The Clinical Effects of Allantoin Powder for Gargle on Periodontal Diseases and Aphthous Ulcer

A newly developed mouthrinse, Allantoin Powder for Gargle, was clinically investigated. The compound of this agent is mainly allantoin, which is believed easy to penetrate into gingival sulcus and periodontal pockets as well as other places (such as tongue, soft palate, etc.) where it is inconvenient to use medication, 219 patients with various diseases of oral cavity were investigated in the double blind randomlized placebo controlled study. It was observed that apparent efficient rates of the experimental mouthrinse on periodontitis and marginal gingivitis were 81.25% and 56.86% respectively; and the efficient rate of it on aphthous ulcer was 68.57%. The data show that this agent has effective as an adjuctive on the treatments of periodontal diseases and aphthous ulcer.

Racial Differences Effects on Oral Health and Periodontal Diseases Extent, Staging and Grading among the Multi-Ethnic Expatriates in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Background: Given the increase in the numbers of expatriates in Saudi Arabia and the shortage of information about expatriates’ oral health and periodontal disease severity and progression. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the racial differences on oral health and periodontal disease extent, staging, and grading among the multi-ethnic expatriates in the Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 300 expatriates in Aseer region, Saudi Arabia. They were divided into three equal racial different groups (n = 100), Arabs (AR), Asians (AS), and Africans (AF). The interviews of all participants were completed then the clinical examinations of periodontal diseases extent, staging, and grading parameters were performed. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA test, Tukey’s test, and Chi-square test. The statistical significance level was determined at p < 0.05. Results: There were statistically significant differences in the comparison between the three ethnic/racial groups in clinical parameters except in GBI, PCR, FI, TFO, and BC, where there were no statistically significant differences in the comparison between the three ethnic/racial groups. There were differences associated with age, gender, smoking, and diabetes, without statistically significant differences among the three racial groups. Conclusion: We concluded that most participants in this study had a generalized severe grade 4 plaque-induced gingivitis and localized periodontitis stage III grade B.

Risks Factors of Caries and Periodontal Diseases in the Patients, after 5 Years Use a Partial Removable Denture

Objective: The goal of the removable partial denture is to restore impaired esthetics and masticatory function by replacing missing teeth. The aim of this study was to establish a possible correla-tion between removable partial denture in acrylic resin use after 5 years and dental diseases. Materials and Methods: Partially edentulous patients presenting for removable denture treatment at the Prosthodontics service of the Affiliated Hospital of Kinshasa University, Democratic Republic of Congo were assessed in this study. Patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups: Denture and non-denture group. Caries and periodontal diseases were compared between both groups. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The average age in the denture and non-denture-group was 53.15 (±SD 22.05) and 31.59 (±SD 11.98) years. Out of 160 teeth were decayed, both 110 teeth (68.75%) in the denture-group and 50 teeth (31.25%) in the non-denture group. The DMFT index calculated at start time of the study was 0.2 for both groups, after five years was 7.1 for the denture-group and 2.6 for the non-denture-group. The plaque index in the denture-group had an index of 1 and that of non-denture-group was 0.5. Conclusion: The relationship has been found between patients’ wearers a RPD and dental diseases.

Periodontal Diseases in Pregnant Women in Prenatal Consultation

Background: The relationship between pregnancy and periodontal health had well documented in the literature. Of many studies of periodontal diseases in the Democratic Republic of Congo, no study had evaluated these diseases in pregnant women during Prenatal Consultation (PC). This study aimed to describe the occurrence and clinical profile of periodontal diseases in pregnant women admitted to the PC at the General Military Hospital of BOBILA. Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional and analytical study of pregnant women admitted to the PC from August to December 31, 2018, at the General Reference Military Hospital of BOBILA/Kinshasa City. The data were collected through a survey combined with the stomatological interview. Sociodemographic data, clinical and periodontal indices included Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), and Periodontal Disease Index (PDI) were assessed. The statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS version 20.0 software. The Chi-square tests, Student t-test were used to determine differences in the distribution of variables, and the odd Ratio with a confidence interval (IC) at 95% was used to estimate the degree of association. The results were significant at p < 0.05. Results: Of the 105 pregnant women received at the PC, 83 were included in this study. The age group between 20 - 29 was the most represented, with a predominance of stay-at-home mothers (75.9%) and married cases (73.4%), they had an average economic status (56.6%) and a secondary education level (63.8%). Gingival bleeding (44.6%) was the main complaint of the pregnant. Gestational age was a significant factor associated with gum bleeding (p < 0.005). Most of the pregnant had poor oral hygiene, localized gravidities (69.6%) during the third semester. Conclusion: A significant proportion of women had experienced periodontal diseases during the pregnancy period, mostly in the third trimester, and was associated with a gestational age of pregnant women.

