Efficacy of systemic antibiotics in nonsurgical periodontal therapy for diabetic subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Improvement of post-periodontitis-therapy inflammatory state in diabetics: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of periodontal therapy on systemic biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic search without restriction on dates or languages was performed in six electronic databases, protocol records and other sources until May 2024. To develop the search strategy, clinical question was formulated using the PICOD method. Eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials on the effects of periodontitis-therapy on the inflammatory parameters of T2DM patients. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed by RoB2 and GRADE tools, respectively. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO platform (CRD42020206295).

RESULTS

Of 1,062 records screened, the authors determined that 14 studies enrolling 1223 participants proved eligible. Moderate-quality evidence suggested a positive effect of periodontitis-therapy on serum levels of c-reactive protein [0.39 (CI95%: 0.27-0.5)], even without the use of antibiotics [0.34 (CI95%: 0.22-0.46)], in T2DM patients. The significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP) among smokers in favor of periodontitis-therapy was greatest at six months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-surgical periodontal therapy improved short-term biomarkers of systemic inflammation in T2DM patients, with moderate evidence of improvement in serum levels of high sensitivity-CRP.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Systemic inflammation in T2DM patients can be reduced after non-surgical periodontal therapy, which also has the potential to reduce the risk of other important systemic outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease.

The Efficacy of Topical or Systemic Antibiotics as Adjuvants to Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment in Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Background: Periodontitis and diabetes mellitus (DM) exhibit a bidirectional relationship and are globally significant systemic chronic conditions. The utilization of antibiotics alongside non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) has been a subject of investigation in numerous clinical studies involving human subjects. Thus, the objective of this systematic review is to address the following question: "What is the efficacy of scaling and root planing (SRP) associated with antimicrobials in patients with type 2 DM and periodontitis?". Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted encompassing databases such as MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to July 2024. Additionally, alerts were configured to capture studies published from the initial search until manuscript submission. Randomized clinical trials assessing clinical periodontal parameters in DM patients undergoing SRP and receiving either topical or systemic antibiotics were compared against a control group (SRP only). Two investigators independently screened articles, extracted data, and evaluated their quality. The selection process, study characteristics, risk of bias, impact of antibiotics on clinical parameters, and certainty of evidence were elucidated in both textual and tabular formats. Meta-analysis was performed separately with forest plots generated for treatment modalities, period of evaluation, and type of antibiotics used. Results: Following the analysis of abstracts and full articles, a total of 30 randomized clinical trials were incorporated into this review, comprising 9 studies on the association of topical antibiotics and 21 studies on systemic antibiotic administration. The principal periodontal parameters assessed included probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BoP). Conclusions: Analysis of the results led to the conclusion that adjunctive periodontal treatment with either topical or systemic antibiotics confers subtle clinical benefits. Nevertheless, owing to the heightened emergence of resistant bacteria and potential side effects, the use of antibiotic therapy in periodontal treatment should be judiciously administered.

Effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on hemoglobin A1c in periodontitis patients without diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review was aimed to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in periodontitis patients without diabetes mellitus (DM).

DATA/SOURCES

The present systematic review and meta-analysis were performed through searching the following electronic databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Open GREY. Interventional studies of periodontitis patients without DM were investigated. HbA1c changes in these patients before and after NSPT were analyzed. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were employed to identify sources of heterogeneity.

STUDY SELECTION

Three reviewers independently selected the eligible studies by screening the titles and abstract. Then, a full-text analysis was performed. The reasons for excluding studies were recorded. Any disagreements were settled by discussion with a fourth reviewer. All the four reviewers extracted and crosschecked the data, and disagreements were resolved by discussion. There are 21 case-series studies (self-controlled studies) and 1 non-randomized interventional studies (NRIs) were included.

RESULTS

For periodontitis patients without DM, a total of 469 individuals from 22 studies were enrolled. The pooled analysis demonstrated that it was significantly changed in HbA1c levels at 3-month follow-up (0.16 with 95 % CI 0.04, 0.27; P = 0.008), and 6-month follow-up (0.17 % with 95 % CI 0.08, 0.27; P < 0.001) compared with baseline. Smoking, gender, experience of periodontal therapy and HbA1c value at baseline could be the sources of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

NSPT is potentially beneficial for the management of HbA1c in periodontitis patients with high risks of DM. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials are still necessary to confirm these conclusions.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The systemic review evaluated the effect of NSPT on HbA1c in periodontitis patients without DM. The analysis may be beneficial to the management and control of the high risks of DM in periodontitis patients.

