Insulin resistance predicts the risk of gingival/periodontal inflammation

The bidirectional association between diabetes and periodontitis, from basic to clinical

The prevalence and severity of periodontitis are increased and advanced in diabetes. Severe periodontitis elicits adverse effects on diabetes by impairing insulin actions due to systemic microinflammation. Recent studies unveil the emerging findings and molecular basis of the bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and diabetes. In addition to conventional mechanisms such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and chronic inflammation, deficient insulin action may play a pathogenic role in the progression of periodontitis under diabetes. Epidemiologically, from the viewpoint of the adverse effect of periodontitis on diabetes, recent studies have suggested that Asians including Japanese and Asian Americans with diabetes and mild obesity (BMI <25 kg/m2) should pay more attention to their increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the effect of diabetes on periodontitis from the viewpoint of abnormalities in metabolism and insulin resistance with novel mechanisms, and the influence of periodontitis on diabetes mainly focused on micro-inflammation related to mature adipose tissue and discuss future perspectives about novel approaches to interrupt the adverse interrelationship.

Periodontal Disease and Metabolic Syndrome in Women at Prior High Risk for Gestational Diabetes

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the association between periodontal disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS) among women at prior high risk for gestational diabetes with the hypothesis that women with MetS show more signs of periodontal disease than women without MetS.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 112 women from an original study cohort of 348 women at high risk of gestational diabetes were examined 4-6 years postpartum. Diagnosis of MetS was based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III diagnostic criteria. Insulin resistance was approximated by the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance. Full-mouth examinations and panoramic radiographs provided the total dental index, number of teeth, and decayed, missing, and filled teeth index. Clinical examination assessed bleeding on probing, probing depth, visible plaque index, signs of infection, and clinical attachment levels. The periodontal inflammatory burden index (PIBI) was also calculated. Information on oral health habits, symptoms, and individual opinions on oral health was collected through questionnaires.

RESULTS

Five years after delivery, 21% of the women had MetS, and they had more gingivitis compared to those without MetS (bleeding on probing: 52% and 44%, p = 0.011). Women with MetS tended to have more periodontitis than those without (39% and 25%, p = 0.13). A high PIBI correlated with insulin resistance (partial correlation of PIBI and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance: 0.25 p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontal disease was associated with insulin resistance and MetS in women at prior high risk of developing gestational diabetes.

Association Between Weight-Adjusted Waist Index and Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Study and Mediation Analysis

Aim

The research examined the correlation between the weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) and periodontal disease, as well as the intermediary influence of triglyceride glucose (TyG) index-related indicators, utilizing a health examination dataset.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 39,522 subjects from health check-up database of Shanghai Health and Medical Center. The WWI was determined by applying a formula that includes dividing the waist circumference (WC) by the body weight's square root. Periodontitis diagnosis followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Periodontology (CDC/AAP) classification. The correlation between the WWI and periodontitis was investigated through multivariate logistic regression and smoothing curve fitting. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were also performed to verify the stability of the results. A mediation analysis was conducted to quantify the direct and indirect influences mediated by the TyG-related indicators [TyG, TyG -body mass index (TyG-BMI), TyG -waist-to-height ratio (TyG-WHtR), and TyG-waist circumference (TyG-WC)].

Results

Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed the positive association of WWI and periodontitis (OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.30-1.43). Compared to those in the lowest quartile of WWI, participants in the highest quartile exhibited a 82% higher likelihood of periodontitis (OR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.69-1.96). Subgroup analysis and interaction tests revealed that this positive correlation was consistent in gender, BMI, WC, smoking, drinking, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (P for interaction > 0.05), with some variations noted by age and diabetes status (P for interaction<0.05). Mediation analysis showed that the proportions mediated by TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WC, and TyG-WHtR on the association of WWI and periodontitis risk were 13.13%, 6.30%, 16.46% and 19.79%, respectively.

Conclusion

A higher WWI in Chinese adults was linked to an increased likelihood of periodontitis, and this correlation could be partially explained by elevated levels of TyG index-related indicators.

Association of Urine (pH < 5.5) with Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and the Number of Remaining Teeth in Korean Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016-2018

This study aims to determine the association between UpH (<5.5), Community Periodontal Index (CPI), and the number of remaining teeth-cumulative indicators of oral health-using data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES, 2016-2018), which represents the Korean population. Data from 12,689 adults aged 19 years and older who had periodontal examinations were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed after adjusting for demographic, health, and health-related behavioral factors as covariates to determine the association between UpH, CPI, and the number of remaining teeth. This study found that UpH (<5.5) was associated with CPI and the number of remaining teeth. For UpH (<5.5), the odds ratio for CPI (≥4 mm) was 1.19 times (95% CI: 1.06-1.33). The risk of tooth loss was 1.25 times (95% CI: 1.06-1.48) for those with 0-19 remaining teeth and 1.20 times (95% CI: 1.07-1.34) for those with 20-27 teeth. The results revealed an association between UpH, CPI, and the number of remaining teeth. However, further longitudinal research on UpH and oral status is necessary.