Periodontal and inflammatory bowel diseases: Is there evidence of complex pathogenic interactions?

Periodontal disease and inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) are both chronic inflammatory diseases. Their pathogenesis is mediated by a complex interplay between a dysbiotic microbiota and the host immuneinflammatory response, and both are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. This review aimed to provide an overview of the evidence dealing with a possible pathogenic interaction between periodontal disease and IBD. There seems to be an increased prevalence of periodontal disease in patients with IBD when compared to healthy controls, probably due to changes in the oral microbiota and a higher inflammatory response. Moreover, the induction of periodontitis seems to result in gut dysbiosis and altered gut epithelial cell barrier function, which might contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD. Considering the complexity of both periodontal disease and IBD, it is very challenging to understand the possible pathways involved in their coexistence. In conclusion, this review points to a complex pathogenic interaction between periodontal disease and IBD, in which one disease might alter the composition of the microbiota and increase the inflammatory response related to the other. However, we still need more data derived from human studies to confirm results from murine models. Thus, mechanistic studies are definitely warranted to clarify this possible bidirectional association.

Periodontal disease:A silent factor in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy

The global increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and its complications presents significant challenges to public health.Recently,periodontal disease(PD)was recognized as a factor that is likely to influence the progression of T2DM and its complications due to its potential to exacerbate systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.In this editorial,we comment on the article published by Thazhe Poyil et al in the very recent issue of the World Journal of Diabetes in 2024,which investigated the correlation between PD and diabetic retinopathy(DR)in T2DM patients,with emphasis on the association between periodontal swollen surface area,glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),interleukin-6(IL-6),and lipoprotein(a).The findings by Thazhe Poyil et al are significant as they demonstrate a strong link between PD and DR in T2DM patients.This correlation highlights the importance of addressing periodontal health in diabetes management to potentially reduce the risk and severity of DR,a complication of diabetes.The integration of periodontal evaluation and treatment into diabetes care protocols may lead to improved glycemic control and better overall outcomes for T2DM patients.A few studies have established an interconnection between PD and diabetic complication,specifically DR,in T2DM patients,which we aim to highlight in this editorial.Emphasis was placed on the different mechanisms that suggest a bidirectional relationship between PD and T2DM,where the presence of periodontal inflammation negatively influenced glycemic control and contributed to the development and progression of DR through shared inflammatory and vascular mechanisms.This article highlights the importance of collaboration amongst diabetes specialists,ophthalmologists,periodontists,and public health professionals to advance the prevention,early detection,and treatment of PD and DR.This will improve the health and quality of life of T2DM patients.Moreover,the editorial highlights the need for further research on the specific molecular and immunological mechanisms that underlie the link between periodontitis and DR,with identification of common inflammatory biomarkers and signaling pathways.This is expected to facilitate effective direction of therapeutic objectives,thereby improving the management of diabetes and its complications through integrated care that incorporates oral health.

Effects of Nanometer Hydroxyapatite on Proliferation of Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts

Objective:To investigate possible effects of nanophase powder of hydroxyapatite on proliferation of periodontal ligament cells. Methods: With sol-gel method, the nanophase hydroxyapatite powders were fabricated. These powders were proved nanopaticles by transmission electron microscope. The effects on proliferation of periodontal ligament cell(PDLC) were observed in vitro with MTT [3-(4,5dimethylthiazo;-2-yl)-2,5-diphenytetralium bromide] method. Results: On the 2nd,3rd,4th day after treated with nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite, the proliferate activity of the PDLC increases significantly, compared with those with dense hydroxyaoatite and control but no significant difference could be found between the dense hydroxyapatite and the control. Conclusion: Nanophase hydroxyapatite can promote the regeneration of periodontal tissue.

Relationship between vascular endothelium and periodontal disease in atherosclerotic lesions: Review article

Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease. Recent studies suggest that periodontal infection and the ensuing increase in the levels of inflammatory markers may be associated with myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease. The present article aimed at reviewing contemporary data on the pathophysiology of vascular endothelium and its association with periodontitis in the scenario of cardiovascular disease.

