Risk Indicators for Increased Probing Depth in an Isolated Population in Brazil

Prevalence of Chronic Periodontitis and Chronic Stress in the South Indian Population

Background Chronic stress is commonly thought to have a net negative effect on the efficacy of the immune response, leading to an imbalance between host and parasite and consequently resulting in a periodontal breakdown. Aim To identify the prevalence of chronic periodontitis and chronic stress as well as a comparative evaluation of clinical, demographic, and psychoanalytical parameters among the South Indian population. Materials and methods A total of 500 subjects between the ages of 30 and 60 were chosen from the Trivandrum district, Kerala, using multistage random sampling. Subjects were evaluated based on psychoanalytical parameters as well as periodontal examination. Psychoanalytical parameters were measured by the questionnaire method using the perceived stress scale. Periodontal parameters examined were the probing depth, clinical attachment loss, bleeding on probing, simplified oral hygiene index, and community periodontal index (loss of attachment). Statistical Analysis Categorical and quantitative variables were expressed as frequency (percentage) and mean ± SD respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between the periodontal variables and psychoanalytical variables. All the statistical analysis was performed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics for Windows (IBM Corp., USA). Results A total of 500 subjects, of whom 308 (61.6%) were female and 192 (38.1%) were male, participated in this study. The overall prevalence of periodontitis among all the subjects was found to be 42.4%, and the proportion of periodontitis among the stressed participants was found to be 46.2%, which is 10% higher compared to the non-stressed (36.1%) participants. Conclusion Our study showed an increased frequency of periodontitis among the stressed subjects as compared to the non-stressed subjects. These findings suggest that there is a positive association between chronic stress and chronic periodontitis, but further prospective studies are required to establish the extent of the effect chronic stress has on chronic periodontitis and vice versa.

Effect of smoking cessation on tooth loss: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Smoking is a major risk factor for periodontitis and tooth loss. Smoking cessation has a positive impact in periodontal treatment. However, so far, no systematic review has evaluated the effect of smoking cessation on tooth loss. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate if smoking cessation reduces the risk of tooth loss.

METHODS

Observational (cross-sectional and longitudinal) studies that investigated the association between smoking cessation and tooth loss were included. MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS databases were searched for articles published up to November 2018. Pooled results for subgroups of current and former smokers were compared in meta-analysis. Meta-regression was used to test the influence of smoking status on estimates and explore the heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Of 230 potentially relevant publications, 21 studies were included in the qualitative review and 12 in the quantitative analysis. Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies did not show any differences between former and current smokers in the chance of losing 1 or more teeth (OR = 1.00; 95% CI = 0.80 to 1.24, I² = 80%), losing more than 8 teeth (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 0.78 to 1.32, I² = 0%) or being edentulous (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 0.94 to 1.99, I² = 98%). Meta-analysis from longitudinal studies showed that, when compared to never smokers, former smokers presented no increased risk of tooth loss (RR = 1.15; 95% CI = 0.98 to 1.35, I² = 76%), while current smokers presented an increased risk of tooth loss (RR = 2.60; 95% CI = 2.29 to 2.96, I² = 61%). Meta-regression showed that, among former smokers, the time of cessation was the variable that better explained heterogeneity (approximately 60%).

CONCLUSIONS

Risk for tooth loss in former smokers is comparable to that of never smokers. Moreover, former smokers have a reduced risk of tooth loss, when compared to current smokers.

Immunological and microbiological periodontal profiles in isolated growth hormone deficiency

BACKGROUND

Growth hormone (GH) has been identified as an important regulator of the immune response. We have previously shown that adults with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) due to a mutation in the GH releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR) gene, have a greater chance of having periodontitis. However, the interaction of GH with periodontal tissues is still unknown, and this population has emerged as a unique model to investigate this issue. Therefore, we evaluated the microbiological and immunological periodontal profiles of such individuals.

METHODS

Nineteen IGHD and 19 controls matched by age, sex, diabetes, and smoking status, were enrolled in this case-control study. Periodontal clinical parameters (probing depth [PD] and clinical attachment loss [AL]) were measured at six sites per tooth. Immune mediators (C-reactive protein, matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-8, MMP-9, interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, adiponectin, and leptin) were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in four non-adjacent sites for each participant (two with PD ≤3 mm [shallow sites] and two with PD ≥7 mm or the worst PD found in the mouth [deep sites]). Bacterial quantification (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia) of subgingival biofilm samples collected from these same sites was performed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

RESULTS

IGHD individuals presented higher values of PD and AL, and increased levels of CRP, IL-8, MMP-8, and adiponectin in the GCF. Bacterial quantification did not identify differences between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

IGHD alters the local immune response in periodontal pockets leading to greater attachment loss, and GH stands out as an important hormone to be evaluated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Clinical and microbiologic effects of adjunctive metronidazole plus amoxicillin in the treatment of generalized chronic periodontitis: smokers versus non-smokers

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic effects of the adjunctive use of metronidazole (MTZ) and amoxicillin (AMX) in the treatment of smokers and non-smokers with generalized chronic periodontitis (CP).

