Relationship between folic acid intake and gingival health in non-smoking adults in Japan

Influence of Placenta Extract Intake on Periodontal Diseases and Oral Environment: A Case Series

Background

The placenta extract is used as a dietary supplement. We aimed to investigate the effects of placenta extract on periodontal disease.

Case Presentation

In this study, placenta extract supplements were found to improve the oral environment of young and middle-aged Japanese women undergoing maintenance; after three months of taking placenta extract, bleeding upon probing was reduced. In addition, two parameters, white blood cells and protein, improved in the SillHa test, suggesting that the placenta extract contributes to the reduction of gingival inflammation through its anti-inflammatory effect. No adverse events were observed with the placenta extract.

Conclusion

Placenta extract may lead to better management, including oral rehabilitation and pharmacotherapy. However, its effect on gingival inflammation requires further investigation in a larger number of cases.

Red blood cell folate level is associated with periodontitis in American adults: results from the NHANES 2009-2014

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell (RBC) folate is an indicator of long-term folate nutrition. Whether there is an association between RBC folate and periodontitis is unclear. This study aimed to use the NHANES database to determine whether RBC folate is associated with moderate/severe periodontitis.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of 10,151 participants in the NHANES database from 2009 to 2014 was performed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the independent relationship between RBC folate and moderate/severe periodontitis. The generalized additive model (GAM), restricted cubic splines (RCS), smooth curve fitting, and threshold effect analysis were used to explore the dose-response relationship and the potential nonlinear relationship between RBC folate and periodontitis. Finally, subgroup analysis and interaction tests were performed to determine the effect of covariates on the relationship between RBC folate and moderate/severe periodontitis.

RESULTS

After adjusting for all confounders, there was a negative association between RBC folate concentration and moderate/severe periodontitis. The lowest fraction Q1 (< 360 ng/mL) of RBC folate concentration was used as the reference group, multivariable-adjusted ORs and 95% CIs of the second (360-463 ng/mL), third (464-569 ng/mL), fourth (570-732 ng/mL), and the highest quintile (> 733 ng/mL) categories were 0.88 (0.77, 1.01), 0.83 (0.72, 0.96), 0.77 (0.67, 0.90), 0.65 (0.56, 0.77) respectively. Additionally, a threshold nonlinear association was found between RBC folate (ng/mL) log2 transformation and moderate/severe periodontitis.

CONCLUSION

This cross-sectional study revealed a negative relationship between RBC folate and moderate/severe periodontitis within a certain threshold range. Dentists and policymakers should pay closer attention to oral hygiene and health care for people with low or high RBC folate levels. Further causal and longitudinal research mechanisms are needed to validate our findings.

Evaluation of Folic Acid-Containing Mouthrinse and Chlorhexidine Mouthrinse as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing in Patients With Periodontal Disease

BACKGROUND

Periodontal disease is a host-mediated inflammation caused due to microbial challenge. Hence, mechanisms involving the control of host-associated mediators can be a potential target. The conventional nonsurgical periodontal treatment modality includes scaling and root planing (SRP), which is often combined with adjunctive chemical plaque control agents for effective disease control. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is the most common chemical plaque control agent used. Recent research is now being focused on exploring other medicinal substitutes that may benefit control of inflammation and tissue healing. Folic acid is an important nutrient that increases the ability of oral epithelial cells to resist local irritants and inflammation if supplemented either systemically or locally.

AIM

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of folic acid and CHX mouthwash as an adjunct to scaling and root planing for treating patients with chronic periodontitis.

METHODOLOGY

In this study, 30 patients with chronic periodontitis were included and assigned to either of the two groups: Group A (receiving folic acid-containing mouthrinse) and Group B (receiving CHX mouthrinse). Periodontal measurements, including plaque index, probing pocket depth, gingival index, and healing index, were evaluated at baseline and again four weeks after scaling and root planing.

RESULTS

Significant reduction was detected in all clinical parameters (plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, healing index) for both groups (p<0.05) when evaluated from baseline to four weeks.

CONCLUSION

Both mouthrinses were effective when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis. Hence, folic acid-containing mouthrinse can be used in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Association of specific nutritional intake with periodontitis

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate nutritional intake among a group of male patients in the dental clinic with and without periodontal disease to search for associations between nutritional profile and periodontal health.

METHODS

To this purpose, nutritional intake of macronutrients, fiber, vitamins, and minerals were compared evaluating both clinical parameters and periodontal status. Non periodontitis patients were compared with stage III and IV periodontitis and its extension according to the 2017 classification.