Exposure to Hyaluronan and Radon-Containing Water during the Treatment of Periodontal Pockets

Hyaluronic acid (HA) preparations have emerged as pivotal components in contemporary dentistry, gaining widespread recognition for their multifaceted roles in various biological functions. Extensive literature underscores the significance of HA in maintaining tissue water balance, fostering cell proliferation, promoting rapid cell migration, influencing cell differentiation during organism development, and facilitating tissue regeneration. Notably, HA’s interactions with cell surface receptors contribute to the viscosity of synovial fluid, activate the immune system, and enhance cartilage elasticity. Beyond these established functions, HA has also been investigated for its potential involvement in determining and studying the hormetic effects of radon water, adding a novel dimension to its applications in dental research. A thorough exploration of existing studies reveals a nuanced understanding of how HA interventions impact the outcomes of dental procedures. The comprehensive scope of these investigations allows for a more accurate assessment of the potential effectiveness of specific interventions and provides valuable insights into post-procedural prognoses for individual patients. This synthesis of literature serves as the foundation for elucidating the intricate interplay between HA, radon exposure, and their relevance in modern dental practices.

Effect of periodontal treatment on adipokines in type 2 diabetes

The association between adipokines and inflammatory periodontal diseases has been studied over the last two decades. This review was intended to explore the observation that periodontal therapy may lead to an improvement of adipokines in diabetic patients. In summary, substantial evidence suggests that diabetes is associated with increased prevalence, extent and severity of periodontitis. Numerous mechanisms have been elucidated to explain the impact of diabetes on the periodontium. However, current knowledge concerning the role of major adipokines indicates only some of their associations with the pathogenesis of periodontitis in type 2 diabetes. Conversely, treatment of periodontal disease and reduction of oral inflammation may have positive effects on the diabetic condition, although evidence for this remains somewhat equivocal.

MicroRNAs and immunity in periodontal health and disease

MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are critical regulators of the host immune and inflammatory response against bacterial pathogens. In the present review, we discuss target genes, target gene functions, the potential regulatory role of miRNAs in periodontal tissues, and the potential role of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutics. In periodontal disease, miRNAs exert control over all aspects of innate and adaptive immunity, including the functions of neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells and T and B cells. Previous human studies have highlighted some key miRNAs that are dysregulated in periodontitis patients. In the present study, we mapped the major miRNAs that were altered in our reproducible periodontitis mouse model relative to control animals. The miRNAs that were upregulated as a result of periodontal disease in both human and mouse studies included miR-15 a, miR-29 b, miR-125 a, miR-146 a,miR-148/148 a and miR-223, whereas miR-92 was downregulated. The association of individual miRNAs with unique aspects of periodontal disease and their stability in gingival crevicular fluid underscores their potential as markers for periodontal disease progression or healthy restitution. Moreover, miRNA therapeutics hold great promise for the future of periodontal therapy because of their ability to modulate the immune response to infection when applied in conjunction with synthetic antagomirs and/or relatively straightforward delivery strategies.

Periodontal treatment and microbiome-targeted therapy in management of periodontitis-related nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with oral and gut dysbiosis

A growing body of evidence from multiple areas proposes that periodontal disease,accompanied by oral inflammation and pathological changes in the microbiome,induces gut dysbiosis and is involved in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).A subgroup of NAFLD patients have a severely progressive form,namely nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH),which is characterized by histological findings that include inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis.NASH has a high risk of further progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.The oral microbiota may serve as an endogenous reservoir for gut microbiota,and transport of oral bacteria through the gastro-intestinal tract can set up a gut microbiome dysbiosis.Gut dysbiosis increases the production of potential hepatotoxins,including lipopolysaccharide,ethanol,and other volatile organic compounds such as acetone,phenol and cyclopentane.Moreover,gut dysbiosis increases intestinal permeability by disrupting tight junctions in the intestinal wall,leading to enhanced translocation of these hepatotoxins and enteric bacteria into the liver through the portal circulation.In particular,many animal studies support that oral administration of Porphyromonas gingivalis,a typical periodontopathic bacterium,induces disturbances in glycolipid metabolism and inflammation in the liver with gut dysbiosis.NAFLD,also known as the hepatic phenotype of metabolic syndrome,is strongly associated with metabolic complications,such as obesity and diabetes.Periodontal disease also has a bidirectional relationship with metabolic syndrome,and both diseases may induce oral and gut microbiome dysbiosis with insulin resistance and systemic chronic inflammation cooperatively.In this review,we will describe the link between periodontal disease and NAFLD with a focus on basic,epidemiological,and clinical studies,and discuss potential mechanisms linking the two diseases and possible therapeutic approaches focused on the microbiome.In conclusion,it is presumed that the pathogenesis of NAFLD involves a complex crosstalk between periodontal disease,gut microbiota,and metabolic syndrome.Thus,the conventional periodontal treatment and novel microbiome-targeted therapies that include probiotics,prebiotics and bacteriocins would hold great promise for preventing the onset and progression of NAFLD and subsequent complications in patients with periodontal disease.

