There are conflicting data regarding the role of interleukin (IL)-17 in periodontal health and disease. However, IL-18 levels are known to increase with the severity of periodontal disease. The present study was performed to explore the role of these proinflammatory cytokines in periodontal disease progression, and also to clarify the effect of periodontal treatment on their concentration. Sixty age- and gender-matched subjects were divided into three groups each consisting of 20 subjects on the basis of gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) and radiological parameters (bone loss): healthy (group 1), gingivitis (group 2) and chronic periodontitis (group 3), while group 3 patients after treatment constituted group 4. GCF samples collected from all the groups were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to estimate the levels of IL-17 and IL-18. IL-18 levels in GCF increased proportionally with the severity of periodontal disease, and decreased after treatment. However, IL-17 levels in GCF were nearly zero. Since our data indicate an absence of IL-17 in GCF, it cannot be considered as a biomarker of periodontal disease progression, at least in Indian populations. However, IL-18 appears to be a good inflammatory biomarker. (J Oral Sci 51, 261-266, 2009)
Periodontitis is an infectious disease caused by predominantly gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria like P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans T. denticola and T. forsythus etc.. Various immunization approaches both as active and passive immunization, against periodontal pathogens have been explored either using the whole microorganism or their specific virulence factors. Non-human primate and other study models have demonstrated raised production of specific antibody titers against various antigens without any recognizable systemic side-effects. But, the current status of our understanding in the field of vaccines against periodontal disease is incomplete. Ongoing research & collaborative efforts can result in development of functional periodontal vaccine for human use in future.
Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had unprecedented health and economic consequences. Dentists encounter maximum aerosol production due to frequent use of ultrasonic and polishing devices or other surgical interventions, thus increasing the risk of nosocomial infections. The situation had caused drastic change in the clinical routines including modifications in infection control strategies, managing of minimally invasive procedures, reducing the patient visits and updating themselves to use telecommunication to cater to the need of patients. Aim: To evaluate the consequences and impact of COVID-19 pandemic by conducting an online survey using questionnaire amongst dentists as healthcare providers in the country of India. Materials and Methods: This was a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey conducted using online platform in India with a sample size of 225 participants who were practicing dentists, either graduates or postgraduates, and agreed to give an informed consent. The questionnaire consisted of six segments: participants demographics, changes in clinical routine of the respective dentist, upgrading facilities in clinic, infection control measures, telecommunication and impact on financial aspect of the practitioner. Open-ended questions were also included giving an opportunity to the participant to share his or her perspective. Chi-square test of proportion was performed to assess the difference in proportion of the responses. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study has shown that the pandemic has impacted negatively on financial status, patient flow and daily practice. Total 221 (98.2%) clinicians agree to the fact that, COVID-19 has affected their clinical routine, 203 (90.2%) clinician were aware of the aerosol generating procedures and 95 (42.2%) practitioners have installed devices for air purification. A 209 (92.8%) emphasise on the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and majority 84 (37.3%) were delaying elective procedures. About 184 (81.7%) have experienced decrease in number of patient flow and 104 (46.2%) practitioners agreed that their emotional and psychological wellbeing is affected due to drastic changes made in their practicing protocols due to COVID-19. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the social, economic, physical as well as mental wellbeing of practioners all around the world. More or less the practice is hampered causing frustration and instability. Focusing the light on practicing dentists, they have seen to make significant changes in their zone of practice and have updated to the new normal version of practice.
Proteins are the building blocks for both microorganisms and periodontium. Periodontitis is the result of complex interrelationship between infectious agents and host factors. The onset, progression and severity of periodontal disease are mainly mediated by various protein molecules. The study of proteins as biomarkers in periodontal diseases has increased attention during the last few years. The proteins involved in pathogenesis of periodontal disease can be used as biomarkers. The knowledge of various proteins involved in periodontal disease pathogenesis can be used in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases.
Glandular Odontogenic Cyst (GOC) is a rare odontogenic cyst that indicates the pluripotency of the oral epithelium due to the exhibition of glandular characteristics. It is more prevalent in the mandibular anterior region and shows a predilection in males. The cyst was first described by Padayachee and van Wyk in 1987. It has non distinct clinical and radiographic features but very characteristic histopathological features. Here, the authors report a rare case of GOC occurring in a 36-year-old male patient in the maxillary anterior region. An intraoral periapical radiograph revealed a large unilocular radiolucency from the apex of 11 to the mesial aspect of 15. The cyst was enucleated under local anaesthesia, and endodontic treatment was performed for the associated teeth. No recurrence was seen at the two-month follow-up.