RESULTS

After multivariate analysis, statistically significant associations were found between the dietary intake of energy, total fat, cholesterol, calcium, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat and folic acid and iodine and periodontitis status. This study reports an inverse association between cholesterol and iodine and periodontitis and a direct association with saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and folic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

Maintaining an adequate intake of fat, iodine, calcium, and cholesterol and avoiding an excessive intake of energy, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and folic acid could be important to controlling periodontitis.

Can vitamins improve periodontal wound healing/regeneration?

Periodontitis is a complex inflammatory disorder of the tooth supporting structures, associated with microbial dysbiosis, and linked to a number if systemic conditions. Untreated it can result in an irreversible damage to the periodontal structures and eventually teeth loss. Regeneration of the lost periodontium requires an orchestration of a number of biological events on cellular and molecular level. In this context, a set of vitamins have been advocated, relying their beneficial physiological effects, to endorse the biological regenerative events of the periodontium on cellular and molecular levels. The aim of the present article is to elaborate on the question whether or not vitamins improve wound healing/regeneration, summarizing the current evidence from in vitro, animal and clinical studies, thereby shedding light on the knowledge gap in this field and highlighting future research needs. Although the present review demonstrates the current heterogeneity in the available evidence and knowledge gaps, findings suggest that vitamins, especially A, B, E, and CoQ10, as well as vitamin combinations, could exert positive attributes on the periodontal outcomes in adjunct to surgical or nonsurgical periodontal therapy.

Dental complications in homocystinurias

Background

Cystathionine beta synthase deficiency (causing classical homocystinuria) has been associated with high-arched palates and crowded teeth, but little has been said about other oral health complications. Other homocystinurias (e.g., the remethylation defects) also have had little reported in terms of oral health. Individuals with the homocystinurias have been described as having bone density issues which can correlate with oral health. Moreover, elevations in homocysteine have a theoretical impact on tooth health and the paucity of clinical reports of oral health issues in homocystinuria may be the consequence of lack of attention by the medical community.

Significance

Oral health is essential to overall health. If inadequate attention is paid to the oral health complications which can be seen in homocystinurias, then appropriate referrals and attention in therapeutic guidelines will not reflect the importance of oral health.

Specific aims/research question

What oral health complications are reported by individuals with homocystinurias? Do these differ according to diagnosis?

Methods

Data were collected from patients with homocystinurias by a series of questionnaires using the RARE-X platform. All subjects were consented prior to the collection of their data. All research was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Demographic data were collected as the initial questionnaire and other data were collected via the oral health questionnaire.

Analysis

Questionnaires were opened to the community in mid-2022 and collection of data for this study ended with data submitted up to November 2022. Descriptive statistics were done. Due to the small size of the cohort, additional statistical analyses were not attempted.

Results

Patients with homocystinuria, not related to cystathionine beta synthase deficiency, are reporting some tooth structure differences. The cohort taken as a whole does not have increased risk for gingivitis, but there appears to be a risk for long-term gum disease possibly due to the rate of osteoporosis/osteopenia in this population. A large number of individuals have malalignment and malocclusion of the teeth. These data highlight oral health as an important component of care in individuals with the homocystinurias as is true of the general population at large.

Correlation between Dietary Intake of Vitamins and Oral Health Behaviors: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to investigate whether oral health behaviors were related to the dietary intake of vitamins. In this cross-sectional study, we included respondents of the 2016 national health and nutrition examination survey, and dental diseases from Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, findings of blood tests related to metabolic syndrome, dietary intake, oral health status, and behaviors were collected. Participants were divided into two groups based on their oral health behavior: the yes group (performed interdental cleaning or tongue brushing) and the no group (did not perform the behaviors). The study included 218 participants (male: 107, female: 111) aged 64.5 (range, 22-93) years. There were 133 (61.0%) and 85 (39.0%) participants in the yes and no groups, respectively. The daily intake of vitamins A, B₂, B₆, E, and K, folic acid, and niacin in the yes group was significantly higher than that in the no group. Oral health behavior correlated with the intake of vitamin B₂ (p = 0.029), folic acid (p = 0.006), and vitamin K (p = 0.043) after adjusting for possible confounders. Oral health behavior (interdental cleaning or tongue brushing) correlated with the daily intake of vitamins B₂, K, and folic acid.