Hispanic adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus using lipid-lowering agents have better periodontal health than non-users

Background

Recent studies suggest that lipid-lowering agents (LLA) may reduce chronic periodontitis, but it is unknown whether this benefit extends to people with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Objective

We assessed the association between LLA use and periodontitis in Hispanic adults with T2D.

Design

This was a cross-sectional observational study.

Methods

We assessed the association of LLA use and periodontal parameters in 253 Puerto Ricans 40-65 years with T2D who participated in the Lipid-Lowering agents use in Periodontitis and Diabetes Study study. Participants were classified as (a) none- or <1 year, (b) 1-4 years, or (c) >4 years. The primary outcome consists of a tertile percent of sites with probing pocket depth (PPD) ⩾ 4 mm and the secondary outcome includes tertiles of percent sites with clinical attachment loss (CAL) ⩾ 4 mm. Multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for age, gender, smoking status, education, waist circumference, glycosylated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), bleeding on probing, examiner, and anti-inflammatory agents were used to estimate the association.

Results

LLA (92.5%, statins) was used by 52% of participants. LLA use 1-4 years was associated with lower odds of PPD ⩾ 4 mm (OR: 0.22, p = 0.005; high versus low tertile) or lower odds of CAL ⩾ 4 mm (OR: 0.33, p = 0.02, middle versus low tertile), compared to those with LLA minimal or no use. This association was lost for participants who used LLA for >4 years. LLA users for >4 years with periodontal disease had elevated HbA1c (OR: 1.36, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of LLA for 1-4 years was associated with lower values of periodontal parameters versus minimal LLA use. This association was not present among people using LLA > 4 years users, but these participants had poorer glycemic control compared to other participants. In this cross-sectional study, the finding that LLA use 1- 4 years is associated with lower values of periodontal parameters of severity in T2D individuals may help clarify some of the controversies regarding the benefit of these medications in this population.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis: Bidirectional Association in Population-based 15-year Retrospective Cohorts

OBJECTIVE

A two-way relationship between periodontitis and diabetes has been proposed. However, bidirectional epidemiological observation is limited and inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

Using the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan (covering over 99% of the entire population), we aimed to estimate the development of diabetes in periodontitis patients or that of periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), respectively.

METHODS

A total of 11 011 patients with severe periodontitis were recruited from 2000 to 2015. After matching by age, sex, and index date, 11 011 patients with mild periodontitis and 11 011 non-periodontitis controls were registered. Additionally, 157 798 patients with T2DM and 157 798 non-T2DM controls were enrolled, in whom the development of periodontitis was traced. Cox proportional hazards model was performed.

RESULTS

Periodontitis patients tended to have a statistically high risk for T2DM. The adjusted hazard ratio was 1.94 (95% CI, 1.49-2.63, P < .01) and 1.72 (95% CI, 1.24-2.52, P < .01) for severe and mild periodontitis groups, respectively. The patients with severe periodontitis had a higher risk of having T2DM relative to those with mild periodontitis (1.17 [95% CI, 1.04-1.26, P < .001]). Conversely, the risk of periodontitis increased significantly in patients with T2DM (1.99 [95% CI, 1.42-2.48, P < .01]). However, high risk was observed for the outcome of severe periodontitis (2.08 [95% CI, 1.50-2.66, P < .001]), but not for mild periodontitis (0.97 [95% CI, 0.38-1.57, P = .462]).

CONCLUSION

We suggest that the bidirectional association is between T2DM and severe but not mild periodontitis.

Periodontal Disease, Local and Systemic Inflammation in Puerto Ricans with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Periodontal disease (PD) is prevalent in type 2 diabetic condition (T2DM).

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the associations between serum or gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) endothelial and inflammatory mediators and chronic PD among T2DM Hispanic adults.

METHODS

We enrolled 248 Puerto Rican residents with T2DM aged 40-65 years. The exposures included serum inflammatory mediators (IL-1b, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α), endothelial adhesion molecules, RANKL levels, and the GCF content of these analytes from a subset of 158 samples. The outcomes included the percent of sites with a probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥ 4 mm and clinical attachment loss ≥ 4 mm. Adjusted logistic regression models were fit to the categorized outcomes.

