. This is commonly thought to have a net-negative effect on the efficacy of the immune response, subsequently resulting in periodontal breakdown. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of depression, anxiety, and stress [DAS] over periodontal health indicators among the health-care professional students. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in 375 undergraduate health professional students, of which 125 were medical students, 125 were dental students, and 125 were pharmacy students, who were taken from three colleges in Andhra Pradesh. Questionnaires (self-reported oral hygiene questionnaire and DAS Scale questionnaire) were given to the participants, and clinical examination was conducted in all the participants to assess the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth, and clinical attachment level. Statistical analysis was performed using the ANOVA test and post hoc test to compare the psychological parameters with periodontal parameters among three groups of health professional students. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Medical students depicted higher mean stress levels (8.00 ± 2.75) (P < 0.001) and mean DAS score (20.23 ± 6.21) (P < 0.001) than dental and pharmacy students; the mean PI (1.05 ± 0.38) (P < 0.001) and the mean GI (0.72 ± 0.38) (P < 0.001) scores are also increased with stress levels among medical students. Conclusion: Psychological factors have an adverse effect over the plaque levels and gingival status among the students.

Effect of Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy With and Without 0.2% Chlorhexidine Rinse on Metabolic Control of Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Background: The prevalence of periodontal diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes and improper glucose control is significantly higher. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of scaling and root planning and chlorhexidine digluconate rinse on metabolic control in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: A total of 60 patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and moderate chronic periodontitis were selected, and randomly divided into three groups. We performed scaling and root planning in 2 test groups (T1, T2), with 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse used only for test group 2. Follow-up including one evaluation 3 months later and a visit 6 months later, was to evaluate glycemic control (FBS and HbA1c) and periodontal status (PI and CPI). Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analyzed using Student’s t test and Wilcoxon test in SPSS 20.0. Results: The mean changes in all variables in both test groups except FBS were significantly reduced (P <0.01). T2 group showed better results at 3-month evaluation. Conclusions: Non-surgical periodontal therapy improves periodontal health indicators and metabolic control in type 2 diabetic patients. Chlorhexidine is more effective on periodontal status and metabolic control in the short term.

Provision of oral hygiene services as a potential method for preventing periodontal disease and control hypertension and diabetes in a community health centre in Korea.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a community-based oral hygiene service on general and periodontal health indicators of patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus visiting a community health centre in Korea. The study used a one-group pretest-posttest and interrupted time-series design. A total of 151 participants (45% male), with a mean age of 63±8.4years, were included in the study; these included patients with hypertension (62%), diabetes (12%) and both hypertension and diabetes (26%). Two dental hygienists dedicated 2days per week to this project, providing oral hygiene services to 10-13 participants per day. Four oral hygiene service sessions were provided per patient. The objective oral hygiene status and subjective self-reported periodontal status were compared before and after the service. The changes in blood pressure and glycosylated haemoglobin levels were also assessed. A lower frequency of subjective swelling was reported at the fourth session (37.9%) compared to the first (55.6%) session. Further, significantly fewer cases of calculus and bleeding were observed (p<.05), and significantly more patients reported having no gum problems at the fourth session (43.1% vs. 27.2%; p<.05) than at the first session. Finally, the participants maintained stable blood pressures at each of the four sessions, and their glycosylated haemoglobin levels were significantly lower at the fourth session. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that community oral hygiene services provided by dental hygienists can promote objective oral hygiene and subjective periodontal status in the local community, and may help in the control of hypertension and diabetes.

치주질환자의 스트레스와 피로가 치주건강 지표에 미치는 영향

치주질환자의 스트레스와 피로가 치주건강 지표에 미치는 영향

Residents' journal review

Residents' journal review

Association of periodontal health indicators and major depressive disorder in hospital outpatients.

Background:Major depressive disorder (MDD) has been associated with changes in behavioral, neurophysiological, and neuroendocrinological factors and thought to be one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. There are various evidences that depression and periodontitis may also be related.Aim:The aim was to evaluate the association between MDD and periodontitis in a convenience sample of hospital outpatients.Materials and Methods:Sixty individuals (30 subjects with MDD and 30 subjects without MDD) of age 26–67 years were included in the study. Depression was assessed by means of structured clinical interview for diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. The periodontal clinical examination included the number of missing teeth, plaque index, gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level (CAL).Results:Mean number of missing teeth per patient was 1.14 (±1.2 standard deviation [SD]) in the control group and 2.58 (±1.64 SD) in case group (P < 0.001). The amount of plaque was significantly higher in cases compared with control (P = 0.001). The patients had an average GI of 1.82 (±0.65 SD) compared to 1.14 (±0.81 SD) for the controls (P < 0.001). Mean probing depth and CAL were 4.67 (±0.8 SD) mm and 4.96 (±0.2 SD) mm in the case group and 2.6 (±2.2 SD) mm and 2.7 (±0.43 SD) mm in the control group, respectively (P < 0.05).Conclusion:Our study confirms the significant association between depression and periodontitis and depression can be considered one of the important risk factors for periodontal diseases.