Maternal Periodontal Disease and Risk of Preeclampsia:A Meta-analysis

Research on the association between maternal periodontal disease and the risk of pree- clampsia has generated inconsistent results. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the asso- ciation between maternal periodontal disease and the risk of preeclampsia. A literature search of PubMed and Embase was performed to identify relevant papers published before March 2013. Only observational studies that assessed maternal periodontal disease and the risk of preeclampsia were selected. Patients＇ periodontal status was examined at different time points during pregnancy or after delivery （at 14-32 weeks of gestation, within 48 h prior to or within 5 days after delivery）. Pooled odds ratios （ORs） and corresponding 95% confidence intervals （CIs） were calculated for cases and controls. Cases were defined as women with concurrent hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Eleven studies involving 1118 women with preeclampsia and 2798 women without preeclampsia were identified and analyzed. Women with periodontal disease before 32 weeks of ges- tation had a 3.69-fold higher risk of developing preeclampsia than their counterparts without perio- dontal disease （OR=3.69; 95% CI=2.58-5.27）. Periodontal disease within 48 h prior to delivery was associated with a 2.68-fold higher risk of preeclampsia （OR=2.68; 95% CI=1.39-5.18）. Pregnant women with periodontal disease within 5 days after delivery had a 2.22-fold higher risk of pree- clampsia than women without periodontal disease （OR=2.22; 95% CI= 1.16-4.27）. In conclusion, this meta-analysis suggests that maternal periodontal disease is an independent predictor ofpreeclampsia.

Periodontal disease is associated with increased coronary heart disease risk:A meta-analysis based on 38 case-control studies

AIM: To investigate whether periodontal disease(PD) is associated with increasing coronary heart disease(CHD) risk by performing a meta-analysis.METHODS: Two authors independently searched Pub Med and China National Knowledge Infrastructure up to January 10 th, 2013 for relevant case-control studies that investigated the association between PD and CHD. After quality assessment using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and data extraction by two independent authors, the overall and subgroup meta-analyses were performed and publication bias were examined using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V2 software. Potential publication bias was assessed using visual inspection of the funnel plots, Egger linear regression test, and trims and fill method.RESULTS: Finally 38 relevant case-control studies were identified, involving 4950 CHD patients and 5490 controls. Eleven studies were rated low quality and 27 were high quality. Based on random-effects, a significant association was identified between PD and CHD(OR 3.79, 95%CI: 2.23-6.43, P < 0.001, I2 = 98.59%), and sensitivity analysis showed that this result was robust. Subgroup analyses according to adjusted/unadjusted ORs, source of control, methodological quality, end point, assessment of PD/CHD, and ethnicity also indicated a significant association. Publication bias was detected, and the estimated OR including the "missing" studies did not substantially differ from our estimate with adjustment for missing studies(OR 4.15, 95%CI: 2.62-6.54, P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: Based on the meta-analysis, PD is probably associated with CHD risk independently and significantly.