Abstract Background: Certain plants used in folk medicine serve as a source of therapeutic agent by having antimicrobial and other multi‐potential effects. This prospective, randomized, placebo and positively controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the short‐term clinical effects of a commercially available gel containing Acacia arabica in the reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation in subjects with gingivitis. Methods: Ninety subjects diagnosed with chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided into three groups: Group I – placebo gel, Group II – gumtone gel and Group III – 1% chlorhexidine gel. Clinical evaluation was undertaken using the gingival index of Loe and Silness and the plaque index at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks. A subjective evaluation was undertaken by questionnaire. Results: Gumtone gel showed significant clinical improvement in gingival and plaque index scores as compared to a placebo gel. This improvement was comparable to 1% chlorhexidine gel. Unlike chlorhexidine gel, gumtone gel was not associated with any discolouration of teeth or unpleasant taste. Conclusions: Gumtone gel may be a useful herbal formulation for chemical plaque control agent and improvement in plaque and gingival status.
Background: Recent developments suggest that the local delivery of antimicrobials into periodontal pockets can improve periodontal health. The present study was undertaken to investigate the clinical and microbiologic effectiveness of azithromycin (AZM) at 0.5% concentration in an indigenously prepared bioabsorbable controlled‐release gel as an adjunct to non‐surgical mechanical therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Methods: Eighty patients were categorized into two treatment groups: scaling and root planing (SRP) only (group 1) and SRP plus 0.5% AZM (group 2). Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and 1, 2, and 3 months; they included modified gingival index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). At baseline and 6 and 12 weeks, microbiologic assessment was done of the percentage of morphologically different microorganisms (coccoid cells, others [straight rods, filaments, and fusiforms], motile rods, and spirochetes) using darkfield microscopy. The mean concentration of 0.5% AZM in gingival crevicular fluid was estimated by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. Results: Both therapies resulted in significant improvements. Mean PD reduction from baseline to 3 months was 2.13 ± 0.35 mm and 2.53 ± 0.52 in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean CAL gain from baseline to 3 months was 0.60 ± 0.63 mm and 1.07 ± 0.70 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively. All microbiologic categories showed significant improvement in both groups, with greater improvement in the test group. The mean concentration of AZM at all observed periods (baseline to 28 days) provided sufficient antimicrobial activity (>2 μg/ml) and fulfilled the conditions for a controlled‐release device. Conclusion: Although both treatment strategies seemed to benefit the patients, the adjunctive use of 0.5% AZM as a controlled drug‐delivery system enhanced the clinical and microbiologic results as shown by the intergroup comparison.
Background: Regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and surgery coupled with advances in materials science form an alliance of emerging interdisciplinary fields that combines the principles of cellular and molecular biology and biomedical engineering to support intrinsic healing and replace or regenerate cells, tissues, or organs, with the restoration of impaired function. The present-day treatment modalities for oral mucosal lesions are not satisfactory. Various studies have shown the successful role of stem cell therapy in the treatment of precancerous conditions, oral ulcers, wounds, and mucositis. The awareness among and knowledge of oral medicine and radiology (OMR) specialists regarding the therapeutic application of stem cells for the treatment of oral mucosal disorders is a relatively unexplored arena. Aim and Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess the awareness among and knowledge of OMR specialists regarding the application of stem cells for the treatment of oral mucosal disorders and compare the results based on age, area of work, and years of experience of the participants. Materials and Methods: The present study included a rapid, short, cross-sectional online survey. It was conducted using a web-based survey platform called Google Forms. A total of 203 OMR specialists were selected by simple random method for participating in the study. A self-administered, 10-point questionnaire in the form of an online survey was used to assess the awareness and knowledge of OMR specialists. A Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results and Conclusions: Overall, awareness and knowledge were found to be more in the participants below 29 years of age, doing specialty practice, and with an experience of fewer than 5 years. A significant association of age, and area of work with awareness and knowledge was observed.
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