The efficacy of combining adjuvants with non-surgical periodontal therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A Bayesian network meta-analysis

AIM

This Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessed the effect of adjuvant periodontal treatment in both periodontal and HbA1c outcomes in adult individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search was done up to February 2023 comparing sub-gingival debridement (SD) in combination with local or systemic adjuvant treatment with SD alone for individuals with T2DM. The primary outcomes were changes in absolute HbA1c levels and full-mouth probing depth reported at 3- to 6-month post-treatment.

RESULTS

Seventy-two eligible publications evaluating 27 adjuvant treatments were retrieved. The combination of SD and systemic antibiotic metronidazole or SD and antioxidant alpha lipoic acid provided, respectively, 1.4% (95% credible interval [CrI] 0.48; 2.20) and 2.4% (95% CrI 1.50; 3.30) more significant improvement on HbA1c levels, and 0.89 mm (95% CrI 0.23; 1.50) and 0.92 mm (95% CrI 0.02; 0.92) greater periodontal probing depth reductions. Other adjuvant treatments provided added benefit to the periodontal outcomes without discernible effects on HbA1c.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant use of metronidazole or alpha lipoic acid was the best adjunct option to provide clinically meaningful HbA1c levels and probing depth reductions. However, no strong recommendation can be drawn due to the scarcity of studies for each adjuvant treatment and the low certainty of the resultant evidence.

Systemic antibiotics adjuvants to scaling and root planing in type 2 diabetic and periodontitis individuals: Systematic review with network meta-analysis

Targeting inflammatory pathways is considered a common strategy to control type 2 diabetes (T2D) and periodontitis. This overview was to validate systemic antibiotics as an adjuvant to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatments of periodontal patients with T2D. Literature searches were conducted using Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE. Randomized trials comparing SRP and systemic antibiotics on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and probing pocket depth (PPD) in adults with T2D and periodontitis were analyzed using network meta-analysis and meta-regression. At 3-month postintervention, meta-analyses of 16 studies revealed that SRP and SRP plus systemic antibiotics (SRPa) had similar significant effects in reducing HbA1c levels of - 0.72% and - 0.96% respectively. While SRP and SRPa also, respectively, reduced PPD of - 0.67 and - 0.89 mm, SRPa showed a better reduction than SRP. At 6-month postintervention, meta-analyses of 7 trials revealed that only SRP was effective in reducing HbA1c levels (-0.29%) but not SRPa. Although both SRP and SRPa still significantly reduced PPD by - 0.56 and - 0.81 mm, respectively, there was no difference between them. The current overview suggested that routine SRP alone is highly recommended for patients with T2D and periodontitis, since systemic antibiotics as an adjuvant provide a rather short-term effect.

The effect of antibiotics on the periodontal treatment of diabetic patients with periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the effects of periodontal treatment with or without adjunctive antibiotic on periodontal status and blood glucose level in diabetic patients with periodontitis. Methods: A search using electronic database (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and a manual search were performed up to July 2022. Eligible 13 RCTs were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Reviewers independently performed data screening, data selection, data extraction, and risk of bias. Quality assessment was performed according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous outcomes were calculated using random or fixed-effects models. This review is registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022347803). Results: Of the 13 included articles, eight were on the use of systemic antibiotics and five on topical antibiotics. The results showed statistically significant improvement in periodontal status (probing depth, clinical attachment loss and bleeding on probing) at 6 months with systematic antibiotics use (PD-6M p = 0.04, BOP-6M p < 0.0001, CAL-6M p = 0.002). The improvement in PD with topical antibiotics was statistically significant at 1 month (p = 0.0006). However, there was no statistically significant improvement in periodontal status at 3 months with adjuvant systemic antibiotics. Conclusion: Antibiotics can improve the periodontal condition of diabetic patients with periodontitis to a certain extent. In clinical practice, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the balance of benefits and risks before deciding whether to use antibiotics. Systematic Review Registration: Identifier CRD42022347803, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.

