The Association Between Periodontal Inflammation and Labor Triggers (Elevated Cytokine Levels) in Preterm Birth: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Background: Periodontitis is considered to be a risk factor for preterm birth. Mechanisms have been proposed for this pathologic relation, but the exact pathologic pattern remains unclear. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to evaluate levels of four major labor triggers, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum samples between women with preterm birth (PTB) and full‐term birth (FTB) and correlate them with periodontal parameters. Methods: PGE₂, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α levels were estimated using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays in GCF and serum samples collected 24 to 48 hours after labor from 120 women (60 FTB, 60 PTB). Results: Women with PTB exhibited significantly more periodontitis, worse periodontal parameters, and increased GCF levels of IL‐6 and PGE₂ compared with the FTB group; there were no significant differences in serum levels of measured markers. GCF levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and PGE₂ and serum levels of TNF‐α and PGE₂ were significantly higher in women with periodontitis compared with periodontally healthy women. Serum levels of PGE₂ were positively correlated with probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) as well as with GCF levels of TNF‐α in women with PTB. Conclusions: Women with PTB demonstrated worse periodontal parameters and significantly increased GCF levels of IL‐6 and PGE₂ compared with those with FTB. Based on significant correlations among serum PGE₂ and PD, CAL, and GCF TNF‐α in PTB, periodontitis may cause an overall increase of labor triggers and hence contribute to preterm labor onset.     

Digit Sucking,Age, Sex,and Socioeconomic Status as Determinants of Oral Hygiene Status and Gingival Health of Children in Suburban Nigeria

Background: This study determines prevalence of digit sucking and gingivitis, and association among age, sex, socioeconomic status, presence of digit‐sucking habits, oral hygiene status (OHS), and gingivitis among a group of Nigerian children. Methods: Data of 992 children aged 1 to 12 years recruited through a household survey conducted in Osun State, Nigeria were analyzed. Information on age, sex, socioeconomic status, and history of digit‐sucking habits were collected. Children were assessed for OHS and severity of gingivitis using the simplified oral hygiene index and the gingival index, respectively. Predictors of presence of gingivitis and poor oral hygiene were determined using multivariate logistic regression. Results: One (0.2%) and 454 (93.0%) children aged 1 to 5 years had poor oral hygiene and mild gingivitis, respectively. Twenty‐two (4.4%) and 361 (72.9%) children aged 6 to 12 years had poor oral hygiene and mild gingivitis, respectively. The odds of having poor oral hygiene (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20 to 0.35; P <0.001) and gingivitis (AOR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.14 to 0.31; P <0.001) was significantly reduced for children aged 1 to 5 years. The odds of having gingivitis was increased in children with low socioeconomic status (AOR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.32 to 3.31; P = 0.002). There was no significant relationship among sex, digit sucking, OHS, and presence of gingivitis. Conclusions: A digit‐sucking habit did not increase chances of having poor oral hygiene and gingivitis. Increasing age and low socioeconomic status were factors that significantly increased chances of having poor oral hygiene and gingivitis.     

A comparison of WHO Periodontal Status Index with the Periodontal and Oral Hygiene Indices

Examination of 2,138 subjects, aged 15-65+ years, was carried out by calibrated examiners using mirrors and fibre optic illumination. Each subject was scored by the Periodontal Status Index, PSI (WHO Oral Health Surveys), Periodontal Index, PI (Russell) and the Oral Hygiene Index, OHI (Greene & Vermillion). For the PSI, PI and OHI all scores were age-dependent with the exception of soft deposits in PSI and OHI, which were age-independent. The advantages of the PSI system were considered to be the ease of scoring and the opportunity to assess treatment requirements, in terms of time, at the public health service level. Disadvantages were lack of quantitation, difficulties of diagnosis of intense gingivitis, and localized and general conditions. The PI and OHI systems provided a more objective, quantitative and sensitive basis of scoring than the PSI. Statistical tests showed the respective indices are associated and measuring the same kind of criteria. Examiner calibration and consistency were similar for both scoring systems.     

