effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on Trichomonas Tenax and Entamoeba Gingivalis in patients with chronic periodontitis

Statement of the Problem: Trichomonas tenax and Entamoeba gingivalis are commensal protozoa which inhabit the human oral cavity. These parasites are found in patients with poor oral hygiene and might be a reason for progressive periodontal diseases

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on the frequency of these protozoa in saliva and plaque samples

Materials and Method: In this clinical trial, samples of saliva and dental plaque were collected from 46 patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis before and after periodontal therapy. The samples were assessed for the frequency of parasites

Results: The frequency of Entamoeba gingivalis was reduced in saliva [p= 0.007] and plaque [p= 0.027] three weeks after the treatment. Likewise, the frequency of Trichomonas tenax reduced in saliva [p= 0.030]; however, the decrease was not significant in plaque [p= 0.913]. Trichomonas tenax frequency in dental plaque directly related to the severity of periodontitis [r= 0.565, p

Conclusion: Nonsurgical periodontal treatment could reduce the number of Trichomonas Tenax and Entamoeba gingivalis in the oral environment of patients with chronic periodontitis

Relationship between maternal periodontal disease and low birth weight babies

Periodontal infections, which serve as a reservoir of inflammatory mediators, may pose a threat to the fetal-placental unit and cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was assessing the periodontal status of women during puerperium and determining the possible relationship between their periodontal disease and low birth weight delivery. This was a case-control study. The sample included 88 ex-pregnant women were seen at maternity hospitals of Yazd, Iran. Half of the mothers had low birth babies [LBW] [birth weight below 2500g- case group] and the others had normal weight babies [>2500g- control group]. The mothers' data were obtained from medical files, interview and periodontal clinical examination carried out up to 3 days after delivery. Bleeding on probing, presence of supra-gingival calculus and CPITN [Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs] were used for periodontal assessment. Among the known risk factors of LBW babies, history of previous LBW infant among case mothers reached statistical significance [p=0.0081, Student t-test]. Mothers of LBW infants had less healthy areas of gingiva [p=0.042], and more deep pockets [p=0.0006, Mann-Whitney test]. The maternal periodontal disease can be a potential independent risk factor for LBW

[Evaluation of oral lichen planus frequency in patients referred to the Oral Pathology Department of Isfahan School of Dentistry during the last two decades [1988-2008]]

Lichen planus is a relatively common, chronic mucocutaneous disease with the risk of malignancy. In recent years, there have been increases in the prevalence of oral lichen planus [OLP] and it looks there are some changes in the epidemiologic pattern of this lesion. Despite the existence of different studies about the changes in OLP lesion epidemiology, this study aimed to investigate epidemiologic changes of oral lichen planus in patients referred to the Oral Pathology Department of Isfahan Dental School [1988-2008]. In this descriptive study, archives of the Oral Pathology Department from 1988-2008 was reviewed. Sex, age, location and type of lesion and the referral year were recorded. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with SPSS 11.5 statistical software. A total of 6509 patients had been referred to the Oral Pathology Department, with 238 [3.65%] of cases diagnosed with OLP; 154 [64.7%] of the cases were females. The mean age of OLP patient was 44.8 +/- 12.7 years. Buccal mucosa was most frequently involved [68.1%].An increase in the number of patients and decrease in mean age of the patients with OLP was noted, which might be attributed to population growth and an increase in the number of cases referring to dental practitioners, or more accurate diagnosis in recent years. Therefore, regular follow-up programs are recommended for the diagnosis and treatment of high risk groups