Efficacy of Systemic Amoxicillin–Metronidazole in Periodontitis Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

Systemic amoxicillin–metronidazole was proven to be effective in managing periodontitis in systemically healthy patients. It was demonstrated that systemic antibiotic therapy can effectively improve clinical periodontal parameters and reduce periodontopathogenic organisms in the subgingival biofilm. However, the evidence for prescribing this drug combination to patients with diabetes remains insufficient. This systematic review was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a systemic amoxicillin–metronidazole combination as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy in patients with diabetes presenting with chronic periodontitis. The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were electronically searched for randomized clinical trials in January 2022. Randomized clinical trials evaluating systemic amoxicillin–metronidazole therapy as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes presenting with periodontitis were selected for screening. The qualities of the studies were assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Tool for Assessing Risk of Bias Version 2.0 (ROB-2), and a GRADE assessment was applied to estimate the overall certainty of the evidence. Using predefined eligibility criteria, four clinical trials examining 209 patients were selected from the 611 articles identified in the search. Two studies reported a better reduction in clinical parameters when SRP was combined with systemic amoxicillin–metronidazole. Systemic amoxicillin–metronidazole was found to be as effective as clindamycin. Surgical therapy with systemic amoxicillin–metronidazole was more effective than nonsurgical therapy with systemic amoxicillin–metronidazole, even though both resulted in reduced clinical parameters. Combined amoxicillin–metronidazole was observed to reduce periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) compared to no treatment or NSPT alone. However, the effect was not greater when compared to NSPT with clindamycin or surgical therapy with amoxicillin–metronidazole. Further randomized trials are required before clinical guidelines can be established for the use of systemic amoxicillin–metronidazole. Future randomized controlled clinical trials with long-term follow-ups are required to assess the efficacy of systemic antibiotic therapy in managing periodontitis in patients with diabetes.

A Bibliometric Analysis of the International Dental Journal (2011-2020)

INTRODUCTION

Bibliometrics is an area that allows for the evaluation of scientific publications by means of different indicators. The aim of this research was to perform a bibliometric study of the scientific production of the International Dental Journal (IDJ) between 2011 and 2020.

METHODS

All publications of the journal between 2011 and 2020 extracted from the Scopus database were included. The number of publications, most productive institutions, type of collaboration, most productive countries, most cited articles, and authors with the highest academic production were used as bibliographic indicators. It was exported to the SciVal tool for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 630 documents published in IDJ by 1947 authors were collected, with a total of 7212 citations (11.4 citations per document). The United States was the country with the highest number of documents (100). The University of Adelaide (Australia) was the institution with the highest scientific production (16 publications), whilst the institution with the highest impact was the Universidade de São Paulo (Brazil), with 12.2 citations per paper. Marc Luiz Tennant was the author with the highest number of published manuscripts (13). Finally, most of the publications had international collaboration (146 documents).

CONCLUSIONS

IDJ is a high-quality journal and, in the dental field, it has a high impact worldwide, which allows for a greater number of citations of its articles and placing it in the forefront of future research.

Classic vs. Novel Antibacterial Approaches for Eradicating Dental Biofilm as Adjunct to Periodontal Debridement: An Evidence-Based Overview

Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease that affects tooth-supporting soft/hard tissues of the dentition. The dental plaque biofilm is considered as a primary etiological factor in susceptible patients; however, other factors contribute to progression, such as diabetes and smoking. Current management utilizes mechanical biofilm removal as the gold standard of treatment. Antibacterial agents might be indicated in certain conditions as an adjunct to this mechanical approach. However, in view of the growing concern about bacterial resistance, alternative approaches have been investigated. Currently, a range of antimicrobial agents and protocols have been used in clinical management, but these remain largely non-validated. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive antibiotic use in periodontal management and to compare them to recently suggested alternatives. Evidence from in vitro, observational and clinical trial studies suggests efficacy in the use of adjunctive antimicrobials in patients with grade C periodontitis of young age or where the associated risk factors are inconsistent with the amount of bone loss present. Meanwhile, alternative approaches such as photodynamic therapy, bacteriophage therapy and probiotics showed limited supportive evidence, and more studies are warranted to validate their efficiency.

Indocyanine green-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of indocyanine green-mediated photodynamic therapy (ICG-PDT) as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), in the management of chronic periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase via OVID, Web of Science) were searched for randomised controlled trials comparing NSPT with ICG-PDT to NSPT without laser therapy. Primary outcome measures were changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled from 7 eligible trials and meta-analyses conducted using mean difference with standard deviations.