Influence of the Utilization Time of Different Manual Toothbrushes on Oral Hygiene Assessed During a 6‐Month Observation Period: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The aim of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) was to investigate whether 6‐month continuous use of different manual toothbrushes (TBs) influences plaque removal and the degree of gingival inflammation compared to short utilization periods of 4 weeks each. Methods: In total, 96 participants were randomly allocated into two groups: continuous use during 6 months (non‐renewal group) or a change in TB every 4 weeks during 6 months (renewal group). Each group was subdivided into four subgroups (groups A to H; n = 12 each) according to the head size (normal or short) and bristle hardness (medium or soft) of the TB used. The modified Quigley–Hein plaque index (QHI), papilla bleeding index (PBI), and gingival index (GI) were recorded at baseline and 2, 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks after baseline. After 24 weeks, each participant received a new TB, and at week 26, the final QHI, PBI, and GI were determined. The statistical evaluation consisted of analysis of covariance (P <0.05). Results: With time, QHI, PBI, and GI were significantly different between the renewal and the non‐renewal groups (QHI: P = 0.02; PBI: P = 0.04; GI: P <0.01), independent of subgroup. In the renewal group, QHI showed a significant decrease between baseline and each follow‐up visit (P <0.01). In the non‐renewal group, there was a significant decrease compared to baseline up to and including week 16 (P <0.01). PBI in the renewal group showed no significant differences between baseline and each follow‐up visit (P >0.05). In the non‐renewal group, only the normal head/soft subgroup exhibited a significant increase at week 24 (P = 0.02). The GI in the renewal group showed no difference between baseline and all follow‐up visits, whereas in the non‐renewal group, there was a significant decrease up to and including week 12 (P <0.05). Conclusions: Six‐month continuous use reduced the effectiveness of the TB with respect to plaque removal, and gingival inflammation appeared to increase.     

The Effect of Gingival Retraction Procedures on Periodontal Indices and Crevicular Fluid Cytokine Levels: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of placement of retraction cord subgingivally upon periodontal indices including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and attachment level (AL), as well as gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and TNF-alpha levels. METHODS: Ten teeth in 6 patients who were periodontally healthy were selected. These teeth had pocket depths of 3 mm or less, no evidence of significant loss of attachment, BOP, or plaque accumulation. The patients each received an oral prophylaxis. The following week, baseline measurements of periodontal indices and TNF-alpha were taken and the retraction cord was placed for 15 minutes. Following removal, the patients were dismissed. The periodontal indices measured included PI, GI, PD, BOP, and AL. In addition, the levels of TNF-alpha in GCF, were investigated. These measurements were made before gingival retraction as a baseline and on the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 28th days post retraction. RESULTS: A repeated measures ANOVA showed that TNF-alpha levels in GCF were significantly increased at all five intervals after gingival retraction compared to the baseline. The mean TNF-alpha level peaked at Day 1 (0.90 +/- 0.62), then declined at Days 3 (0.53 +/- 0.16), 7 (0.43 +/- 0.08), 14 (0.47 +/- 0.10), and 28 (0.43 +/- 0.08) but was still elevated 54% above baseline at Day 28, p < 0.01. The GI was significantly elevated at Day 1 (0.9 +/- 0.49), p < 0.01; Day 3 (0.53 +/- 0.32); and Day 7 (0.33 +/- 0.33), p < 0.05. Unlike TNF-alpha, GI recovered to the baseline by day 14. Other periodontal parameters, PI, PD, BOP, and AL were not significantly altered by the gingival retraction procedure. CONCLUSION: This pilot study supports the previous research that gingival retraction causes an acute injury that heals clinically in 2 weeks as is indicated by the GI. It also provides the first evidence that gingival retraction results in an elevation of the proinflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha, in GCF.     