RESULTS

Increased serum IL-10 (Adj. OR: 1.10, p = 0.04), sICAM-1 (Adj. OR: 1.01; p = 0.06), and elevated serum IL-1β (Adj. OR: 1.93; p = 0.06) were statistically significant or close to being significantly associated with a percent of sites with PPD ≥ 4 mm. An increase in GCF IL-1α (Adj. OR: 1.16; p < 0.01) and IL-1β (Adj: 2.40; p = 0.02) was associated with periodontal parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggested that oral and systemic endothelial and inflammatory mediators are associated with periodontal clinical parameters among Hispanic adults with T2DM.

Endothelial Insulin Resistance Exacerbates Experimental Periodontitis

Epidemiological studies suggest that the severity of periodontitis is higher in people with diabetes than in healthy individuals. Insulin resistance might play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of multiple diabetic complications and is reportedly induced in the gingiva of rodents with type 2 diabetes; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of diabetes-related periodontitis remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether endothelial insulin resistance in the gingiva may contribute to the pathogenesis of periodontitis as well as elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. We demonstrated that insulin treatment downregulated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced or tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced VCAM1 expression in endothelial cells (ECs) via the PI3K/Akt activating pathway, resulting in reduced cellular adhesion between ECs and leukocytes. Hyperglycemia-induced selective insulin resistance in ECs diminished the effect of insulin on LPS- or TNFα-stimulated VCAM1 expression. Vascular endothelial cell-specific insulin receptor knockout (VEIRKO) mice exhibited selective inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the gingiva and advanced experimental periodontitis-induced alveolar bone loss via upregulation of Vcam1, Tnfα, Mcp-1, Rankl, and neutrophil migration into the gingiva compared with that in the wild-type (WT) mice despite being free from diabetes. We also observed that insulin-mediated activation of FoxO1, a downstream target of Akt, was suppressed in the gingiva of VEIRKO and high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice, hyperglycemia-treated ECs, and primary ECs from VEIRKO. Further analysis using ECs transfected with intact and mutated FoxO1, with mutations at 3 insulin-mediated phosphorylation sites (T24A, S256D, S316A), suggested that insulin-mediated regulation of VCAM1 expression and cellular adhesion of ECs with leukocytes was attenuated by mutated FoxO1 overexpression. These results suggest that insulin resistance in ECs may contribute to the progression of periodontitis via dysregulated VCAM1 expression and cellular adhesion with leukocytes, resulting from reduced activation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 axis.

Systemic Inflammation, Endothelial Function, and Risk of Periodontitis in Overweight/Obese Adults

The network interaction between systemic inflammatory mediators, endothelial cell adhesion function, and adiponectin as mediators of the association between metabolic diseases and periodontitis has not been evaluated. The objective of this study is to assess whether the interaction of baseline serum levels of TNF-α, hs-CRP, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and adiponectin leads to periodontitis. Five hundred and ninety-seven overweight/obese (overweight: BMI 25 to <30 kg/m2; obese: >30 kg/m2) adults, aged 40-65 years, with complete 3-year follow-up data were included. Generalized structural equation models with negative binomial regression were used to estimate the regression coefficient (β) for the outcome number of teeth with probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥ 4 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) at 3-year follow-up for a 1 standard deviation unit increase (Δ = +1SD) in each biomarker. After adjusting for multiple covariates, baseline ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 had significant direct effects on increased log-transformed number of teeth with PPD ≥ 4 mm and BOP (β: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.02-0.30; β: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.02-0.30, respectively). Baseline hs-CRP showed a significant indirect effect via ICAM-1 on the log-transformed number of teeth with PPD ≥ 4 mm and BOP (β: 4.84; 95% CI: 0.27-9.42). Thus, elevated serum ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 have a significant direct effect and increased hs-CRP has a significant indirect effect on the predicted level of periodontitis at the 3-year follow-up among overweight/obese Hispanic adults.

Glycaemic status, insulin resistance, and risk of infection-related mortality: a cohort study

IMPORTANCE

The impact of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance on infection-related mortality risk remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the association of glycaemic status and insulin resistance with infection-related mortality in individuals with and without diabetes.

DESIGN

Cohort study based on Kangbuk Samsung Health Study and national death records.

