The relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases - hype or hope?

Association of Self-Perceived Psychological Stress with the Periodontal Health of Socially Deprived Women in Shelter Homes

The present study aimed to assess the effect of self-perceived psychological stress on the periodontal health of socially deprived women. The study included three hundred and eighty-five socially deprived women residing in shelter homes. The presence of stress and its severity was assessed by using Sheldon Cohen's 10-item perceived stress scale (PSS), and periodontal health status was assessed utilizing the community periodontal index. Statistical analyses were performed using an independent sample t-test, a one-way ANOVA, the Pearson chi-Square test, and binary logistic regression. Results: A total of 385 samples were included, the majority of whom (n = 297; 72.5%) belonged to the age group of 15-30 years. There were 34 (8.8%) participants who were educated up to graduate level. A total of 47.8% of the women were found with healthy periodontal status, and 52.5% of the samples were diagnosed with major psychological stress. Half of the samples (201-52.2%) had a periodontal problem. The mean PSS was found statistically significant concerning age group, education, and psychological stress level. In the univariate logistic regression analysis, a significant association of periodontal status was observed with the age group 31-45 years [(OR = 1.76; 95% C.I (1.11-2.78)] and with a major psychological stress level [(OR = 2.60; 95% C.I (1.72-3.93)]. Psychosocial stress among socially deprived women was found to be a risk factor for periodontal disease.

Sequential stimulation with different concentrations of BMP4 promotes the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into dental epithelium with potential for tooth formation

BACKGROUND

Tooth loss caused by caries or injuries has a negative effect on human health; thus, it is important to develop a reliable method of tooth regeneration. Research on tooth regeneration has mainly focused on mouse pluripotent stem cells, mouse embryonic stem cells, and adult stem cells from various sources in mice, whereas little has examined the differentiation of human embryonic stem (hES) cells into dental epithelium (DE) and odontogenic potential in vivo.

METHODS

In this study, we induced hES cells to differentiate into dental epithelium using different concentrations of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). With 1 pM BMP4, the hES cells differentiated into oral ectoderm (OE). These cells were then stimulated with 30 pM BMP4. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunofluorescence showed the differentiation of OE and DE. The DE generated was mixed with embryonic day 14.5 mouse dental mesenchyme (DM) and transplanted into the renal capsules of nude mice. Thirty days later, the resulting tooth-like structures were examined by micro-computed tomography and hematoxylin and eosin staining.

RESULTS

After 4 days of 1 pM BMP4 stimulation, Pitx1-positive OE formed. qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence revealed that induction with 30 pM BMP4 for 2 days caused the OE to differentiate into Pitx2/Dlx2/AMBN-positive DE-like cells. These cells also expressed β-catenin and p-Smad1/5/8, which are key proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin and Bmp signaling pathways, respectively. Thirty days after in vivo transplantation, six teeth with enamel and dentin had formed on the kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that hES cells differentiated into DE after sequential stimulation with different concentrations of BMP4, and the DE thus generated showed odontogenic potential.

Evaluation of Toothbrush Contamination

Background/Aim: Toothbrushes are one of the main means of cleaning teeth and maintaining oral hygiene, but toothbrushes are also potential reservoir of microorganisms, including pathogens. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the oral health, oral hygiene awareness and assess the degree of contamination of toothbrushes among students attending Secondary Medical School.

Material and Methods: Sixty students (32 boys, 28 girls; mean age ≅ 15,7±2,1) attending highschool were randomly selected for this study. Each student included in the study filled out a questionnaire regarding his/her life habits and oral hygiene. Clinical examinations were initiated in order to determine the DMFT, as well as the CIP, CIT, CIA and CPITN indexes, based of which the assessment of oral health status was performed. One stack of fiber was collected from each toothbrush used by the participantes in the study, and than prepared for further microbiological sampling.

Results: Only 11% of the students had the awareness of potential sources of toothbrushes contamination. The average value of DMFT was 3,2 (%D = 22,5; %M = 4,96; %F = 72,5). A statistically significant difference in comparison of the CPITN index and subjects’ response to the professional plague removal in the last 12 months was identified (χ2 = 13,55; p= 0,033). Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Micrococcus species and Streptococcus salivarius were most commonly present microorganisms. In most cases, G-positive bacilli or cocci were isolated, while the presence of Candidae albicans was identified in four samples.

Conclusions: Raising the awareness of dental hygiene through the oral health education may improve better plaque control and subsequently the oral health. Handson training how to maintain the oral hygiene are not expensive and more over they are easy to be organized can be useful in oral heath promotion.