Alteration in periodontal pathogens and periodontal status in patients with nasogastric tube feeding- A clinical and microbiological study

Introduction: The oral indigenous microbiota exists in a state of balance with the host, but the long-term use of tube feeding alters the intraoral conditions in general and periodontal microbiota in particular. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of nasogastric tube feeding on the periodontal microbiota and to explore the periodontal status in patients with nasogastric tube feeding. Method-In this study, the plaque microbiota of subjects fed enterally was compared comprehensively with that of subjects fed orally to characterize the oral indigenous microbiota of tube-fed patients. Thirty patients with nasogastric tube feeding (test group) and thirty patients fed orally (control group) were recruited for the study. Periodontal health status was assessed by plaque index and gingival bleeding by using William’s periodontal probe. Microbiological evaluation was done by quantitative cultures of dental plaque 7 days after nasogastric tube insertion. In controls, cultures of plaque and buccal mucosa were done after 7 days of hospitalization. Results: A high prevalence of potentially pathogenic isolations was found in tuboenterally fed patients in Group I as compared to Group II along with increased bleeding sites and plaque index. Conclusion: On the basis of the observed results of the study, we can concluded that the risk for periodontal disease appeared to be significantly elevated in patients with nasogastric tube feeding. Keywords: Nasogastric tube feeding, Periodontopathogenic bacteria, Microbial cultures.