PARTICIPANTS

About 666 888 Korean adults who underwent fasting blood measurements including glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), and insulin during health-screening examinations were followed for up to 15.8 years.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

Infection-related mortality, therefore we used Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for infection-related mortality. Vital status and infection-related mortality were ascertained through national death records. Variable categories were created based on established cut-offs for glucose and HbA1c levels and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) quintiles.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 8.3 years, 313 infectious disease deaths were dentified. The associations of glucose and HbA1c levels with infection-related mortality were J-shaped (P for quadratic trend<.05). The multivariable-adjusted HR (95% CIs) for infection-related mortality comparing glucose levels <5, 5.6-6.9, and ≥7.0 mmol/L to 5.0-5.5 mmol/L (the reference) were 2.31 (1.47-3.64), 1.65 (1.05-2.60), and 3.41 (1.66-7.00), respectively. Among individuals without diabetes, the multivariable-adjusted HR for infection-related mortality for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR ≥75th centile versus <75th centile) was 1.55 (1.04-2.32).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Both low and high glycaemic levels and insulin resistance were independently associated with increased infection-related mortality risk, indicating a possible role of abnormal glucose metabolism in increased infection-related mortality.

Glycemic and Insulin Status in Periodontitis Patients using the Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA): A Pilot Study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare insulin status and dysglycemia (prediabetes/diabetes) of patients with chronic (stage III, grade B) or aggressive periodontitis (stage III, grade C) to that of a healthy population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with chronic (CP, n = 16) or aggressive periodontitis (AP, n = 15) and periodontally healthy controls (n = 32) were recruited. Body mass index was calculated. Glycemia, plasma insulin, glycated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, and lipid levels were measured in fasting. The Homeostasis Model Assessment was used to calculate the insulin sensitivity (HOMA-%S), the beta-cell function (HOMA-%B), and their hyperbolic product (HOMA-%BxS).

RESULTS

The CP group showed statistically significantly insulin resistance with a lower HOMA-%S (p = 0.0003) and a reduced HOMA-%BxS (p = 0.049) despite a higher insulin level (p = 0.01) vs the control group, even after BMI adjustment. There was also a trend to dysglycemia (prediabetes/diabetes) in the chronic group. In patients with AP, no abnormalities in insulin status were observed and glycemic levels were comparable with controls. Additionally, patients in both AP and CP groups presented significantly higher CRP levels compared to those of the control group (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Patients with CP showed reduced insulin sensitivity, increased insulin levels but a reduced %BxS product and a trend to dysglycemia. These abnormalities were not observed in AP.

Effect of inflammation on bones in diabetic patients with periodontitis via RANKL/OPG system-A review

Purpose

Diabetes mellitus and periodontitis are inflammatory diseases, the severity of inflammation results in the progression and persistence of both the disorders and affects bones. Diabetic complications aggravate in diabetic subjects having periodontitis; similarly, diabetic patients are more prone to developing gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal and diabetic inflammation disturbs bone homeostasis, which possibly involves both innate and adaptive immune responses. The pathogenic processes that link the two diseases are the focus of much research and it is likely that upregulated inflammation arising from each condition adversely affects the other. RANKL/OPG pathway plays a prominent role in periodontal and diabetic inflammation and bone resorption.

Method

This review article summarises the literature on the link between inflammatory cytokines and the prevalence of disturbed bone homeostasis in diabetic patients with periodontitis. An extensive search was done in PubMed, Scopus, Medline and Google Scholar databases between April 2003 and May 2021.

Result

A total of 27 articles, including pilot studies, case-control studies, cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, randomized control trials, longitudinal studies, descriptive studies and experimental studies, were included in our literature review.

Conclusion

Since RANKL/OPG are cytokines and have immune responses, regulating these cytokines expression will help control diabetes, periodontitis and bone homeostasis. The growing evidence of bone loss and increased fracture risk in diabetic patients with periodontitis makes it imperative that health professionals carry out planned treatment focusing on monitoring oral health in diabetic patients; bone markers should also be evaluated in patients with chronic periodontitis with an impaired glycemic state.

Impact of Impaired Glucose Metabolism on Periodontitis Progression over Three Years

We evaluated the relationship between glucose abnormalities and periodontitis in overweight/obese individuals. Eight hundred and seventy (870) diabetes-free participants aged 40-65 years completed the three-year follow-up in the San Juan Overweight Adults Longitudinal Study. The ADA thresholds for fasting and 2-h post-load glucose and HbA1c were used to define prediabetes. The NHANES methods were used to assess periodontitis. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between baseline glucose metabolism measures and periodontitis at follow-up, adjusting for potential confounders. There was no association between impaired glucose measures and mean pocket depth (PD), mean clinical attachment loss (CAL), or mean percent of sites ≥5 mm PD. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was associated with a lower mean percent of sites ≥5 mm CAL (β = -1.6, p = 0.037). Prediabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were associated with improvement in mean percent of sites ≥5 mm PD (β = -1.4, p = 0.022; β = -1.6, p = 0.032; respectively). IFG and IGT were associated with improvement in mean percent of sites with ≥5 mm CAL (β = -1.6, p = 0.038; β = -1.9, p = 0.020; respectively). In conclusion, there were no consistent associations between baseline prediabetes or insulin resistance and periodontitis progression over a three-year period.

