Nor Azmi NJ, Mohamad S, Shahidan WNS, Taib H, Mohamed Z, Osman E. Risk factors and approaches for detection of
Trichomonas tenax, the silent culprit in periodontal disease: A narrative review.
Saudi Dent J 2024;
36:258-261. [PMID:
38419993 PMCID:
PMC10897585 DOI:
10.1016/j.sdentj.2023.11.014]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Periodontal disease is the inflammation of the periodontium tissues surrounding the teeth, potentially leading to loss of tooth attachment. In individuals with periodontal disease, the presence of Trichomonas tenax, a parasitic protozoan of the oral cavity has been observed and its frequency tends to rise as the disease progresses.
Methods
A literature search was conducted in the online databases of PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus using the combination of keywords: "Trichomonas tenax" AND "periodontal disease" OR "gum disease", OR "oral disease" OR "periodontitis". A total of 9 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria and were included in this study.
Results
This review highlights the incidence of T. tenax with periodontal diseases, the risk factors that contribute to the infection of T. tenax and available detection methods for the identification of the protozoan.
Conclusion
The inhabitation of the oral cavity by T. tenax prospers with the severity of periodontal diseases. Extensive research should be conducted to fully understand the potential pathogenic role and damaging effect of T. tenax in the oral cavity.
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