Dietary and Nutraceutical Interventions as an Adjunct to Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy-A Systematic Review

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review on the influence of dietary and nutraceutical interventions as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). A literature search for randomized, controlled clinical trials (RCTs) was performed in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science. Trial inclusion criteria included the application of a defined nutritional intervention (food, beverages, or supplements) adjunctive to NSPT compared to NSPT alone with at least one measured periodontal parameter (pocket probing depths (PPD) or clinical attachment level (CAL)). Of 462 search results, 20 clinical trials relating to periodontitis and nutritional interventions were identified, of which, in total, 14 studies could be included. Eleven studies examined supplements containing lycopene, folate, chicory extract, juice powder, micronutrients and plant extracts, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, or vitamin D. Three studies examined food-based interventions (kiwifruit, green or oolong tea). Due to limited information on within-group differences in the studies, results were descriptively analyzed. A significant positive effect on periodontal parameters (PPD, bleeding on probing) was found for vitamin E, chicory extract, juice powder, green tea, and oolong tea. Heterogeneous effects were found for lycopene, folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. No effects on PPD were found for adjunct kiwifruit (in combination with NSPT). Risk of bias via RoB2 revealed a low risk of bias with some concerns. There was a high heterogeneity in the type of nutritional interventions. The adjunctive use of various supplements and green/oolong tea led to positive and significant effects of the nutritional interventions on clinical periodontal outcome parameters. In the context of non-surgical periodontal therapy, an adjunctive intake of micronutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, green/oolong tea, and polyphenols and flavonoids could be beneficial. Long-term clinical studies with full data reports (especially within-group differences) are needed for conducting a meta-analysis.

The Impact of Chronic Kidney Disease on Nutritional Status and Its Possible Relation with Oral Diseases

Several studies have demonstrated a strong relation between periodontal diseases and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The main mechanisms at the base of this link are malnutrition, vitamin dysregulation, especially of B-group vitamins and of C and D vitamins, oxidative stress, metabolic acidosis and low-grade inflammation. In particular, in hemodialysis (HD) adult patients, an impairment of nutritional status has been observed, induced not only by the HD procedures themselves, but also due to numerous CKD-related comorbidities. The alteration of nutritional assessment induces systemic manifestations that have repercussions on oral health, like oral microbiota dysbiosis, slow healing of wounds related to hypovitaminosis C, and an alteration of the supporting bone structures of the oral cavity related to metabolic acidosis and vitamin D deficiency. Low-grade inflammation has been observed to characterize periodontal diseases locally and, in a systemic manner, CKD contributes to the amplification of the pathological process, bidirectionally. Therefore, CKD and oral disease patients should be managed by a multidisciplinary professional team that can evaluate the possible co-presence of these two pathological conditions, that negatively influence each other, and set up therapeutic strategies to treat them. Once these patients have been identified, they should be included in a follow-up program, characterized by periodic checks in order to manage these pathological conditions.

Investigation of the relationship between periodontal and systemic inflammation in children with Sickle Cell Disease: A case- control study

Periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory diseases and tissue destruction increases with oxidative stress in periodontal tissues. Periodontal diseases are associated with systemic diseases such as diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases and rheumatoid arthritis by means of systemic inflammation. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic inflammatory disease in which vaso-occlusive crisis and endothelial dysfunction are present. It is not known whether the chronic systemic inflammation seen in SCD affect periodontal tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between periodontal and systemic inflammation in children with SCD. Forty-three children with SCD and 43 healthy children were included in the study. Physical, dental and periodontal statuses were examined, blood and saliva samples were taken. Levels of pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress mediators in serum and saliva were evaluated. The periodontal findings of the groups were similar. The majority of the subjects in both groups had gingival inflammation. In SCD group, significantly higher serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, total oxidant status (TOS), nitric oxide (NO) and salivary IL-6 were observed (p < 0.05). There were positive correlations between salivary IL-6 levels and serum Hs-CRP levels (r = 0.303, p < 0.05). In addition; it was determined that salivary IL-6, TNF-α and NO levels were increased 3-6 times in children with a history of painful crisis or acute chest syndrome compared to children who had never had a painful crisis or acute chest syndrome. Although, observed oral health status was similar in both groups, salivary cytokine levels were increased in children with SCD. The higher salivary cytokine levels may be associated with chronic systemic inflammation and vaso-occlusion observed in children with SCD.