The role of adiponectin in periodontitis: Current state and future prospects

Adiponectin (APN), which is an adipokine primarily secreted by adipose tissue into the peripheral blood, exerts anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory functions in many systemic inflammatory diseases. Periodontitis is a localized inflammatory disease and is also the sixth-leading complication of diabetes. Uncontrolled periodontal inflammation gradually destructs the periodontal supporting apparatus and leads to the consequent loss of teeth. Recently, emerging evidence has revealed an association between APN and periodontitis. Herein, we summarize the basic information of APN and its receptor agonists. We also overview current studies considering the role of APN in periodontitis and discuss the potential mechanisms in terms of inflammation and bone metabolism. At last, we outline the correlation between APN and systemic diseases related periodontitis. Above all, APN and its agonists are promising candidates for the treatment of periodontitis, while the underlying mechanisms and clinical translational application require further exploration.

Effect of Treatment of Periodontitis on Incretin Axis in Obese and Nonobese Individuals: A Cohort Study

CONTEXT

Periodontitis confers an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and, in patients with obesity, it might interfere with the incretin axis. The effect of periodontal treatment on glucoregulatory hormones remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of periodontal treatment on incretin axis in obese and lean nondiabetic individuals.

SETTING

King's College Dental Hospital and Institute, London, UK.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

The metabolic profile of obese and normal-body-mass-index individuals affected by periodontitis was studied at baseline, 2, and 6 months after intensive periodontal treatment, by measuring plasma insulin, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and markers of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Circulating levels of incretins and inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

At baseline, periodontal parameters were worse for obese than nonobese; this was accompanied by higher levels of circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), insulin, and GLP-1. The response to periodontal treatment was less favorable in the obese group, without significant variations of hs-CRP or malondialdehyde. Glucoregulatory hormones changed differently after treatment: while insulin and glucagon did not vary at 2 and 6 months, GLP-1 and GIP significantly increased at 6 months in both groups. In particular, GLP-1 increased more rapidly in obese participants, while the increase of GIP followed similar trends across visits in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonsurgical treatment of periodontitis is associated with increased GLP-1 and GIP levels in nonobese and obese patients; changes in GLP-1 were more rapid in obese participants. This might have positive implications for the metabolic risk of these individuals.

Salivary Cytokine Biomarker Concentrations in Relation to Obesity and Periodontitis

Systemic low-grade inflammation is associated with obesity. Our aim was to examine the association between obesity and salivary biomarkers of periodontitis. Salivary interleukin (IL)-1-receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations were measured from 287 non-diabetic obese (body mass index (BMI) of >35 kg/m²) individuals and 293 normal-weight (BMI of 18.5–25 kg/m²) controls. Periodontal status was defined according to a diagnostic cumulative risk score (CRS) to calculate the risk of having periodontitis (CRS I, low risk; CRS II, medium risk; CRS III, high risk). In the whole population, and especially in smokers, higher IL-8 and lower IL-10 concentrations were detected in the obese group compared to the control group, while in non-smoking participants, the obese and control groups did not differ. IL-1Ra and IL-8 concentrations were higher in those with medium or high risk (CRS II and CRS III, p < 0.001) of periodontitis, whereas IL-10 and TNF-α concentrations were lower when compared to those with low risk (CRS I). In multivariate models adjusted for periodontal status, obesity did not associate with any salivary cytokine concentration. In conclusion, salivary cytokine biomarkers are not independently associated with obesity and concentrations are dependent on periodontal status.

Annual review of selected scientific literature: A report of the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry

This comprehensive review of the 2018 dental literature is provided to inform busy dentists about progress in the profession. Developed by the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, each author brings discipline-specific expertise to one of the 8 sections of the report including (1) prosthodontics; (2) periodontics, alveolar bone, and peri-implant tissues; (3) implant dentistry; (4) dental materials and therapeutics; (5) occlusion and temporomandibular disorders; (6) sleep-related breathing disorders; (7) oral medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and (8) dental caries and cariology. The report targets important information that will likely influence day-to-day treatment decisions. Each review is not intended to stand alone but to update interested readers so that they may visit source materials if greater detail is desired. As the profession continues its march toward evidence-based clinical decision-making, an already voluminous library of potentially valuable dental literature continues to grow. It is the intention of this review and its authors to provide assistance in navigating the extensive dental literature published in 2018. It is our hope that readers find this work useful in the clinical management of patients moving forward.