Association of periodontal health indicators and major depressive disorder in hospital outpatients

Association of periodontal health indicators and major depressive disorder in hospital outpatients

Effect of Periodontal Treatment on Lipoproteins Levels in Plasma in Patients with Periodontitis

Recent epidemiological studies have shown that individuals with periodontitis have a significantly increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. In addition to conventional risk factors, dyslipidemia may be associated with this increased risk. We measured concentration of lipids in patients with moderate to severe periodontitis before and 3, 6 and 12 months after local periodontal treatment. A total of 50 participants with periodontitis and 25 participants without periodontitis were included in the analyses. Lipoproteins were measured by using serological analyses of the Central Biochemical Laboratory in Clinical Center in Nis. Periodontal health indicators included the plaque index, gingival bleeding index, and periodontal disease status (defined by pocket depth and attachment loss). Patients were non-surgically treated with mechanical debridement of calculus once a week for 1 month. The results show a significant relation between indicators of poor periodontal status and serum level lipoproteins. Periodontal therapy resulted in a significant reduction of local inflammation and tissue destruction as reflected in reduced pocket depth and reduced bleeding indices. The levels of lipoproteins after therapy seemed to be lower than those reported before treatment in patients with periodontitis compared with healthy ones. Lipoproteins were significantly decreased after treatment (P < 0.005) except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol which was not significantly reduced (P > 0.05). This pilot study shows that periodontal disease significantly affects the serum levels of lipoproteins and suggests that following successful periodontal treatment decreases serum lipid concentration. This study suggests also that lipoproteins are possible intermediate factors that may link periodontal disease to elevated cardiovascular risk.

Influence of smokeless tobacco on periodontal health status in local population of North India: A cross-sectional study

Background:Limited studies have been published so far, which revealed the association of different types of smokeless tobacco on various periodontal health indicators, including mobility and furcation, on North Indian population. The present study has been undertaken to evaluate the effects of commonly used smokeless tobacco forms on periodontal health in Lucknow, North India.Methods:This cross-sectional study investigated the effect of commonly used smokeless tobacco on periodontal health in local population of Lucknow, for which 2045 individuals were evaluated. Amongst them, 1069 individuals were found to be using some kind of tobacco; amongst the tobacco users, n=122 were smokers, n=657 were only using only smokeless tobacco and n=290 were using both smokeless tobacco as well as tobacco in smoking form. After completing the questionnaire, all the participants underwent clinical examination for the various clinical parameters.Results:The impact of smokeless form of tobacco use was significantly higher on all the periodontal health indicators, viz., plaque index, gingival index, calculus, clinical attachment loss, gingival recession, mobility, furcation, lesion, and probing pocket depth. Both duration and frequency of smokeless tobacco use significantly affected the periodontal health.Conclusion:The periodontal health of the general population in the region required immediate attention as majority of subjects irrespective of their habit status had onset of clinical attachment loss and gingival recession, more so amongst the smokeless tobacco users than smoking form of tobacco as well as than from non-tobacco users.

Association between Periodontopathogens and CRP Levels in Patients with Periodontitis in Serbia.

Background and aims Recent epidemiological studies have shown that individuals with periodontitis have a significantly higher risk of developing coronary heart disease, which might be attributed to the complex microbiota in the dental plaque. Periodontopathogens have been reported as risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This study evaluated association of chronic periodontitis and periodontopathogens with CRP in systemically healthy Serbian adults. Materials and methods Serum C-reactive protein levels were measured in 24 patients with moderate periodontitis, 26 patients with severe periodontitis, and 25 periodontally healthy subjects. Periodontal health indicators included gingival bleeding on probing and periodontal disease status. Patients with moderate periodontitis had low attachment loss and pocket depths of <4 mm. Patients with severe periodontitis had high AL and pocket depth of >5 mm. The control group with healthy gingiva had gingival sulcus of <2 mm and no attachment loss. Presence of periodontopathogens in subgingival plaque samples was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Results The periodontal parameters and CRP levels were significantly higher in the patients with periodontitis. Patients who had both severe and moderate periodontitis had higher mean CRP levels. The percentage of subjects with elevated CRP leves of >5 mol/L was greater in the higher clinical AL group compared to the group with less attachment loss. Presence of periodontopathogens was also associated with elevated CRP levels and poor periodontal status. Conclusion PD and subgingival periodontopathogens are associated with increased CRP levels. These findings suggest that periodontal infection may contribute to systemic inflammatory burden in otherwise healthy individuals.