上海市在职成年人口腔保健与牙周健康状况的调查

目的:调查上海市不同职业在职成年人口腔卫生习惯和牙周健康状况,初步探讨口腔卫生习惯对牙周病流行情况的影响程度.方法:采取分层、整群、随机的抽样方法,通过问卷调查了解400名上海市不同职业在职成年人的口腔卫生习惯,检测简化口腔卫生指数(OHI-S)、牙龈指数(GI)、探诊出血(BOP)、牙周袋探诊深度(PD)、临床附着丧失(CAL)、松动度(Mobility,M)及余留牙数等指标以评价牙周健康状况.结果:上海市不同职业在职成年人口腔卫生习惯、口腔卫生状况及牙周健康状况有极显著差异;上海市成年人人群简化口腔卫生指数OHI-S=2.16±0.99,牙龈炎为中度流行(GI=1.23±0.50),牙周健康者比率为5.75%,牙周炎的患病率为71.5%.结论:上海市在职成年人口腔卫生习惯和口腔卫生状况与职业存在相关性;其牙周健康状况与职业也存在相关性;调查结果证实口腔卫生习惯是影响口腔卫生状况以及牙周病流行的一个至关重要的因素.     

Mechanical Self-performed Oral Hygiene of Implant Supported Restorations: A Systematic Review

A systematic review of self-performed oral hygiene practices for optimal maintenance of dental implant-supported restorations reveals a lack of evidence to support best practices.BackgroundThe standard of the patients' home care is a key factor for long term stability of dental implants and the prevention of biological complications. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate and summarize the literature with respect to various mechanical oral hygiene modalities around implant-supported restorations.MethodsMEDLINE, Cochrane-CENTRAL and EMBASE databases were searched up to October 2013 to identify eligible studies. Five studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. Two cohort studies about powered toothbrushes and three (randomized) controlled trials comparing powered to manual toothbrushes were reviewed. All studies showed an improvement in the clinical parameters over time. Powered toothbrushes were found to perform better than manual toothbrushes but no firm conclusions can be made between treatment modalities.ConclusionsThere is a lack of evidence with respect to effective and optimal self-performed oral hygiene around dental implants. At present, home care recommendations are based on the knowledge that is available with respect to cleaning of natural teeth. It becomes evident that there is an urgent need for academic institutions and industry to initiate and support high quality randomized controlled clinical trials on this topic in the near future.     

Intrapregnancy Non‐Surgical Periodontal Treatment and Pregnancy Outcome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the potential link between maternal periodontitis and pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth (<37 weeks) and low birth weight (<2,500 g). Methods: Ninety nine pregnant females with mild/moderate periodontitis were randomly allocated to a control (n = 50) or test (n = 49) group. Test group participants received intrapregnancy non‐surgical periodontal treatment, whereas this was deferred until after delivery for controls. Demographic and baseline clinical data were obtained for all participants at initial assessment pretreatment. Clinical data were rerecorded for test participants at review 8 weeks after treatment. Birth outcomes were completed at delivery by midwives who also collected cord blood samples when possible; the latter were analyzed to determine the presence/levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8. All data were analyzed on an intention‐to‐treat basis using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Random allocation of participants resulted in well‐balanced control and test groups. All test group participants and all but one control participant gave birth to a live infant. No significant differences were detected between control and test groups with regard to birth outcome measures of birth weight and gestational age or in relation to cytokine prevalence/levels. Conclusion: Intrapregnancy non‐surgical periodontal treatment, completed at 20 to 24 weeks, did not reduce the risk of preterm, low‐birth‐weight delivery in this population.     