The Association between Dietary Habits and Periodontal Disease in Young Adult Women

Dietary habits of middle-aged and elderly individuals affected by periodontal disease (PD) differ from those who are unaffected by it, according to previous reports. However, in young adults, there are only a few reports that show a correlation between nutrient/food intake and PD. Moreover, no report till date has assessed the correlation between dietary habits and PD using a self-administered diet history questionnaire (DHQ). Therefore, we assessed this correlation using a DHQ in young adult women who are likely to develop PD. The participants were enrolled from 2 universities and included 120 female college students a mean age of 20.4 y. The participants were assessed for the presence of PD according to the community periodontal index and were divided into two groups, the PD group and the non-PD group. Their dietary habits were investigated using a DHQ and the level of difficulty in chewing food was assessed. The PD group had a significantly lower nutrient intake of minerals, fat-soluble vitamins, water-soluble vitamins, and dietary fiber than the non-PD group. In terms of food groups, the PD group consumed significantly lesser amounts of green and yellow vegetables (GYV) than the non-PD group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the PD group had significantly lower intakes of vitamin E and GYV than the non-PD group. The PD group consumed significantly lesser amounts of hard foods than the non-PD group. In conclusion, young adult women who were evaluated for PD by a screening test had a significantly lower nutrient/food intake than those without a PD.

Importance of micronutrients in the oral cavity

Introduction: Micronutrients play a potent role in the functioning of the different systems of the organism. It is necessary to sustain an adequate status of the micronutrients for maintaining the optimal condition of the oral cavity. The aim: Toemphasize the importance of different micronutrients for the normal functioning of the oral cavity, as well as their influence on the occurrence of various diseases of the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Conclusion: Micronutrients such as vitamin C, B9 and E, calcium, zinc, copper and iron have a role in development so as anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties Deficiency of certain micronutrients plays an important role in the development of periodontitis and caries. People with chronic inflammatory bowel disease, as well as children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, are usually deficient in these vitamins and therefore often susceptible to the development of inflammatory changes in soft tissues of oral cavity , periodontitis and caries.

The effect of the systemic folic acid intake as an adjunct to scaling and root planing on clinical parameters and homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels in gingival crevicular fluid of periodontitis patients: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

AIM

To evaluate clinical and biochemical effects of adjunctive systemic folic acid (FA) intake with scaling and root planing (SRP) in periodontitis treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty periodontitis subjects (30 per group) were randomly assigned into study groups and treated with either SRP + placebo (SRP + P) or SRP + folic acid (SRP + F). In addition to clinical parameters (plaque index [PI], gingival index [GI], probing pocket depth [PPD], clinical attachment level [CAL] and gingival recession [GR]), gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were obtained at baseline and post-treatment (PT) periods (one (PT-1), three (PT-3) and six (PT-6) months) for C-reactive protein (CRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) evaluation.

RESULTS

Significant time-dependent reduction was detected at all clinical parameters for both groups (p < .001). Compared to SRP + P, CAL was lower in SRP + F at PT-1 (p = .004) and PT-3 (p = .035), whereas GR was lower at only PT-1 (p = .015). GCF volume and CRP did not show inter-group differences, whereas Hcy was higher in SRP + F at PT-3 (p = .044) and PT-6 (p = .041). GCF volume and Hcy showed reduction after treatment in both groups (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Both modalities exhibited clinical improvement and change in biochemical parameters. Adjunctive systemic FA intake may be recommended adjunctive to periodontitis treatment to reveal better outcomes. However, its impact mechanisms should be further enlightened.

The Role of Vitamins in Oral Health. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The association between vitamins and oral health have recently been discussed, yielding increased attention from medical and dental perspectives. The present review aimed to systematically evaluate and appraise the most recently scientific papers investigating the role of vitamins in the prevention and treatment of the main oral diseases as hard dental pathological processes and gum/periodontal disease. Randomized controlled trials, cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, comparative studies, validation studies and evaluation studies, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, reporting associations between vitamins and oral diseases or the use of vitamins to prevent or treat oral diseases in patients of any age were included. PubMed, Embase and Scopus were searched to November 2019 using an ad hoc prepared search string. All the papers meeting the inclusion criteria were subjected to a quality assessment. The search identified 1597 papers; 741 were selected after removing duplicates. A total of 334 articles were excluded after title and abstract evaluation; 407 were assessed and 73 papers were full-text assessed; other 14 papers were discharged after full text evaluation, leaving finally 58 papers included. In general, there is weak evidence supporting the association between vitamins and both gingival/periodontal disease and hard dental pathological processes.

Folate-receptor 1 level in periodontal disease: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum folate-receptor 1 (FOLR1) levels in subjects with different periodontal status.