METHODS

Thirty-two smokers and 32 non-smokers were selected and received scaling and root planing (SRP) combined with MTZ (400 mg three times daily) and AMX (500 mg three times daily) for 14 days. Clinical and microbiologic examinations were performed at baseline and 3 months after SRP. Nine subgingival plaque samples per patient were analyzed using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization.

RESULTS

Both groups presented a significant improvement in all clinical parameters at 3 months after therapy (P <0.05). Non-smokers showed lower mean number of sites with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm after therapy. Fewer non-smokers exhibited at least nine of these sites at 3 months after treatment. Non-smokers also presented the greatest reductions in mean PD and gain in clinical attachment between baseline and 3 months after therapy at initially deep (PD ≥7 mm) sites (P <0.01). The most beneficial changes in the microbial profile were also observed in the non-smoker group, which showed the lowest proportions of the orange complex at 3 months, as well as a significant increase in the proportions of Actinomyces species after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Smokers with CP benefit less than non-smokers from treatment by the combination of SRP, MTZ, and AMX.

Subgingival microbial profiles as diagnostic markers of destructive periodontal diseases: a clinical epidemiology study

AIMS

To describe the subgingival microbial profiles of the major putative periodontal pathogens and investigate their role as diagnostic markers for destructive periodontal diseases in an untreated and isolated population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The source population consisted of all subjects aged ≥ 12 years in an isolated Brazilian population. An interview and a full-mouth clinical examination were conducted and subgingival plaque samples were obtained from four sites per subject. PCR analyses were used to identify the following micro-organisms: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia and Campylobacter rectus.

RESULTS

Among the 214 clinically examined subjects (81% response), 170 of the 195 dentate subjects provided plaque samples. Two subgingival microbial profiles were identified: absence of all micro-organisms but Campylobacter rectus or co-occurrence of Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Using a combination of microbiological and interview information, the smallest overall misclassification in the diagnosis of extensive clinical attachment loss ≥ 5 mm was 8.8% (4.7% of non-cases and 22% of cases), but this was not different from the 7.6% (2.3% non-cases and 24.4% cases) obtained using clinical and interview information (p = 0.292).

CONCLUSION

Specific microbial profiles could be identified in this isolated population. They did not result in significant superior diagnostic accuracy when compared to traditional clinical markers.

Periodontal Status and Risk Factors among Adults of Sebha City (Libya)

The present study was aimed at assessing the periodontal status and risk factors like age, gender, tooth brushing habit, and smoking among the adult population of Sebha city, Libya. 452 adults, aged 35–54 years, comprised the study sample. 266 (58.84%) were females and 186 (41.15%) were males. Data was collected by interview and clinical examination using CPI of CPITN index. Chi-square test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis at 5% level of significance. Results indicate that 76.32% used toothbrush and paste; 8.84% were current smokers and were all males. Majority, 52.65% were, detected with shallow pockets followed by 30.08% with calculus, 12.17% had deep pockets, 3.31% had bleeding, and only 1.33% were healthy. Age, gender, current smoking status and frequency of tooth brushing showed statistically significant difference with CPI codes. Health professionals can utilize this data to identify individuals at risk and to target population level interventions.

The effect of smoking on the mRNA expression of MMPs and TIMP-1 in untreated chronic periodontitis patients: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are important for extracellular matrix. Expression of MMPs has been evaluated in gingiva without studying smoking. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of smoking on mRNA expression of MMP-1, -3, -8, -9 and -13 and TIMP-1 in untreated chronic periodontitis and in periodontal health.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Gingival samples were harvested from 30 subjects with untreated chronic periodontitis (15 nonsmokers and 15 smokers) and 30 periodontally healthy subjects (15 nonsmokers and 15 smokers). Full-mouth plaque score, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level were recorded. Total RNA was isolated, and the mRNA expression of MMPs and TIMP-1 was assessed by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Periodontitis groups were comparable in clinical measurements. Nonsmoker subjects with periodontitis had statistically significantly higher MMP-1, lower MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression and higher MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio than smokers; and higher MMP-8 expression and MMP-8/TIMP-1 and MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratios than healthy nonsmokers. Healthy nonsmokers had statistically significantly higher MMP-13 expression than healthy smokers. Smoker periodontitis and healthy subjects had similar expression levels of MMPs and TIMP-1 and MMPs/TIMP-1 ratios. There was correlation among the MMPs only for smoker periodontitis subjects. Expression of MMP-13 was correlated with mean clinical attachment level.