Oral Neutrophil Levels: A Screening Test for Oral Inflammatory Load in Pregnancy in a Medical Setting

Background: A multitude of studies suggest an association between periodontal disease and adverse birth outcomes, but the findings have been equivocal. Although the evidence is controversial, it is biologically plausible, and the key link may be inflammation. Because periodontitis is at times either active or inactive, trying to correlate the presence of pockets, for example, to adverse outcome of pregnancy might be preordained to failure or at least confusion. Alternatively, if inflammatory activity associated with periodontitis could be measured, it might be possible to correlate oral inflammatory load (OIL) to adverse pregnancy outcomes more precisely, but given the low incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes, large populations must be studied. This underscores the need to use a means for assessment of OIL that is reliable, reproducible, and so simple to perform that it does not require dental expertise and can be used for large numbers of patients attending obstetrics units. The objective of this study was to demonstrate that OIL can be measured in a cohort of pregnant females presenting for obstetric care and secondarily to ensure that there was a realistic correlation to the presence of periodontitis. Methods: Sixty‐three pregnant females were recruited, and 15‐second saline rinses were collected to measure OIL as represented by counts of oral neutrophil levels. Periodontal examinations were performed to determine the extent of the correlation between the presence of clinical markers of periodontitis, such as pockets and clinical attachment loss to the OIL. Results: Using this small cohort of patients, a test for oral inflammatory disease could be administered successfully in a non‐dental setting. In addition, there was a statistically significant increase (two‐fold, P <0.05) in oral neutrophil counts found in patients with periodontitis compared with those without periodontitis. Conclusion: The rinse assay can be used as a screening tool for oral inflammation, which was also related to the presence of periodontitis, in pregnant females attending a medical clinic.     

辽宁省中老年人口腔卫生及牙周健康状况调查分析

目的：通过流行病学调查和统计学方法分析辽宁省中老年人口腔卫生和牙周健康状况,为辽宁省中老年人牙周病预防工作的开展提供依据。方法：随机选取辽宁省各地区46岁以上中老年人共113人,填写调查问卷,进行牙周专科检查。结果：女性口腔卫生好于男性（P〈0．05）;吸烟者口腔卫生较差,牙周破坏较非吸烟者严重（P〈0．01）;46～59岁和60岁以上两组口腔卫生无显著差异,但前者附着丧失小于后者（P〈0．05）。结论：中老年人的口腔卫生普遍较差,并且存在不同程度的牙周炎,应从多种途径宣传口腔卫生维护和牙周健康知识,争取让中老年牙周炎患者尽早接受牙周治疗。     

Influence of Periodontal Status and Periodontopathogens on Levels of Oral Human β‐Defensin‐2 in Saliva

Background: Expression patterns of human β‐defensin‐2 (HBD‐2) mRNA or HBD‐2 protein concentration and periodontal diseases have been a focus of scientific research. This study compares the salivary levels of HBD‐2 protein concentration of healthy patients and patients with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis (CP) and correlates these levels with the presence of periodontopathogens. Methods: A total of 89 patients were enrolled in this study: 31 periodontally healthy, 27 with gingivitis, and 31 with CP. Plaque and gingival indices, probing depth, and clinical attachment level were measured. The presence of Campylobacter rectus, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Prevotella intermedia was evaluated qualitatively by conventional polymerase chain reaction. HBD‐2 quantification in saliva was performed using an immune enzymatic assay. Frequency of periodontopathogens and HBD‐2 protein concentration was assessed. Association between HBD‐2 protein concentration (≥100 pg/mL) and the simultaneous presence of one to two, three to four, or five to six periodontopathogens was tested. Results: Although periodontally healthy individuals and patients with gingivitis showed similar HBD‐2 levels, the CP group displayed an increased level of HBD‐2. P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, T. forsythia, and T. denticola were more prevalent in CP; however, their mere presence was not related to the increased levels of HBD‐2 (Pearson correlation and multinomial logistic regression model). Conclusions: Salivary HBD‐2 protein concentration was higher in patients with CP compared with healthy individuals or patients with gingivitis. These different protein concentrations were not related to the frequency of periodontopathogens. Clinical inflammatory profile had a higher impact on salivary HBD‐2 levels than bacteria.     