RESULTS

For PPD, adjunctive ICG-PDT resulted in a mean additional reduction of 1.17 mm (95% CI: 0.67-1.66 mm) at 3 months and a mean additional reduction of 1.06 mm (95% CI: 0.54-1.57 mm) at 6 months. For CAL, adjunctive ICG-PDT resulted in a mean additional gain of 0.70 mm (95% CI: 0.17-1.23 mm) at 3 months and a mean additional gain of 1.03 mm (95% CI: 0.83-1.24 mm) at 6 months. No adverse events were reported in any studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The adjunctive use of ICG-PDT in NSPT results in improved treatment outcomes at 3 and 6 months post-therapy. Further investigation is needed to evaluate variables such as different photosensitiser concentrations and adjusting parameters associated with the light source.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Indocyanine green-based photosensitisers may be a novel, clinically efficacious agent for use in the management of periodontitis.

Effects of multiple sessions of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the treatment of periodontitis in patients with uncompensated type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare, through clinical and microbiological analysis, the use of multiple applications of aPDT as an adjuvant therapy to non-surgical periodontal treatment of stage III and IV grade C periodontitis in type 2 diabetic (DM2) patients.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with non-compensated DM2 and periodontitis were randomly divided into two groups: SRP Group (n = 17): scaling and root planing (SRP); and SRP+aPDT Group (n = 17): SRP followed by 3 consecutive aPDT applications, immediately, 48 and 96 h after in pockets with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm. In SRP+aPDT, after 1 min of irrigation with methylene blue (10 mg/ml), the sites were irradiated with a 660 nm diode laser for 50 s (157 J/cm², 4.7 J, 100 mW). Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia) were quantified by real-time qPCR. Periodontal clinical and microbiological data (baseline, 90 and 180 days) were statistically analyzed (α = 5%).

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in PD and bleeding on probing at 90 and 180 days post-treatment in both groups (p<0.05). The SRP+aPDT group presented a significant reduction in the number of residual pockets at 90 and 180 days (p<0.05). The SRP+aPDT group presented reduced PD means in deep pockets 180 days post-treatment (p<0.05). No differences were observed in P. gingivalis and P. intermedia levels (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of present study indicate that the use of multiples aPDT sessions as adjuvant therapy in the periodontal treatment of uncompensated diabetic patients with periodontitis promotes additional clinical benefits.

Clinical efficacy of scaling and root planing with and without metronidazole on glycemic control: three-arm randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Treating periodontitis through non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) may improve glycemic control in type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients. However, the evidence to maintain this improvement beyond four months is insufficient. Hence, this trial was conducted to assess clinical efficacy of NSPT on glycemic control in T2DM patients.

METHODS

This three-arm randomized controlled trial recruited 150 known T2DM participants (35-65 years), suffering from moderate to severe periodontitis, having HbA1c level ≥ 6.5% at baseline. Participants were followed up at 3 and 6 months. Intervention for test group-1 included scaling and root planing (SRP) with metronidazole (MET) and oral hygiene instructions (OHI). Test group-2 was intervened with SRP + OHI and control group with OHI only. Stata v. 14 was used to observe inter and intragroup mean changes in glycemic [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG)] and periodontal variables [bleeding on probing (BOP), periodontal pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL)] using ANOVA and RMANOVA. Proportion of change in outcome variable (HbA1c) was assessed between treatment groups using chi-square test. Change was considered significant at p-value ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

A significant reduction was observed in BOP, PPD, CAL, HbA1c and FBG over time [p < 0.05]. Significant reductions were observed in same variables in both test groups in comparison to control arm [p < 0.05]. No change between the two test groups was observed [p > 0.05].

CONCLUSION

Scaling and root planing improves glycemic control of T2DM patients independently of the use of MET. Therefore, SRP after every 6 months may be suggested and included as a part of overall diabetes management for patients suffering from T2DM. Clinical trial registration NCT 03,343,366 [Date of Registration: 17/11/2017].

Salvadora persica: Nature's Gift for Periodontal Health

Salvadora persica (SP) extract, displays very valuable biotherapeutic capacities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory effects. Numerous investigations have studied the pharmacologic actions of SP in oral disease therapies but its promising outcomes in periodontal health and treatment are not yet entirely described. The current study has been planned to analyze the reported effects of SP as a support to periodontal therapy to indorse regeneration and healing. In consort with clinical trials, in vitro investigations show the advantageous outcomes of SP adjunctive to periodontal treatment. Yet, comprehensive supplementary preclinical and clinical investigations at molecular and cellular levels are indispensable to reveal the exact therapeutic mechanisms of SP and its elements for periodontal health and therapy.