CONCLUSION

Within its limits, this study demonstrated that smoking affected mRNA expression of MMPs and TIMP-1, MMPs/TIMP-1 ratios and relationships among MMPs in untreated chronic periodontitis and expression of MMPs in health. In the absence of smoking, chronic periodontitis affected expression of MMPs and MMPs/TIMP-1 ratios.

Periodontal disease in adults with untreated congenital growth hormone deficiency: a case-control study

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible associations between isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) and periodontal attachment loss (PAL) in adults affected by congenital IGHD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-five previously identified IGHD subjects were eligible for this study. The final study sample comprised 32 cases (gender:20M/12F; age:44.8 ± 17.5) matched for age, gender, diabetes, smoking status and income to 32 controls (non-IGHD subjects). Participants were submitted to a full-mouth clinical examination of six sites per tooth and were interviewed using a structured, written questionnaire. Periodontitis was defined as proximal PAL≥5 mm affecting ≥30% of teeth.

RESULTS

No significant differences were observed in the percentage of sites with visible plaque between IGHD and non-IGHD subjects (59.4% versus 46.9%, p=0.32). IGHD subjects had significant less supragingival calculus (31.3% versus 59.4%, p=0.02) and more bleeding on probing (71.9% versus 18.8%, p<0.01) than controls. PAL≥5 mm was significantly more prevalent (100% versus 71.9%, p<0.01) and affected more teeth (30.5% versus 6.7%, p<0.01) in cases than in controls. After adjusting for supragingival calculus, IGHD cases had a higher likelihood of having periodontitis than controls (OR=17.4-17.8, 95% CI=2.3-134.9, p=0.004-0.005).

CONCLUSION

Congenital IGHD subjects have a greater chance of having PAL.

Effect of smoking on subgingival microflora of patients with periodontitis in Japan

Background

Smoking is a risk factor for periodontitis. To clarify the contribution of smoking to periodontitis, it is essential to assess the relationship between smoking and the subgingival microflora. The aim of this study was to gain an insight into the influence of smoking on the microflora of Japanese patients with periodontitis.

Methods

Sixty-seven Japanese patients with chronic periodontitis (19 to 83 years old, 23 women and 44 men) were enrolled in the present study. They consisted of 30 smokers and 37 non-smokers. Periodontal parameters including probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) and oral hygiene status were recorded. Detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum/periodonticum, Treponema denticola and Campylobacter rectus in subgingival plaque samples was performed by polymerase chain reaction. Association between the detection of periodontopathic bacteria and smoking status was analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis and chi-square test.

Results

A statistically significant association was found between having a PPD ≥ 4 mm and detection of T. denticola, P. intermedia, T. forsythia, or C. rectus, with odds ratios ranging from 2.17 to 3.54. A significant association was noted between BOP and the detection of C. rectus or P. intermedia, and smoking, with odds ratios ranging from 1.99 to 5.62. Prevalence of C. rectus was higher in smokers than non-smokers, whereas that of A. actinomycetemcomitans was lower in smokers.

Conclusions

Within limits, the analysis of the subgingival microbial flora in smokers and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis suggests a relevant association between smoking and colonization by the specific periodontal pathogens including C. rectus.

Periodontal outcomes and social, racial and gender inequalities in Brazil: a systematic review of the literature between 1999 and 2008

The objective of this study was to review the Brazilian epidemiologic literature on periodontal outcomes and socio-demographic factors, assessing bibliographic and methodological characteristics of this scientific production, as well as the consistency and statistical significance of the examined associations. A systematic review was carried out in six bibliographic sources. The review was limited to the period between 1999 and 2008, without any other type of restriction. Among the 410 papers identified, 29 were included in the review. An increasing number of articles, specifically in the last four years of study, was observed. However, there is a concentration of studies in the South and Southeast regions of Brazil, and many of them are not closely connected to theoretical formulations in the field. In spite of these shortcomings, the review findings corroborate the idea that poor socioeconomic conditions are associated with periodontal outcomes, as demonstrated primarily by income and schooling indicators.