Effect of proper oral hygiene on gingivitis and dental caries in Swedish schoolchildren

ABSTRACT The present paper reports the effect of a 3-year study of regularly repeated professional toothcleaning on oral hygiene status, gingivitis, and dental caries. At the initiation of the study in 1971, the children were 7–8 years old (Group 1), 10–11 (Group 2) or 13–14 (Group 3). The children were divided into test and control groups. Before the study all the children were examined regarding oral hygiene, state of the gingiva and dental caries. Throughout the 3-year period the controls brushed their teeth with a 0.2 % sodium fluoride solution once a month under supervision. During the first 2 years of the trial all the children of the test groups were given professional oral prophylaxis once every second week during the school terms. During the third year the interval between consecutive prophylactic sessions was prolonged to 4 weeks in Groups 1 and 2 and to 8 weeks in Group 3. The results demonstrated that regularly repeated professional cleaning of the teeth combined with fluoride applications and toothbrushing instructions, over a 3-year period in schoolchildren resulted in the establishment and maintenance of excellent oral hygiene standards. Inflammation of the marginal gingiva almost entirely disappeared, and practically no new carious lesions developed.     

Associations Among Oral Hygiene Behavior and Hypertension Prevalence and Control: The 2008 to 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background: Recently, a positive association has been reported between hypertension and periodontitis. The authors hypothesized that oral hygiene promotion activities could have an effect on hypertension prevention or the degree of hypertension control. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between oral hygiene behaviors and hypertension using data from a nationally representative survey, the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: Using data from the KNHANES (2008 to 2010), 19,560 adults with complete data sets were included. The authors analyzed the relationship of the prevalence and control rate of hypertension and numerous variables, including oral hygiene behavior. Results: As the frequency of toothbrushing increased, the prevalence of hypertension decreased in multivariate analysis after adjusting for various factors, including the presence of periodontitis. In a subgroup analysis, this relationship was also observed in individuals without periodontitis. In particular, systolic blood pressure levels progressively decreased as the frequency of toothbrushing and the number of secondary oral products used increased. The adjusted odds ratio of hypertension prevalence was 1.195 (95% confidence interval 1.033 to 1.383) for individuals who brushed their teeth hardly ever or once daily compared with those who brushed after every meal. Conclusions: Individuals with poor oral hygiene behavior are more likely to have a higher prevalence of hypertension, even before periodontitis is shown. Oral hygiene behavior may be considered an independent risk indicator for hypertension, and maintaining good oral hygiene may help to prevent and control hypertension.     

Association of a Common Genetic Factor,PTGER3, With Outcome of Periodontal Therapy and Preterm Birth

Background: Clinical evidence suggests an association between preterm birth and periodontal disease. This study explores whether specific genetic polymorphisms are associated with success of periodontal therapy in pregnant women with periodontal disease and, further, whether any of these same polymorphisms are also associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB). Methods: One hundred sixty high‐risk pregnant women (6 to 20 weeks of gestation) with periodontal disease (≥3 sites with attachment loss ≥4 mm) were studied. All women received scaling and root planing plus oral hygiene instruction. Periodontal examinations were performed before treatment and 20 weeks later. Participants were classified according to two study outcomes: 1) success or failure of periodontal treatment; and 2) presence or absence of sPTB. Maternal DNA samples from mucosal swabs were characterized using a 1536‐SNP (single‐nucleotide polymorphism) custom polymerase chain reaction chip. A probabilistic model of each dichotomous outcome, derived using a stepwise Bayesian procedure, was compared to respective null hypotheses on the basis of Monte Carlo simulations and significance estimates obtained using three measures (z‐test, Welch t‐test, and probability convolution). The models were further confirmed by logistic regression analyses. Results: The models revealed a significant relation between a specific polymorphism of prostaglandin E receptor 3 (a gene associated with inflammatory response) and both periodontal treatment failure (odds ratio 11.09, P <0.0002) and sPTB (odds ratio 6.89, P <0.0032). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the risk of unsuccessful periodontal treatment is associated with tag SNPs in specific genes that regulate the inflammatory response, one of which is also associated with sPTB.