Boric acid as an adjunct to periodontal therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of boric acid as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy, in comparison with a placebo adjunct, in terms of changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), in patients with periodontitis.

METHODS

Four electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2020 (PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE via OVID and Web of Science). Clinical outcomes were extracted, pooled and meta-analyses conducted using mean difference with standard deviations.

RESULTS

For PPD, a mean additional reduction of 0.58 mm (95% CI: -0.03-1.19 mm, p = 0.06) was observed at 3 months and a mean additional reduction of 1.18 mm (95% CI: 0.97-1.40 mm, p < 0.05) at 6 months, compared with placebo. For CAL, a mean additional gain of 0.62 mm (95% CI: -0.07-1.32 mm, p = 0.08) was observed at 3 months and a mean additional gain of 1.24 mm (95% CI: 0.89-1.58 mm, p < 0.05) at 6 months, compared with placebo. No adverse events were reported in any studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The adjunctive use of boric acid in non-surgical periodontal therapy results in improved treatment outcomes at 3 and 6 months, with no adverse events reported.

Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone: A Natural Blessing for Periodontal Therapy

Thymoquinone (TQ), the chief active constituent of Nigella sativa (NS), shows very valuable biomedical properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, antiparasitic and anti-asthmatic effects. Several studies have examined the pharmacological actions of TQ in the treatment of oral diseases but its potential role in periodontal therapy and regeneration is not yet fully defined. The present investigation has been designed to review the scientific studies about the effects of TQ as an adjunct to periodontal treatment to promote healing and periodontal regeneration. Along with clinical experiments, in vitro studies exhibit the beneficial effects of TQ during periodontal therapy. Nevertheless, additional comprehensive clinical and preclinical studies at cellular and molecular levels are essential to examine the particular action mechanisms of Nigella sativa and its elements, particularly TQ, during periodontal treatment or regeneration.

Periodontal Disease in Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study in Smokers and Non-Smokers

INTRODUCTION

It is well established that periodontal disease (PD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) can have a detrimental effect on each other's disease course, and that cigarette smoking exacerbates both conditions. However, literature on the periodontal status of smokers with DM is scarce, and the studies conducted to date did not use healthy controls or non-smokers with DM as controls. Consequently, the individual effects of smoking and DM on PD are difficult to untangle and estimate.

METHODS

A total of 128 participants were recruited to this study and their data analyzed. They were assigned to four groups: smoking patients with DM (SDM); non-smoking patients with DM (NSDM); smokers without DM (control group, SC) and (4) non-smokers without DM (control group, NSC). Each group consisted of 32 age-matched participants. The periodontal status of the participants was assessed by full oral examination. To express periodontal status, we used the four-stage classification introduced by Fernandes and colleagues (J Periodontol. 80(7):1062-1068, 2009). The control of DM was estimated by measuring hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in the peripheral blood.

RESULTS

A significant difference in the severity of PD was found between the SC and NSC groups (p = 0.027) and between the NSC and SDM groups (p = 0.000), while the difference between the NSDM and SDM groups approached significance (p = 0.052). No person in the smoker groups could be classified as having a healthy periodontal status. The four-stage classification followed a normal distribution in the healthy, non-smoking controls (NSC). Smoking caused a shift toward medium-severe PD, while a marked shift toward the most severe stage was observed when both smoking and DM were present (SDM). There was no significant association between the type of DM and periodontal status, nor between diabetes control and the severity of PD. Persons in the SDM group had significantly fewer teeth than those in the NSC group (mean ± standard deviation: 16.0 ± 7.9 vs. 20.7 ± 5.6; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Smoking damages the periodontium of even healthy individuals, but the damage is multiplied in a smoker who has DM, even though the effect of DM alone on periodontium health is relatively mild. Our results suggest a synergy between DM and smoking in terms of damage to the periodontal tissues, but the limited sample size of this study does not allow any hard conclusion to be drawn.

Metronidazole and amoxicillin for patients with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus: 5-year secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to perform a 5-year follow-up analysis of a previously-published randomized trial (RCT) evaluating the 2-years effects of metronidazole (MTZ) plus amoxicillin (AMX) as adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of periodontitis in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

Volunteers who received periodontal treatment in the aforementioned RCT were selected for clinical and microbiological evaluation. Patients did not receive regular supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) from 2 to 5 years post-treatment.