Periodontal disease and risk of benign prostate hyperplasia: a cross-sectional study

Background:Both periodontal disease and benign prostatic hyperplasia are age-related diseases that affect millions of people worldwide.Hence,this study aimed to investigate the association between periodontal disease and the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia.Methods:A total of 4930 participants were selected from an available health examination that was carried out in 2017,only males were considered for further analysis.All eligible males were divided into benign prostatic hyperplasia and normal groups,the benign prostatic hyperplasia group was then divided into prostate volume≤60 g and>60 g subgroups;all their periodontal status was extracted and then into normal(CPI score of 0),periodontal disease(CPI score between 1 and 4),and periodontitis(CPI score between 3 and 4)groups.The correlation between periodontal disease and benign prostatic hyperplasia was investigated using logistic regression analyses and greedy matching case-control analysis.Subgroup analysis based on prostate volume was also performed.All analyses were conducted with SAS 9.4 software.Results:A total of 2171 males were selected for this analysis.The presence of periodontal disease significantly increased the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia by 1.68 times(OR=1.68,95%CI:1.26–2.24),and individuals with periodontitis showed a higher risk(OR=4.18,95%CI:2.75–6.35).In addition,among matched cases and controls,this association remained robust(periodontal disease:OR=1.85,95%CI:1.30–2.64;periodontitis:OR=4.83,95%CI:2.57–9.07).Subgroup analysis revealed that periodontal disease significantly increased benign prostate hyperplasia risk as well(for prostate volume≤60 g:OR=1.64,95%CI:1.22–2.20;for volume>60 g:OR=2.17,95%CI:1.04–4.53),and there was a higher risk in the group with a prostate volume greater than 60 g.Conclusions:Periodontal disease is significantly and positively associated with an increased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia.Further validation studies should be performed to explore the relationship between periodontal treatment and benign prostate hyperplasia.

Could there be an interplay between periodontal changes and pancreatic malignancies?

The term"periodontal disease"refers to a group of chronic inflammatory illnesses caused by specific microorganisms from subgingival biofilm,that affect the toothsupporting tissues.Recent research has also shown that periodontal infection plays a role in aggravating systemic disease states at distal sites,reinforcing the significance of the oral cavity for general health.Additionally,it has been suggested that gastroenterological malignancies may be promoted by hematogenous,enteral or lymphatic translocation of periopathogens.In the past 25 years,the global burden of pancreatic cancer(PC)has more than doubled,making it one of the major causes of cancer-related mortality.Periodontitis has been linked to at least 50%increased risk of PC and it could be considered a risk factor for this malignancy.A recent study performed on 59000 African American women with a follow up of 21 years showed that participants who had poor dental health had higher chances of PC.The findings,according to researchers,might be related to the inflammation that some oral bacteria trigger.Regarding the mortality of PC,periodontitis considerably raises the chance of dying from PC.Microbiome alterations in the gut,oral cavity and pancreatic tissues of PC patients occur when compared to healthy flora,demonstrating a link between PC and microecology.Inflammation may also contribute to PC development,although the underlying pathway is not yet known.The function of the microbiome in PC risk has drawn more focus over the last decade.Future risk of PC has been linked to the oral microbiome,specifically increased levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and decreased relative abundance of Leptotrichia and Fusobacteria,suggesting that it may have an impact on the inflammatory condition by expanding,altering,and regulating the commensal microbiome.Patients who received periodontal treatment had significantly decreased incidence rate ratios for PC.By analyzing patterns in the microbiome composition throughout PC development and establishing strategies to enhance the cancerassociated microbial system,we can increase the efficacy of therapy and eventually find an application for the microbial system.The development of immunogenomics and gut microgenomics in the life sciences will result in a significant advancement in our understanding of how microbial systems and immunotherapy interact,and it may also have intriguing therapeutic implications for extending the lifetime of PC patients.

The Effects of Dense/Nanometer Hydroxyapatite on Proliferation and Osteogenetic Differentiation of Periodontal Ligament Cells

The objective of this study is to investigate possible effects of nanometer powder of hydroxyapatite on proliferation of periodontal ligament cells. With sol-gel method, the nanometer hydroxyapatite powder were fabricated. The primary periodontal ligcament cells were caltured on dense particle hydroxyapatite and nanometer particle hydroxyapatite. The effects on proliferation of periodontal ligament cell were examined in vitro with MTT （ methyl thiazolil tetracolium） test. The intercellalar effects were observed with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analyzer. In addition, the influence of two materials on osteogenetic differentiation was determined with measurement of ALP （ alkaline phosphatase ） activity. It is concluded that nanometer hydroxyapatite can promote proliferation and osteogenetic differeraiation of periodontal ligament cells and it may become absorbable agent in osseous restoration.

