Classification systems for gingival recession and suggestion of a new classification system

Gingival recession is one of the most usual esthetic concerns associated with the periodontal tissues. Classification of such condition is important to diagnose, determine the prognosis, and frame the treatment plan. Various classifications have been put forward since decades to classify gingival recession. Miller's classification is the widely used classification among all classifications, but certain drawbacks have been noted in this classification. Therefore, an effort is made to review most commonly used classification systems for gingival recession, and their drawbacks further come up with a proposal of new classification system for gingival recession.

Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Water Flosser—A Comparative Clinical Study

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of manual brushing plus water flosser (WP 100) to manual brushing alone on improving the oral health parameters of plaque, bleeding, and gingivitis. The materials and methods used were 100 subjects between 18 to 30 years of age with mild-to-moderate gingivitis and they were included in this 4-week study. Subjects in the test group were assigned to use water flosser and manual brushing whereas control group subjects carried out manual brushing alone. Both groups were advised to brush twice daily using the modified bass technique. Subjects were scored at 0 day, 14th day and 28th day for gingival inflammation (gingival index), gingival bleeding (bleeding index) and plaque (modified plaque index). Both groups showed statistically significant plaque, gingivitis, bleeding reduction at 4 weeks, respectively but the test group was significantly better than control group at 2 and 4 weeks. In a nutshell, this clinical study demonstrated that water flosser as an adjunct to brushing is an effective oral hygiene regimen.

Herpes zoster of trigeminal nerve after dental extraction.

Herpes zoster is an uncommon acute viral infection caused by reactivation of varicella zoster virus. During the prodromal stage, the only presenting symptom may be odontalgia, which may prove to be a diagnostic challenge for the dentist. Practicing dentist may carry out emergency treatment that might result in irreversible damage or may delay the appropriate treatment. With an ever-increasing number of elderly and immunocompromised patients reporting to the dentist, the dental profession can expect to encounter an increased number of herpes zoster patients. Dentist must be familiar with the presenting signs and symptoms of patients experiencing the prodromal manifestations of herpes zoster of the trigeminal nerve. This article focuses on the difficulties in management of such cases, and one such case is reported here.

Osteoporosis and periodontitis: Is there a possible link.

Background: Periodontitis and osteoporosis are two diseases found worldwide having the main characteristic of increasing intensity with age. Periodontitis is associated with resorption of the alveolar bone. Osteoporosis is characterized by bone loss leading to structural bone transformation. The association between periodontitis and osteoporosis is continually being examined. The aim of this study is to examine the condition of periodontal tissues in patients suffering from osteoporosis and establish a possible link. Materials and Methods: Cross‑sectional study with 200 samples having test (n = 100) and control group (n = 100) were checked for periodontal condition. A total of 100 patients diagnosed as having osteoporosis based on bone mineral density at distal end of radius were regarded as test group and 100 subjects included in control group were healthy. Periodontal parameters measured were plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Statistical test performed were Student’s paired t‑test and unpaired t‑test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: Probing depth and CAL were significantly negatively co‑related with T‑score in test group when compared with control group. This meant an inverse relationship in between the T‑score and the clinical parameters, PD and CAL. Furthermore, some difference was noted in test group in PI, GI and PD, CAL and T‑score when compared with the controls. Conclusion: Thus, we conclude that there is a definite relationship between osteoporosis and periodontitis based on PD and CAL.