RESULTS

Of the patients enrolled in the RCT, 43% entered this study (n = 10/control and 15/test group). Most of clinical parameter values, including the number of sites with probing depth ≥ 5 mm (primary outcome variable), were reduced at 5 years post-therapy when compared with baseline in the antibiotic-treated group (P < 0.05), but presented higher values than those at 2 years (P < 0.05). The mean proportions of microbial complexes did not differ between MTZ+AMX+SRP and SRP-only groups at 5 years post-treatment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Diabetic patients treated with adjunctive MTZ+AMX were better maintained over a period of 5 years than those treated with SRP only. However, the clinical and microbiological benefits obtained up to 2 years post-treatment were not fully sustained in these patients who did not receive SPT between 2 and 5 years post-treatment.

The effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy on glycemic control in diabetic patients: A randomized controlled trial

AIM

The present study aimed to monitor the clinical outcomes and the metabolic response of periodontal therapy (non-surgical) in patients with periodontitis (chronic) and uncontrolled diabetes (type 2).

METHODS

Eighty-eight subjects with periodontitis (chronic) and uncontrolled diabetes (type 2) were enrolled in this controlled trial and allocated randomly to the test group (44 patients were received immediate periodontal therapy) or the control group (44 patients were received delayed periodontal therapy). The metabolic and clinical evaluations were conducted at baseline and 3 months. This included clinical attachment level, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), bleeding on probing, visible plaque, and pocket depth. The periodontal therapy in this study consists of one-stage scaling and root planning, a combination of systemic antibiotics (amoxicillin 500 mg and metronidazole 400 mg), and oral hygiene instructions.

RESULTS

Regarding clinical and metabolic parameters at baseline, no statistically significant differences were displayed between the two groups. However, at 3-month follow-up period the patients within the test group demonstrated significantly better clinical and metabolic outcomes than patients in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The non-surgical periodontal treatment using a combination of metronidazole and amoxicillin significantly improved the metabolic outcome in addition to periodontal health in diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis.

Updates from the Evidence Base Examining Association between Periodontal Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Current Status and Clinical Relevance

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Epidemiological surveillance documents an escalating epidemic prevalence of both type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and periodontal disease (PD). The principal goals of this review are to: 1) re-examine the clinical significance of associations between PD and T2DM, based on strength of collective evidence as determined by systematic review and meta-analysis, and 2) review findings of the systematic reviews and meta-analyses in light of the current understanding of PD-associated pathophysiology and intersection with T2DM pathophysiology.

RECENT FINDINGS

Tooth loss predicts risk for chronic disease and mortality. PD is significantly associated with complications of diabetes, including retinopathy. Based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses, the adjunctive use of certain antibiotics enhances non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) in patients with T2DM. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses support NSPT efficacy in achieving metabolic control. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses support the association between PD and T2DM, albeit the effect size may be modest. PD-T2DM interactions have important clinical implications.

IDF Diabetes Atlas: Diabetes and oral health - A two-way relationship of clinical importance

The current scientific evidence for the bi-directional associations between oral health and diabetes is summarized. The universal biologic mechanisms and demographic and behavioral risk drivers underlying these associations in both directions are also described. Dysglycemia, even slightly elevated blood sugar levels, adversely affects oral health, manifesting itself in several oral diseases and conditions. In the opposite direction, any oral infection with its subsequent local and systemic inflammatory responses adversely affects blood glucose levels. Moreover, painful, mobile, or missing teeth may lead to intake of soft food items representing a sub-optimal diet and hence poor nutrition, and thereby contribute to incident type 2 diabetes or to poorer glucose control in existing diabetes. Treatment of inflammation related oral conditions, such as non-surgical periodontal treatment and extraction of infected teeth, can lead to a clinically significant decrease in blood glucose levels. Attention to infectious oral diseases and referral to dental care professionals for treatment can therefore be an important novel tool for medical care professionals in preventing and managing diabetes mellitus. Dental professionals can detect unrecognized potential dysglycemia and refer for medical examination. Such interprofessional, patient centered care may contribute to improved health, wellbeing, and quality of life in people with diabetes.