Periodontal research contributions to basic sciences:From cell communication and host-parasite interactions to inflammation and bone biology

The periodontium comprises all structures surrounding the teeth,including gingiva,root cementum,periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.Those tissues aim to protect and support the teeth and are challenged by a residing microbiota that leads to subclinical inflammation even in physiological conditions.Periodontitis,a prevalent multicausal inflammatory and destructive disease,develops as a result from complex host-parasite interactions.This unique physiologic and pathologic scenario enables the development of research methods which allows conclusions beyond the simple understanding of periodontal homeostasis.The aim of this viewpoint was to explore potential contributions of periodontal research to a wide array of basic science specialties,such as cell and molecular biology,microbiology,immunology,endocrinology,rheumatology,among others.

Possible mechanism of 15D-PGJ2 in promoting periodontal tissue regeneration in patients with mandibular defects

Objective:To explore the main physiological mechanism of 15d-PGJ2 promoting periodontal tissue regeneration in patients with jaw defects caused by periodontal disease.Methods:From February 2016 to July 2019,a controlled study was conducted on 73 healthy residents(healthy group)and 73 patients(case group)with periodontal disease combined with jaw defects in Changsha medical university.T test was used to compare the growth factors of gingival crevicular fluid between the two groups.Peripheral blood cells;Cement-specific protein;Peripheral blood enzyme;Statistical differences in bone metabolites.The t test method compared the content of each index before and after treatment(15d-PGJ2 was treated at a dose of 200 mu/kg for 14 days).The method of factor analysis explores the internal correlation of each index.Result:RANKL,ICAM-1,TGF-β1,Th17,Treg,PDLSCs,SOST,CAP,HMGB1,CTSK,5-LOX,COX-2,NTX were higher in the case group than in the healthy group.In the case group,RANKL,ICAM-1,TGF-β1,Th17,Treg,PDLSCs,SOST,CAP,HMGB1,CTSK,5-LOX,COX-2,NTX were lower than those in the healthy group.The differences between the groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,IL-1β,IL-17,Bfgf,YKL-40,BMP-2,ICTP,PICP,CTX were significantly decreased after treatment.RANKL,ICAM-1,TGF-β1,Th17,Treg,PDLSCs,SOST,CAP,HMGB1,CTSK,5-LOX,COX-2,NTX were significantly increased.The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).Factor analysis shows that four common factors can be extracted from 21 indicators,and the cumulative contribution rate is 96.993%.Conclusions:The treatment of 15d-PGJ2 in patients with periodontal disease with maxillary defects can significantly affect the expression of multiple characteristic indicators,which may involve four mechanisms:dysregulation of cell differentiation or migration,local inflammation or immune imbalance,destruction of alveolar bone microstructure,load or stimulation,and remodeling.The specific pathway related to this is still to be further explored.

Assessment of Knowledge of the Relationship between Periodontal Disease and Systemic Disease among Dental Students and Its Impact on Oral Hygiene Practices

Background: Dental students play a role in both oral and general health education in their communities, so it is important that they have good knowledge to enable them offer good counsel. Knowing the relationship between periodontal disease and systemic conditions will put them in better stead when giving oral health education. The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge among dental students of the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions, and to determine whether there was a correlation between this knowledge and their oral hygiene practices. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among dental students of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Consenting participants were given a self-administered questionnaire eliciting socio-demographic information, knowledge about the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases, as well as oral hygiene practices. Each correct response on knowledge was scored as 1, while incorrect responses were scored 0, with a maximum score of 7. Participants’ knowledge was graded as poor (0 - 2), fair (3 - 5) and good (6 - 7). Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Spearman’s ranked correlation was used to assess the correlation between knowledge of the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases and oral hygiene practices. Results: There were 109 dental students (58 males, 51 females) in this study, with a mean age of 24.1 ± 3.6 years. Preclinical students were 43 (39.4%) while clinical students were 66 (60.6%). All (100%) participants knew that oral health was important to systemic health, with 89.9% knowing that periodontal disease was specifically linked to systemic disease. Only 50.5% of participants knew that there was a link between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus. Sixty-four (58.7%) of the participants regularly cleaned in between their teeth. The most commonly used interdental cleaning aid was toothpick (45.0%). Clinical students had significantly better knowledge on the relationship between periodontal disease and systemic disease compared to pre-clinical students (p = 0.001). There was positive correlation between knowledge about periodontal disease and its link with systemic disease and better oral hygiene practices, but this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The majority of dental students had a fair knowledge about the relationship between periodontal diseases and systemic diseases.