METHODS

The study consists of three groups: Healthy group (n = 15), gingivitis group (n = 15) and chronic periodontitis group (n = 15). Clinical periodontal parameters including probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed. GCF and serum samples were collected from each patient and were analyzed FOLR1 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

The values of FOLR1 in GCF were higher in gingivitis and periodontitis groups than among patient in control group (p < 0.016). Serum FOLR1 levels showed no significant difference between the groups. A significant correlation was observed between FOLR1 levels of GCF and BOP (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary data suggest that FOLR1 is not useful in monitoring the periodontal disease. Further studies are necessary to clarify the role, regulation and function of folate and it's receptors in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease.

Nutraceuticals in Periodontal Health: A Systematic Review on the Role of Vitamins in Periodontal Health Maintenance

Periodontal disease, a relevant public health problem worldwide, is generally considered a common pathology of elderly people. In this respect, there is agreement about that nutritional status may be a modifying factor in the progression and healing of the periodontal tissues. Vitamins have been recommended as nutraceuticals for prevention and treatment of some pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity or cancer. Thus, a systematic approach to determining how the different vitamin type could ameliorate periodontal risks or improve periodontal health is necessary to further the understanding of the potential benefits and risks of vitamins supplementation use. For this, a systematic review of English-written literature in PubMed until February 2018, which included both human and animal research on the relationship of each vitamin with periodontal disease, was conducted. Among all the analyzed vitamins those with antioxidant capacity and effects on immune system seem to be useful for prevention or improvement of periodontal disease, as well as those implicated in bone metabolism. In the first case, there are quite information in favor of various vitamins, mainly vitamin C, that is the most studied. In the second case, vitamin D seems to have the most relevant role.

A Systematic Review on the Implication of Minerals in the Onset, Severity and Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease with high prevalence in adults that leads to destruction of the teeth-supporting tissues. Periodontal therapy has been traditionally directed at reduction of the bacterial load to a level that encourages health-promoting bacteria and maintenance of oral-hygiene. The role of nutrition in different chronic inflammatory diseases has been the subject of an increasing body of research in the last decades. In this sense, there has been an important increase in the volume of research on role of nutrition in periodontitis since the diet has known effects on the immune system and inflammatory cascades. Minerals play a key role in all these processes due to the multiple pathways where they participate. To clarify the role of the different minerals in the establishment, progression and/or treatment of this pathology, a systemically review of published literature cited in PubMed until May 2016 was conducted, which included research on the relationship of these elements with the onset and progression of periodontal disease. Among all the minerals, calcium dietary intake seems important to maintain alveolar bone. Likewise, dietary proportions of minerals that may influence its metabolism also can be relevant. Lastly, some observations suggest that all those minerals with roles in immune and/or antioxidant systems should be considered in future research.

Determining the Effect of Gutkha on Serum Levels of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid as Compared to Smoking among Chronic Periodontitis Subjects : A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis, being a common inflammatory disease has a multifactorial origin , with smoking and gutkha as few of the causative entities. The role of smoking as a risk factor for periodontitis is been well documented in literature. Cigarette smoke also affects vitamin B12 and folic acid mechanisms. Nutritionally derived vitamin B12 occurs mainly as either hydroxycobalamin or deoxyadenosycobalmin. Folic acid is also heat sensitive and water soluble, closely linked to vitamin B12 in its metabolism. However, effect of smokeless tobacco in form of gutkha on serum levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid is yet to be explored.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To estimate and correlate serum vitamin B12 (VB12) and folic acid (FA) levels among periodontally healthy subjects and Chronic Periodontitis (CP) subjects with habit of smoking and gutkha chewing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 111 subjects ranging in age from 18 to 60 y. Participants were divided into four groups: 30 healthy subjects (Group I), 29 subjects with CP (Group II), 25 smokers with CP (Group III) and 27 gutkha chewers with CP (Group IV). Clinical parameters included pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) & gingival index (GI) following which VB12 and FA levels were estimated through UV-spectrophotometry method and data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientists software, Mann-Whitney U-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. p-values less than 0.05 were considered as significant. Results : Pairwise comparison by Mann-Whitney U-test showed an increase in the serum VB12 in Group IV when compared to Group I (p=0.01) and Group II (p=0.01). Although serum FA levels were found to be low in Group III (7.61 ug/ml) & Group IV (8.64 ug/ml), Group III was found to be statistically significant (P=0.046). The clinical parameters GI, PPD and CAL among the four groups of patients were also statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The study results suggested that among the patients with periodontal disease, serum VB12 levels are directly related while serum FA levels are inversely related to inflammation and tissue destruction in periodontium as occurred in Group IV.