Novel 20% doxycycline-loaded PLGA nanospheres as adjunctive therapy in chronic periodontitis in type-2 diabetics: randomized clinical, immune and microbiological trial

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the clinical, microbiological, and immunological results of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanospheres containing 20% doxycycline (DOXY) in the treatment of type-2 diabetic patients (DM-2) with chronic periodontitis (CP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A parallel, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in DM-2 presenting severe and generalized CP. All patients received one-stage full-mouth ultrasonic debridement (FMUD) and they were randomly divided into two groups: PLAC (n = 20)-local application of placebo PLGA nanospheres, and DOXY (n = 20)-local application of doxycycline-loaded nanospheres; both in six non-contiguous sites. Clinical, metabolic (fasting plasma glucose level-FPG and glycated hemoglobin-HbA1c), cytokine pattern (multiplexed bead immunoassay) and microbiological assessments were performed at baseline, and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Both groups showed clinical improvement in all parameters after treatment (p < 0.05). Deep pockets showed improvements in bleeding on probing-BoP (3 and 6 months), PD (at 3 months), and CAL gain (at 1 and 3 months) favoring DOXY (p < 0.05). The percentage of sites presenting PD reduction and CAL gain ≥ 2 mm was higher in DOXY at 3 months (p < 0.05). DOXY group exhibited a significant increase in the levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-10 and a reduction in IL-8, IFN-y, IL-6, and IL-17 (p < 0.05), significant reduction in periodontal pathogens (p < 0.05), and a lower mean percentage of HbA1C at 3 months (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

DOXY nanospheres may be considered a potential adjunct to mechanical debridement in the therapy of periodontitis in DM-2, offering additional benefits in deep pockets, improving the cytokine profile, and reducing periodontal pathogen levels.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The use of locally applied doxycycline nanospheres may represent an adjunctive therapeutic approach in the treatment of periodontal disease in type-2 diabetic patients, achieving additional benefits in the local modulation of cytokines, microbial reduction, and clinical parameters, especially in deep pockets.

Comparing the Antimicrobial In Vitro Efficacy of Amoxicillin/Metronidazole against Azithromycin-A Systematic Review

On account of its proven clinical efficacy, the combination of systemically administered amoxicillin and metronidazole is frequently adjuncted to non-operative periodontal therapy and well documented. Potential drawbacks of this regimen, e.g., side effects and problems with the compliance, led to an ongoing search for alternatives. Azithromycin, an antibiotic extensively used in general medicine, has recently found its niche in periodontal therapy as well. This systematic review aimed to analyze the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of amoxicillin plus metronidazole versus azithromycin. For this purpose, a systematic literature search was performed, and studies published up to 29 March 2018 referenced in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Biosis were independently screened by two authors. An additional hand search was performed and studies focusing on the evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of amoxicillin + metronidazole or azithromycin on bacteria from the subgingival biofilm were included. English and German language research reports were considered. From 71 identified articles, only three articles were eligible for inclusion. These studies showed heterogeneity in terms of analytical methods and strains explored. However, all studies used multispecies biofilm models for analysis of the antimicrobial activity. Unanimously, studies reported on more pronounced antimicrobial effects when applying the combination of amoxicillin + metronidazole, compared to azithromycin. Based on the few studies available, the combination of amoxicillin + metronidazole seemed to display higher antimicrobial efficacy in vitro than azithromycin.

The effects of periodontal treatment on diabetic patients: The DIAPERIO randomized controlled trial

AIM

To assess whether periodontal treatment can lead to clinical, glycaemic control and quality of life improvements in metabolically unbalanced diabetic patients (type 1 or type 2) diagnosed with periodontitis.

METHODS

In this open-labelled randomized controlled trial, diabetic subjects (n = 91) were given "immediate" or "delayed" periodontal treatment (full-mouth non-surgical scaling and root planing, systemic antibiotics, and oral health instructions). The main outcome was the effect on glycated haemoglobin (HbA_1C ) and fructosamine levels. The General Oral Health Assessment Index and the SF-36 index were used to assess quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS

Periodontal health significantly improved after periodontal treatment (p < 0.001). Periodontal treatment seemed to be safe but had no significant effects on glycaemic control based on HbA_1C (adjusted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (aMD) of 0.04 [-0.16;0.24]) and fructosamine levels (aMD 5.0 [-10.2;20.2]). There was no obvious evidence of improvement in general QoL after periodontal treatment. However, there was significant improvement in oral health-related QoL (aMD 7.0 [2.4;11.6], p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Although periodontal treatment showed no clinical effect on glycaemic control in this trial, important data were provided to support periodontal care among diabetic patients. Periodontal treatment is safe and improves oral health-related QoL in patients living with diabetes. ISRCTN15334496.